Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024
Best Grad Schools in Idaho
- University of Idaho
- Tuition: $8K
- Boise State University
- Tuition: $8K
- Idaho State University
- Tuition: $8K
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Tuition: $36K
Key Takeaways
- Four schools in Idaho meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
- Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Idaho’s top industries.
- It is important to choose a grad school in Idaho that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Idaho offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Colleges and Universities in Idaho
While there are only a few major colleges in Idaho, prospective students do have some excellent public options. 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.
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.
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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.
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
There are 4 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Idaho. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Idaho is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in Idaho
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #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
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #11 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
- #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
- #20 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #25 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 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: $8,396Expenses: $14,450Starting 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
Graduate students at the University of Idaho can choose from a wide array of higher learning programs, ranging from Cybersecurity to Mechanical Engineering and Food Science. On top of comprehensive curriculums, the school offers various workshops related to thesis writing and study planning.
What we love about the University of Idaho:
Native American graduate students may receive doctoral funding and mentorship through the NSF Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Bridge program.
The University of Idaho is ideal for students who:
Want to take up a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems.
The University of Idaho might not be the best fit for students who:
Seek a 4+1 program in Business Administration.
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in Idaho 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 MBA Programs in Nevada
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Washington
- #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
- #6 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #17 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
60%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at Boise State University
Cost of Degree: $8,364Expenses: $20,352Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
One of the state’s leading academic institutions, Boise State University, makes sure that its graduate curriculums are in line with the demands of the region. Whether it’s Geophysics or Visual Arts, graduate students are guided by faculty from enrollment to graduation.
What we love about Boise State University:
To maintain a healthy learning environment, the school’s GradWell program offers mental health initiatives and provides support through counseling and student resources.
Boise State University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for inclusivity through the university’s Gender Equity Center.
Boise State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Aren’t interested in joining workshops to enhance their research skills.
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best 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 Emergency Management
- #4 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
- #4 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #13 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #17 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #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: $7,958Expenses: $14,556Starting Salary: $43,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
With 70 years of academic experience, Idaho State University maintains quality academic instruction through its expert faculty and innovative research initiatives. The school also offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, volunteer opportunities, and concerts.
What we love about Idaho State University:
The university offers accelerated graduate programs in areas such as Athletic Training and Chemistry to help students complete their degrees faster without the added cost.
Idaho State University is ideal for students who:
Want to advance their career in Deaf Education.
Idaho State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are always delayed in registration, as the school imposes late fees.
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Colleges 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
- #8 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #12 Best Online Associate in Education
- #19 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #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: $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
Offering Master’s, Doctoral, and graduate certificate programs, Northwest Nazarene University empowers its students through comprehensive academic training and personalized mentorship. The university fosters a supportive environment and integrates faith through worship services and group studies.
What we love about Northwest Nazarene University:
The university offers a monthly payment plan option through Flywire, allowing students to spread out their tuition and fee payments depending on their financial capacities.
Northwest Nazarene University is ideal for students who:
Seek a Master’s in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling.
Northwest Nazarene University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer not to engage in spiritual activities.
Idaho’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
2023 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.