Get Matched With Idaho Programs

The US Department of Education lists 14 colleges and universities on the Idaho state college scorecard. Some have a special focus and many are large institutions and nationally prominent schools. The leading institutions can be ranked in terms of size, degrees issued, and courses and degrees offered. The mix of private schools includes Brigham Young University-Idaho, Northwest Nazarene College, and the College of Idaho. The major public schools are Boise State College, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University.

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Idaho?

Idaho has a diverse economy with a burst of technological growth in recent years. The more popular degrees are nearly divided between business education and the humanities. Both business and the humanities fields lend themselves to immediate employment and to further education. Business occupations have risen to the top of the early college graduate salary rankings. One should remember that business studies are clearly not the only way to enter a business career. Many employers look for various types of excellence such as critical thinking, social concerns, and community engagement.

The below-listed items describe the most popular Idaho degrees based upon degrees conferred in recent years:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree?


The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveyed the national employment data and determined that there were sharp differences in median income based on education. In a upward trending line, median annual income rises with the level of education. Employees with high school diplomas lag behind those with college degrees. The associate degree increases annual income by about $6,000 per year. The bachelor’s degree adds about $17,500 per year. Over the course of a lifetime of earnings, the bachelor’s degree adds up to $1 million in income. The income increases are not tied only to employment. The knowledge and expertise gained by higher education can position people to enter entrepreneurship, including providing professional services.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

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Best Associate Degree Programs in Idaho


1

College of Eastern Idaho

Score: 89.6

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,390
    • Out-of-State: $6,750
  • Net Price: $8,825
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 50%
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,333
  • Undergrad Students: 2,333
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • College of Eastern Idaho
2

College of Southern Idaho

Score: 81.67

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,560
    • Out-of-State: $6,840
  • Net Price: $7,337
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 53%
  • Graduation Rate: 31%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,096
  • Undergrad Students: 8,096
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $30,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • College of Southern Idaho
3

North Idaho College

Score: 80.5

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,960
    • Out-of-State: $8,736
  • Net Price: $7,914
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 26%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,296
  • Undergrad Students: 4,296
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $30,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • North Idaho College
4

College of Western Idaho

Score: 70.41

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,336
    • Out-of-State: $7,344
  • Net Price: $9,852
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 57%
  • Graduation Rate: 27%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,920
  • Undergrad Students: 9,920
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $33,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • College of Western Idaho

Top 5 Best Bachelor's Programs in Idaho


1

University of Idaho

Score: 80.34

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,396
    • Out-of-State: $27,632
  • Net Price: $14,954
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 61%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,507
  • Undergrad Students: 8,809
  • Graduate Students: 2,698
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of Idaho
2

The College of Idaho

Score: 78.44

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $34,630
    • Out-of-State: $34,630
  • Net Price: $24,075
  • Acceptance Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,082
  • Undergrad Students: 1,052
  • Graduate Students: 30
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • The College of Idaho
3

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Score: 76.75

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,536
    • Out-of-State: $4,536
  • Net Price: $7,899
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 43,023
  • Undergrad Students: 43,023
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Brigham Young University-Idaho
4

Boise State University

Score: 73.59

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,364
    • Out-of-State: $25,701
  • Net Price: $17,724
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Total Enrollment: 26,115
  • Undergrad Students: 22,922
  • Graduate Students: 3,193
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Boise State University
5

New Saint Andrews College

Score: 73.46

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,500
    • Out-of-State: $14,500
  • Net Price: $15,053
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Total Enrollment: 294
  • Undergrad Students: 236
  • Graduate Students: 58
  • Grads Salary: $46,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • New Saint Andrews College

Top 5 Best Master's Programs in Idaho


1

University of Idaho

Score: 83.21

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,754
    • Out-of-State: $26,990
  • Net Price: $14,954
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 61%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,507
  • Undergrad Students: 8,809
  • Graduate Students: 2,698
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of Idaho
2

The College of Idaho

Score: 78.94

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $22,540
    • Out-of-State: $22,540
  • Net Price: $24,075
  • Acceptance Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,082
  • Undergrad Students: 1,052
  • Graduate Students: 30
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • The College of Idaho
3

New Saint Andrews College

Score: 76.46

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,680
    • Out-of-State: $9,680
  • Net Price: $15,053
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Total Enrollment: 294
  • Undergrad Students: 236
  • Graduate Students: 58
  • Grads Salary: $46,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • New Saint Andrews College
4

Idaho State University

Score: 76.41

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,601
    • Out-of-State: $26,578
  • Net Price: $12,425
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 37%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,301
  • Undergrad Students: 10,017
  • Graduate Students: 2,284
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Idaho State University
5

Boise State University

Score: 75.26

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,236
    • Out-of-State: $24,573
  • Net Price: $17,724
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Total Enrollment: 26,115
  • Undergrad Students: 22,922
  • Graduate Students: 3,193
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Boise State University

Cost of idaho College Education & Salaries


In-state tuition rates make education reachable for millions of American families. Students should always consider the public schools in their state when selecting a program for an associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degrees. In-state tuition is a product of legislative arrangements that reward state taxpayers for supporting the state’s public education system. Out-of-state students do not participate in the support system and therefore pay rates based on the full value of the educational services. The result is that there is a two-tiered system that helps in-state families.

However, out-of-state students may be able to attend Idaho schools for in-state rates or a price within 150% of the in-state rate. Idaho belongs to an agreement among western states to grant in-state or near in-state rates to the other’s students. The effect is to permit Idaho students to pursue majors and learning environments not available in Idaho.

