Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024

Badge for BEST IN IDAHO PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Idaho.

Best Private Colleges in Idaho

Sort by:
  1. Brigham Young University–Idaho
  2. College of Idaho
  3. Northwest Nazarene University
  4. New Saint Andrews College
  1. College of Idaho
  2. Brigham Young University–Idaho
  3. Northwest Nazarene University
  4. New Saint Andrews College
  1. Brigham Young University–Idaho 96%
  2. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  3. New Saint Andrews College 83%
  4. College of Idaho 46%
  1. Brigham Young University–Idaho 19 to 1
  2. New Saint Andrews College 14 to 1
  3. Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
  4. College of Idaho 10 to 1
  1. Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
  2. College of Idaho $34,630
  3. New Saint Andrews College $14,500
  4. Brigham Young University–Idaho $4,536
  1. College of Idaho $22,540
  2. Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
  3. New Saint Andrews College $9,680
  1. New Saint Andrews College
  2. Northwest Nazarene University
  3. College of Idaho
  4. Brigham Young University–Idaho
  1. New Saint Andrews College
  2. Northwest Nazarene University
  3. Brigham Young University–Idaho
  4. College of Idaho
  1. College of Idaho 46%
  2. New Saint Andrews College 83%
  3. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  4. Brigham Young University–Idaho 96%
  1. College of Idaho 10 to 1
  2. Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
  3. New Saint Andrews College 14 to 1
  4. Brigham Young University–Idaho 19 to 1
  1. Brigham Young University–Idaho $4,536
  2. New Saint Andrews College $14,500
  3. College of Idaho $34,630
  4. Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
  1. New Saint Andrews College $9,680
  2. Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
  3. 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?

Idaho’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Idaho's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 4 private universities in Idaho. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Idaho, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Back to Top

Best Private Colleges in Idaho

  1. #1

    Brigham Young University–Idaho

    Rexburg , ID
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #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’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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #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

    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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #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

    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

    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 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025

    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:

    Compare school
Back to Top

Idaho’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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
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.

  1. College of Idaho
  2. Northwest Nazarene University
  3. New Saint Andrews College
  4. Brigham Young University–Idaho

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

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