Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2024
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Idaho offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho
- Brigham Young University–Idaho
- College of Idaho
- Northwest Nazarene University
- New Saint Andrews College
- Lewis–Clark State College
- College of Idaho
- Brigham Young University–Idaho
- Northwest Nazarene University
- New Saint Andrews College
- Lewis–Clark State College
- Brigham Young University–Idaho 96%
- Northwest Nazarene University 88%
- Lewis–Clark State College 87%
- New Saint Andrews College 83%
- College of Idaho 46%
- Brigham Young University–Idaho 19 to 1
- Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
- New Saint Andrews College 14 to 1
- Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
- College of Idaho 10 to 1
- Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
- College of Idaho $34,630
- New Saint Andrews College $14,500
- Lewis–Clark State College $6,996
- Brigham Young University–Idaho $4,536
- College of Idaho $22,540
- Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
- New Saint Andrews College $9,680
- Lewis–Clark State College $4,703
- Lewis–Clark State College
- New Saint Andrews College
- Northwest Nazarene University
- College of Idaho
- Brigham Young University–Idaho
- Lewis–Clark State College
- New Saint Andrews College
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Brigham Young University–Idaho
- College of Idaho
- College of Idaho 46%
- New Saint Andrews College 83%
- Lewis–Clark State College 87%
- Northwest Nazarene University 88%
- Brigham Young University–Idaho 96%
- College of Idaho 10 to 1
- Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
- New Saint Andrews College 14 to 1
- Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
- Brigham Young University–Idaho 19 to 1
- Brigham Young University–Idaho $4,536
- Lewis–Clark State College $6,996
- New Saint Andrews College $14,500
- College of Idaho $34,630
- Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
- Lewis–Clark State College $4,703
- New Saint Andrews College $9,680
- Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
- College of Idaho $22,540
Colleges and Universities in Idaho
While there are only a few major colleges in Idaho, prospective students do have some excellent public options. In fact, just over half of the 13 colleges and universities in Idaho are public school options.
Boise State University, Idaho’s largest public university, serves roughly 17,000 students through both on-campus and online degree programs. Students at Boise State University can pursue both traditional and online degrees in fields like communications, earth sciences, and engineering.
Other major public universities in Idaho include Idaho State University and Lewis-Clark State College. This is noteworthy because Idaho residents who attend public online colleges in Idaho will still have access to in-state tuition discounts. Out of state students will pay more.
Idaho is also home to five private schools, including the state’s largest school, Brigham Young University Idaho, which has a student population of nearly 49,000 students.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
While students at BYU school can expect to pay around $4,000 in tuition, well below the national average, tuition for Idaho’s other private colleges costs between $13,000 and $30,000 per year.
The majority of Idaho’s colleges and universities can be considered small schools, serving student populations of 4,000 or less. However, the state’s largest schools offer the most affordable tuition fees, with both traditional and online students having access to tuition for as little as $4,000 per year.
Students who pursue their degrees in Idaho can study fields like chemistry, law, and anthropology at the University of Idaho; or religious studies, psychology, and literature at New Saint Andrews College. Additionally, Idaho offers a loan forgiveness-based financial program of up to $100,000 to physicians who work in the state’s rural areas.
French fries, mashed potatoes, tater tots, and even potato-inspired ice cream - Idaho is, as per its reputation, a potato lover’s dream. But it’s not all spuds in this state. Along with countless hiking trails, rivers perfect for rafting trips, and 72 types of gemstones, this state offers both on-campus and online degree programs with competitive tuition fees and excellent professors.
For more information, explore some of Idaho’s top programs and future career possibilities.
What are Idaho’s Colleges & Universities?
- 3 Research Universities
- 5 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 4 Graduate Schools
- 4 Public Colleges & Universities
- 4 Private Colleges & Universities
- 3 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 4 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 6 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 4 Community Colleges
- 7 Online Colleges
Idaho’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 5 liberal arts colleges in Idaho. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Idaho, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2023
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2024
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #7 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #9 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2024
- #19 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #20 Best Online Associate in Business Management
Tuition + fees
$5K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
54%
Student body
59K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/22
Career Outlook for degree at Brigham Young University–Idaho
Cost of Degree: $4,536Expenses: $8,882Starting Salary: $49,400Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Brigham Young University–Idaho known for?
Brigham Young University–Idaho’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Brigham Young University–Idaho’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Health Informatics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
46%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/26
Career Outlook for degree at College of Idaho
Cost of Degree: $34,630Expenses: $14,220Starting Salary: $47,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is College of Idaho known for?
College of Idaho’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Idaho
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
- #5 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #8 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #12 Best Online Associate in Education
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Associate in General Studies
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
58%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Career Outlook for degree at Northwest Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $36,298Expenses: $15,174Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwest Nazarene University known for?
Northwest Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Literature
- Education
- History
- Physics
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Northwest Nazarene University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 150
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
82%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/27
What is New Saint Andrews College known for?
New Saint Andrews College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2024
- #8 Best Online Associate in General Science
- #10 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2024
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology
- #13 Best Online Associate in Web Design
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
35%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lewis–Clark State College
Cost of Degree: $6,996Expenses: $13,360Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lewis–Clark State College known for?
Lewis–Clark State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Education
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Biology
- History
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Lewis–Clark State College’s Online Degrees
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business And Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business And Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sport Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sport Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Justice Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Justice Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BTC in Early Childhood Development
- Required Credits: 10
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 83
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communication Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Education
- Humanities
- Natural Sciences And Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Anthropology
- History-Secondary Education
- Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Computed Tomography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computed Tomography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Lpn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Radiographic Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Idaho’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.