Is a research university right for me?–

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students. Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel. Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well. Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Is an online college right for me?–

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college. Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain. Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc. The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions. If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Best Research Universities in Idaho 2026

Q: Is a liberal arts college right for me?–

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put 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. Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom). Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Badge for BEST IN IDAHO RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Interested in attending a STEM school in Idaho? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

Key Takeaways

The best research universities in Idaho prioritize addressing regional challenges, such as agriculture, environmental sustainability, and energy solutions, while contributing to global innovation in these fields.
The institutions in our ranking foster partnerships with local industries, government agencies, and national research organizations, providing students with hands-on, impactful research experiences.
Idaho’s top research universities offer robust support systems for graduate students, including access to cutting-edge labs, funding for research initiatives, and opportunities to present work at national conferences.

Table of Contents

Best Research Universities in Idaho in 2026

University of Idaho
Boise State University
Idaho State University

For students and families weighing research-focused options in Idaho for 2026, this guide identifies the state’s top research universities that emphasize STEM doctoral programs and sustained investment in faculty-led inquiry. Our selection highlights institutions that are fully accredited and offer doctoral degrees across the core science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, ensuring access to laboratory work, funded projects, and graduate mentorship.

Below you’ll find our ranked list of the 3 research universities in Idaho, plus concise notes on their research strengths, degree offerings, and what to consider when choosing between them for graduate or undergraduate research opportunities in 2026.

Best Research Universities in Idaho

Last Year’s Ranking:
1. University of Idaho
2. Boise State University
3. Idaho State University
#1
University of Idaho
Moscow , ID
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2026 #1 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2026 #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2026 #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:

Biology
Earth Sciences
Chemistry
Education
Engineering
Mathematics
Business
History
Computer Science
Economics

Most Influential Alumni

Sarah Palin
Lou Dobbs
Harry Huskey
Douglas Wilson
Jeffrey L. Whitten
Leonard J. Arrington
Guy McPherson
E. E. Smith
C. Scott Green
D. Mark Hegsted
Arden L. Bement Jr.
Bob Twiggs
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
Compare school
#2
Boise State University
Boise , ID
#2 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2026 #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:

Criminal Justice
Mathematics
Political Science
Social Work
History
Engineering
Biology
Communications
Economics
Business

Most Influential Alumni

Chester M. Southam
Radhika Ramana Dasa
Clinton Ballou
Julia R. Burdge
Larry Williams
Gary Green
Wesley Moodie
Lori Otter
Trent Johnson
Alan Heathcock
Joan Faber McAlister
Larry Davidson
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
Compare school
#3
Idaho State University
Pocatello , ID
#3 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2026 #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:

Anthropology
Biology
Mathematics
Psychology
Earth Sciences
Education
Economics
Nursing
History
Political Science

Most Influential Alumni

V. Lane Rawlins
Rafi Ahmed
Marvin Lewis
Keith Reemtsma
Jared Allen
Frederick Hammersley
James A. McClure
Celeste Condit
Roger Williams
Annette Markham
William Petersen
Viola Cordova
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
Compare school

Build your own college rankings

Find the Best Research Universities in Idaho for Your Area of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.

Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put 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.

Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.

Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).

Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.

Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.

Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.

Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.

Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.

Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.

If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.

The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.

Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

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.

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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

Best Research Universities in Idaho 2026

Key Takeaways

Best Research Universities in Idaho in 2026

Best Research Universities in Idaho

Last Year’s Ranking:

University of Idaho

Career Outlook for degree at University of Idaho

Most Influential Alumni

University of Idaho’s Online Degrees

Boise State University

Career Outlook for degree at Boise State University

Most Influential Alumni

Boise State University’s Online Degrees

Idaho State University

Career Outlook for degree at Idaho State University

Most Influential Alumni

Idaho State University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Find the Best Research Universities in Idaho for Your Area of Interest