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College Cost Analysis - Idaho vs. National


The Idaho in-state tuition average is slightly higher than the national average for public four-year schools. The Idaho rate for out-of-state students is significantly lower than the national average. When comparing tuition and charges, students must always look at the details to get the complete picture. Many schools add fees that are not classified as tuition and other required fees. The test must always be the total of charges when comparing costs of education.

Average Idaho Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition – $7,586

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $23,850

National – $27,500

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Idaho ranked at number three for the highest percentage of applicants receiving grants. The 45% figure was significantly higher than the national average at 38%. Idaho ranks at number 49 for the total funding received per student. The Idaho figure of $9,053 is less than the national average ($10,977) and the top state, which is the District of Columbia at $16,900.

Financial Aid Idaho Nationally
Received Federal Grants 45% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,053 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Idaho


The nation seems to recognize the need for the best educated and most highly trained workforce that we can have. Part of that recognition comes in the form of the federal and state grants and scholarships that make college education reachable for millions of Americans.

In the State of Idaho, the government provides some useful scholarship and grant opportunities that can go along with private and federal aid to help nearly every student find an affordable solution to college education. The state encourages residents to support needy students by offering a checkbox on the state income tax filing to donate part of the tax refund to the general college scholarship funds. Online education also qualifies for many types of financial aid when offered by an accredited institution.

IOS

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship

Amount: Up to $3,500 per year
Deadline: March 1
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/idaho-opportunity-scholarship/
The Idaho government seeks to promote educational opportunity that can assist residents in becoming part of a well-educated and productive workforce. The state established the Opportunity Scholarship to help remove financial barriers to higher education for Idaho residents. The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship is a need-based award that requires a 2.7 GPA or higher on a four-point scale. The award has an annual limit of $3,500, but students can renew up to a total of four years. The basic requirements are that applicants must be a graduating senior or a graduate from an Idaho high school, or they must have an equivalent such as a GED/HSE from the State of Idaho. Students must meet or exceed the minimum academic achievement level of an unweighted, cumulative GPA of 2.7.

Eligible students must be Idaho residents. They must fill out the State Board of Education scholarship application by March 1 and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the same date. Both before and after the award, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress under the financial aid standards.

ACS_logo

IOSAL

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners

Amount: $3,500 per year
Deadline: Three-weeks before entry
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/idaho-opportunity-scholarship-for-adult-learners/
This program focuses on older students that have had an interruption in their college attendance. The student must not have achieved a bachelor’s degree and be in the process of pursuing their first bachelor’s degree or certificate. This is a need-based scholarship.

The State of Idaho supports adults that seek to return to an education path or start a journey towards educational enrichment. Eligible applicants must have previously earned at least 24 credit hours before a cease or interruption in enrollment. The applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher and must not have attended school for the 24 months prior to the application.

All applicants must be Idaho residents, and they must complete the FAFSA. After the award, students must maintain an acceptable academic performance of 2.7 GPA or higher. The award of $3,500 is for one year. Students may renew the award each year for a maximum of four years.

PFS

Pride Foundation Scholarships

Amount: The awards range from $2,000 to $12,000
Deadline: January 11
https://pridefoundation.org/find-funding/scholarships/
The Pride Foundation supports students that identify as LGBTQ or as an Ally of the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ Pride Foundation offers financial support to students attending accredited colleges in many locations in the US. There is a range of scholarships for which students can apply with a single application. The Pride Foundation supports students in the Northwest Region, including Idaho

Students can review the specific funds that may be available as an aid to filling out their applications at this link ( https://pridefoundation.org/find-funding/scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/) or by following the links on the application page. The awards overall place priority on those that have faced difficulties such as a lack of family support or gender, social, and racial barriers. The opportunities are specific to certain fields like law or public policy advocacy. Some support focuses on learners with disabilities or physical and emotional barriers.

TFS

Tschudy Family Scholarship

Amount: $2,500
Deadline: February 15
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/tschudy-family-scholarship/
The Tschudy Family Scholarship is a need and merit-based scholarship. The eligible applicants must be residents of Idaho but also recent graduates or graduating seniors from the Emmett High School. Applicants must complete the FAFSA before February 15 and comply with the requirements of the Tschudy Family Scholarship. Awards may run for up to five years of undergraduate study and for an additional two years of graduate study.

Eligible applicants must be Emmett High School graduating seniors or students that have graduated within the past seven years. Eligible students must enroll or plan to enroll as a full-time student carrying at least 14 semester hours. The scholarship supports Emmett High School graduates that pursue a degree at a four-year accredited institution in the State of Idaho. The eligible institutions are at Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, or the University of Idaho.

SPS_logo

GIS

Gear UP Idaho Scholarship

Amount: The award amounts vary by the number of applicants and awards.
Deadline: March 1
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/gear-up-idaho-scholarship-2/
Students must have completed a high school diploma or GED program or possess the high school equivalent. They must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in an eligible participating institution within the territory of the State of Idaho. Awards can be renewed for up to four years or eight semesters.

Eligible institutions include any Idaho-based, public, and regionally-accredited institution under the general supervision and governance of the Idaho State Board of Education. Students may also participate through a private, non-profit, regionally-accredited institution. Participating Idaho institutions are North Idaho College, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, BYU Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University, Eastern Idaho Technical College, College of Idaho, University of Idaho, the College of Western Idaho, and Boise State University.

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