Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
Here are the best colleges and universities in Idaho. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.
Best Colleges in Idaho
- University of Idaho
- Boise State University
- Idaho State University
- Brigham Young University–Idaho
- College of Idaho
- Northwest Nazarene University
- New Saint Andrews College
- Lewis–Clark State College
- University of Idaho
- Boise State University
- Idaho State University
- 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%
- Boise State University 84%
- New Saint Andrews College 83%
- University of Idaho 74%
- College of Idaho 46%
- Boise State University 20 to 1
- Brigham Young University–Idaho 19 to 1
- University of Idaho 16 to 1
- Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
- New Saint Andrews College 14 to 1
- Idaho State University 13 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
- University of Idaho $6,182
- Idaho State University $5,928
- Boise State University $5,532
- Brigham Young University–Idaho $4,536
- College of Idaho $22,540
- Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
- New Saint Andrews College $9,680
- Idaho State University $8,601
- University of Idaho $7,754
- Boise State University $7,236
- Lewis–Clark State College $4,703
- Lewis–Clark State College
- New Saint Andrews College
- Northwest Nazarene University
- College of Idaho
- Brigham Young University–Idaho
- Idaho State University
- Boise State University
- University of Idaho
- Lewis–Clark State College
- New Saint Andrews College
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Brigham Young University–Idaho
- College of Idaho
- Idaho State University
- Boise State University
- University of Idaho
- College of Idaho 46%
- University of Idaho 74%
- New Saint Andrews College 83%
- Boise State University 84%
- Lewis–Clark State College 87%
- Northwest Nazarene University 88%
- Brigham Young University–Idaho 96%
- College of Idaho 10 to 1
- Idaho State University 13 to 1
- Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
- New Saint Andrews College 14 to 1
- Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
- University of Idaho 16 to 1
- Brigham Young University–Idaho 19 to 1
- Boise State University 20 to 1
- Brigham Young University–Idaho $4,536
- Boise State University $5,532
- Idaho State University $5,928
- University of Idaho $6,182
- 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
- Boise State University $7,236
- University of Idaho $7,754
- Idaho State University $8,601
- 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
We’ve identified 8 colleges and universities in Idaho that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Idaho below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Idaho.
Best Colleges in Idaho 2023
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #9 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #12 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management 2025
- #17 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #19 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #20 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #23 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
61%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Idaho
Cost of Degree: $8,816Expenses: $15,164Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Idaho known for?
University of Idaho’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Education
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Business
- History
- Computer Science
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
University of Idaho’s Online Degrees
BS in Organizational Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BGS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Idaho
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wyoming
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Idaho
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Washington
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Montana
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #22 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #22 Best RN to BSN Online Programs
- #6 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #17 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
60%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at Boise State University
Cost of Degree: $8,782Expenses: $23,559Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Boise State University known for?
Boise State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Social Work
- History
- Engineering
- Biology
- Communications
- Economics
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Boise State University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cyber Operations And Resilience
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Relations
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Health
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Respiratory Care
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Applied Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Idaho
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management 2025
- #4 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
- #10 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #14 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
37%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at Idaho State University
Cost of Degree: $8,356Expenses: $14,854Starting Salary: $43,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Idaho State University known for?
Idaho State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Economics
- Nursing
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Idaho State University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Workplace Training And Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Fire Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Homeland Security And Emergency Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Secondary Education
Degree Concentrations
- Business Education
- Business Technology
- Family And Consumer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Secondary Education
Degree Concentrations
- Business Education
- Business Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Family Consumer Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sociology
Degree Concentrations
- Criminology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025
Other Rankings
- #2 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #7 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #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: $4,656Expenses: $10,714Starting 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 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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: $36,030Expenses: $15,335Starting Salary: $47,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 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 Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #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
- #12 Best Online Associate in Education
- #19 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #20 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
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: $40,895Expenses: $17,216Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 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 #4 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #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:
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025
- #9 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025
- #13 Best Online Associate in Web Design
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #20 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
35%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lewis–Clark State College
Cost of Degree: $7,388Expenses: $17,330Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 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.