Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2023
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Idaho provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
Best Public Colleges in Idaho
- Boise State University 18 to 1
- University of Idaho 16 to 1
- Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
- Idaho State University 13 to 1
- University of Idaho $6,182
- Idaho State University $5,928
- Boise State University $5,532
- Idaho State University $8,380
- University of Idaho $7,754
- Boise State University $7,110
- Idaho State University 13 to 1
- Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
- University of Idaho 16 to 1
- Boise State University 18 to 1
- Boise State University $5,532
- Idaho State University $5,928
- University of Idaho $6,182
- Boise State University $7,110
- University of Idaho $7,754
- Idaho State University $8,380
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?
- 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
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.
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 4 public universities in Idaho. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Idaho, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.
Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2022
- #1 Best Colleges in Idaho 2023 #1 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2023 #1 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2023 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2023
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
59%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/23
What is University of Idaho known for?
University of Idaho’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #2 Best Colleges in Idaho 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2023 #2 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2023
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
54%
Student body
18K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
What is Boise State University known for?
Boise State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- History
- Economics
- Engineering
- Business
- Earth Sciences
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #3 Best Colleges in Idaho 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2023
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
39%
Student body
9K
What is Idaho State University known for?
Idaho State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2023 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2023 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
37%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
990/19
What is Lewis–Clark State College known for?
Lewis–Clark State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Literature
- Education
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
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
Idaho’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.
