Best colleges in Idaho

Learning on a Potato Budget

Sometimes, elevation exceeds population. But all the time, education tops 'em all

With its picturesque mountain landscapes and definitive seasons, Idaho is one state that wins when it comes to both scenic beauty and quality education options. The Gem state is home to 16 colleges and universities, including religious institutions and specialty schools.* Studying in Idaho doesn’t mean you’ll be studying in the sticks. In fact, a number of schools are located right in downtown Boise. The most popular industries are high-tech, with advanced manufacturing, computers & technology, and aerospace topping the charts. Plenty of businesses call Idaho home, such as The Pacific Press Publishing Association, Coldwater Creek, and Micron Technology. And the low unemployment rate of 4.8% points to good job prospects once you toss that cap in the air at graduation.

If you are an aspiring writer, filmmaker, motivated entrepreneur or just have a natural zest for life and excitement, then Idaho will suit you well. First, learn how to properly pronounce “Boise,” the state’s capital. Then, drop by the Lucky Dog Tavern in Boise or the One 16 Sports Bar and Grill in Idaho Falls when you need to unwind and make new friends. When you’re ready to play outside, Idaho offers up everything from a self-guided tour of pioneer landmarks or hiking to a musical in an open-air theater.* Of course, there’s also plenty of natural thrills like whitewater rafting, back country skiing, and fishing. So go ahead, buy a pair of overalls and a 4x4 vehicle, and you’ll be all set for your new life in Idaho.

Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*Bureau of Labor Statistics *www.commerce.idaho.gov *Wikipedia, “List of colleges and universities in Idaho”, “Companies in Idaho” * www.visitidaho.org/things-to-do

Best Four Year Universities in Idaho

The College of Idaho
Caldwell, ID

The College of Idaho offers 33 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize suburb. In 2023, 281 students graduated with students earning 264 Bachelor's degrees, 9 Certificates, and 8 Master's degrees.

Northwest Nazarene University offers 118 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize suburb. In 2023, 506 students graduated with students earning 231 Bachelor's degrees, 212 Master's degrees, 45 Certificates, 17 Doctoral degrees, and 1 Associate's degree.

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University of Idaho
Moscow, ID

University of Idaho offers 292 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2023, 2,284 students graduated with students earning 1,457 Bachelor's degrees, 571 Master's degrees, 204 Doctoral degrees, and 52 Certificates.

New Saint Andrews College offers 6 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2023, 39 students graduated with students earning 18 Bachelor's degrees, 10 Associate's degrees, 9 Master's degrees, and 2 Certificates.

Boise State University offers 332 degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 5,275 students graduated with students earning 3,858 Bachelor's degrees, 1,028 Master's degrees, 184 Associate's degrees, 145 Certificates, and 60 Doctoral degrees.

Boise Bible College offers 16 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 15 students graduated with students earning 12 Bachelor's degrees, and 3 Associate's degrees.

Lewis-Clark State College offers 171 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 856 students graduated with students earning 545 Bachelor's degrees, 282 Associate's degrees, and 29 Certificates.

Brigham Young University-Idaho offers 121 degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2023, 8,576 students graduated with students earning 6,400 Bachelor's degrees, and 2,176 Associate's degrees.

Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID

Idaho State University offers 384 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 2,604 students graduated with students earning 1,071 Bachelor's degrees, 579 Master's degrees, 513 Associate's degrees, 249 Certificates, and 192 Doctoral degrees.

Best Community Colleges in Idaho

Carrington College-Boise offers 11 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2023, 329 students graduated with students earning 168 Certificates, and 161 Associate's degrees.

North Idaho College
Coeur d'Alene, ID

North Idaho College offers 183 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 1,322 students graduated with students earning 697 Associate's degrees, and 625 Certificates.

College of Eastern Idaho
Idaho Falls, ID

College of Eastern Idaho offers 35 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 378 students graduated with students earning 263 Associate's degrees, and 115 Certificates.

College of Western Idaho offers 122 degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2023, 1,189 students graduated with students earning 962 Associate's degrees, and 227 Certificates.

College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, ID

College of Southern Idaho offers 141 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 1,070 students graduated with students earning 938 Associate's degrees, 130 Certificates, and 2 Bachelor's degrees.

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List of all colleges in Idaho

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
The College of Idaho Logo The College of Idaho Caldwell, ID
5/5
13 : 1 1,076
Northwest Nazarene University Logo Northwest Nazarene University Nampa, ID
5/5
18 : 1 1,774
Evans Hairstyling College-Rexburg Logo Evans Hairstyling College-Rexburg Rexburg, ID     67
University of Idaho Logo University of Idaho Moscow, ID
3/5
23 : 1 11,849
New Saint Andrews College Logo New Saint Andrews College Moscow, ID
4/5
20 : 1 351