Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025

Badge for BEST IN IDAHO LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Idaho’s liberal arts colleges often provide access to stunning natural environments like mountains, rivers, and forests, integrating outdoor education and offering unique fieldwork opportunities in environmental science, geology, and outdoor recreation.
  • Many of these colleges emphasize sustainability in both curriculum and campus operations, encouraging students to engage in eco-friendly initiatives and environmental responsibility as part of their educational experience.
  • Idaho’s liberal arts colleges foster a strong sense of community, with a focus on collaboration and close relationships between students and faculty, often within smaller, rural settings that offer a supportive and personalized educational experience.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho in 2025

  1. Brigham Young University–Idaho
    +1
  2. College of Idaho
    –1
  3. Northwest Nazarene University
  4. Lewis–Clark State College
    +1
  5. New Saint Andrews College
    –1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in Idaho saw a moderate amount of movement. Brigham Young University–Idaho was able to reach the first ranking position as the school revamped its Experiential Learning Program, offering students more opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, service projects, and research in fields like business, education, and healthcare. The university has also upgraded its technology and innovation labs, providing cutting-edge resources for students studying computer science, engineering, and digital media.

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 2024

  1. #1

    Brigham Young University–Idaho

    Rexburg , ID
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024

    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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Brigham Young University–Idaho emphasizes producing Christ-centered graduates through its quality degree programs, supportive teachers, and value-adding campus activities.

    What we love about Brigham Young University–Idaho:

    Aside from offering helpful online tools, the Career Center prepares students for successful employment by offering alumni mentorship, resume-building workshops, and job pairing services.

    Brigham Young University–Idaho is ideal for students who:

    Are excited to join internships and skills training courses.

    Brigham Young University–Idaho might not be the best fit for students who:

    Shy away from receiving personal attention from academic advisors.

    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
  2. #2

    College of Idaho

    Caldwell , ID
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #5 Best 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    With a high retention rate, students at the College of Idaho are treated with various learning experiences, including international learning trips, internships, and collaborative research projects.

    What we love about the College of Idaho:

    The PEAK curriculum gives students the flexibility to choose topics of interest and explore multiple disciplines, allowing them to graduate with a major, three minors, and up to two specializations.

    College of Idaho is ideal for students who:

    Are interested in joining off-campus programs in countries like Mexico or Argentina.

    College of Idaho might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer not to join multicultural events and promote inclusivity.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Northwest Nazarene University

    Nampa , ID
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools 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

    Promising a transformative academic journey, Northwest Nazarene University students receive unparalleled support services, personalized coaching from eager professors, and a wide array of scholarships.

    What we love about Northwest Nazarene University:

    The university maintains a strong spiritual community where students can join weekly worship services, student groups for sharing, and community outreach activities.

    Northwest Nazarene University is ideal for students who:

    Want to grow their leadership through mentorship and workshops.

    Northwest Nazarene University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a wider variety of online degree programs to choose from.

    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
  4. #4

    Lewis–Clark State College

    Lewiston , ID
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025

    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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Despite being a small school, Lewis–Clark State College offers a thriving learning environment through a mix of liberal arts programs, cultural events, and unique learning activities.

    What we love about Lewis–Clark State College:

    With an integrated curriculum, the unique Bioinformatics degree program allows students to use principles from Computer Science and Biology for analyzing and interpreting complex biological data.

    Lewis–Clark State College is ideal for students who:

    Are interested in joining Career Fairs to expand their employment options.

    Lewis–Clark State College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to take up their Psychology degree through a hybrid learning setup.

    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
  6. #5

    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:

    Providing an intimate learning environment, New Saint Andrews College offers a comprehensive, integrated education that’s grounded in the liberal arts and formed by a Christian worldview.

    What we love about New Saint Andrews College:

    The Rhetoric degree program equips students with the ability to articulate ideas effectively, covering topics like persuasive writing and informal logic.

    New Saint Andrews College is ideal for students who:

    Are enthusiastic about raising funds for charity and community work.

    New Saint Andrews College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to stay in school dormitories or on-campus housing instead of renting apartments.

    Compare school
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Colleges and Universities in Idaho

While there are only a few major colleges in Idaho, prospective students have excellent options for liberal arts schools.

Idaho is also home to five liberal arts colleges, 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 can expect to pay around $4,000 in tuition, well below the national average, tuition for Idaho’s other private colleges costs between $7,000 and $38,000 per year.

For more information, explore some of Idaho’s top programs and future career possibilities.


What are Idaho’s Colleges & Universities?

Idaho’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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Idaho’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in 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
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. College of Idaho
  2. Northwest Nazarene University
  3. New Saint Andrews College
  4. Brigham Young University–Idaho
  5. Lewis–Clark State College

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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