Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024

Badge for BEST IN IDAHO GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in Idaho

  1. University of Idaho
    • Tuition: $8K
  2. Boise State University
    • Tuition: $8K
  3. Idaho State University
    • Tuition: $8K
  4. 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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

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?

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.

college student standing outside a building with other students exiting the building in the background
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Best Grad Schools in Idaho

  1. #1

    University of Idaho

    Moscow , ID
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best 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:

    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.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Boise State University

    Boise , ID
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 Best 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:

    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.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Idaho State University

    Pocatello , ID
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best 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:

    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.

    Compare school
    4. college students sitting in a lecture
  5. #4

    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:

    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.

    Compare school
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Idaho’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

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.

  1. University of Idaho
  2. Boise State University
  3. Northwest Nazarene University
  4. Idaho State University
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