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?

Idaho’s Best Overall

How do we determine Idaho's best colleges and universities?

Methodology

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great! If you are serious about finding the best colleges and universities for a bachelor’s degree, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching and whether their graduates are themselves advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence in their fields of study.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Concentrated Influence provides a ranking that is freer from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

To rank the influence of schools, we first determine the influence of scholars and professionals based on the number of citations and publications they have had over the past 10 years. In addition to publications and citations, we consider the web links to and from these sources, and the page views of those sources. We then match the influential people to their alma maters and institutions of employment, so that their influence is attributed to those schools. Our machine-learning Influence Ranking algorithm produces a numerical score of academic achievements, merits, and citations across Wikipedia, wikidata, Crossref, Semantic Scholar and an ever-growing body of data. If you are interested in exploring how and why we rank by influence, explore our methodology in more depth.

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
University of Idaho
Moscow , ID
#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
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: $8,816
Expenses: $15,164
Starting Salary: $47,000
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What 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

Sarah Palin
Lou Dobbs
Harry Huskey
Douglas Wilson
Jeffrey L. Whitten
Leonard J. Arrington
Guy McPherson
E. E. Smith
C. Scott Green
D. Mark Hegsted
Arden L. Bement Jr.
Bob Twiggs
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
Compare school
#2
Boise State University
Boise , ID
#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
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
60%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at Boise State University
Cost of Degree: $8,782
Expenses: $23,559
Starting Salary: $43,100
Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What 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

Chester M. Southam
Radhika Ramana Dasa
Clinton Ballou
Julia R. Burdge
Larry Williams
Gary Green
Wesley Moodie
Lori Otter
Trent Johnson
Alan Heathcock
Joan Faber McAlister
Larry Davidson
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
Compare school
#3
Idaho State University
Pocatello , ID
#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
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
37%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at Idaho State University
Cost of Degree: $8,356
Expenses: $14,854
Starting Salary: $43,900
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What 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

V. Lane Rawlins
Rafi Ahmed
Marvin Lewis
Keith Reemtsma
Jared Allen
Frederick Hammersley
James A. McClure
Celeste Condit
Roger Williams
Annette Markham
William Petersen
Viola Cordova
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
Compare school
#4
Brigham Young University–Idaho
Rexburg , ID
#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
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: $4,656
Expenses: $10,714
Starting Salary: $49,400
Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Brigham Young University–Idaho known for?

Brigham Young University–Idaho’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Physics
Social Work
Education
Business
Economics
History
Political Science
Chemistry
Psychology
Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

Dave Wolverton
Kory Katseanes
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
Compare school
#5
College of Idaho
Caldwell , ID
#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: $36,030
Expenses: $15,335
Starting Salary: $47,300
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is College of Idaho known for?

College of Idaho’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Chemistry
Biology
History
Political Science
Sociology
Medical
Mathematics
Education
Psychology
Literature

Most Influential Alumni

Elgin Baylor
Mary Shaw Shorb
Cary Coglianese
Forest Rohwer
Butch Otter
C. Daniel Johnson
Kent E. Holsinger
Paul Smith
Compare school
#6
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa , ID
#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
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: $40,895
Expenses: $17,216
Starting Salary: $46,300
Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What 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

Thomas Jay Oord
Michael Lodahl
Mildred Bangs Wynkoop
Lori Otter
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
Compare school
#7
New Saint Andrews College
Moscow , ID
#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:

Education
Compare school
#8
Lewis–Clark State College
Lewiston , ID
#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
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
35%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lewis–Clark State College
Cost of Degree: $7,388
Expenses: $17,330
Starting Salary: $38,200
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What 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

Bryan Fuller
Kim Barnes
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
Compare school

Build your own college ranking

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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Colleges in Idaho 2024