Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2024

BEST IN IDAHO SMALL COLLEGES
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Small colleges in Idaho are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2024

Sort by:
  1. College of Idaho
  2. Northwest Nazarene University
  3. New Saint Andrews College
  4. Lewis–Clark State College
  1. Lewis–Clark State College 100%
  2. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  3. New Saint Andrews College 86%
  4. College of Idaho 56%
  1. Northwest Nazarene University 18 to 1
  2. Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
  3. New Saint Andrews College 12 to 1
  4. College of Idaho 11 to 1
  1. Northwest Nazarene University $34,390
  2. College of Idaho $33,755
  3. New Saint Andrews College $13,950
  4. Lewis–Clark State College $6,982
  1. College of Idaho $22,120
  2. Northwest Nazarene University $10,764
  3. New Saint Andrews College $9,360
  4. Lewis–Clark State College $4,500
  1. Lewis–Clark State College
  2. New Saint Andrews College
  3. Northwest Nazarene University
  4. College of Idaho
  1. College of Idaho 56%
  2. New Saint Andrews College 86%
  3. Northwest Nazarene University 88%
  4. Lewis–Clark State College 100%
  1. College of Idaho 11 to 1
  2. New Saint Andrews College 12 to 1
  3. Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
  4. Northwest Nazarene University 18 to 1
  1. Lewis–Clark State College $6,982
  2. New Saint Andrews College $13,950
  3. College of Idaho $33,755
  4. Northwest Nazarene University $34,390
  1. Lewis–Clark State College $4,500
  2. New Saint Andrews College $9,360
  3. Northwest Nazarene University $10,764
  4. College of Idaho $22,120

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

Idaho's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Idaho is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 4 small colleges in Idaho. The list below of the best small colleges in Idaho. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

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Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2023

  2. #2

    Northwest Nazarene University

    Nampa , ID
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    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
  3. #3

    New Saint Andrews College

    Moscow , ID
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/25

    What is New Saint Andrews College known for?

    New Saint Andrews College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Lewis–Clark State College

    Lewiston , ID
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024
    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:

    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
    Compare school
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Idaho’s Best Small College 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
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.

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

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