Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN IDAHO
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Idaho. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

Key Takeaways

  • The most affordable colleges in Idaho emphasize strong community ties and support systems, offering resources like career services, internships, and community-based learning opportunities that enhance the overall student experience.
  • Affordable colleges in Idaho offer a wide range of academic programs, including specialized fields like engineering, agriculture, and performing arts, catering to various student interests.
  • The institutions in our ranking provide some of the lowest tuition rates in the state, making higher education more accessible.

Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho in 2025

  1. University of Idaho
  2. Boise State University
  3. Idaho State University
  4. Brigham Young University–Idaho
  5. Lewis–Clark State College
    +1
  6. 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 schools in our ranking of the most affordable colleges in Idaho remained fairly stable. Lewis–Clark State College gained a ranking position as the university has implemented several enhancements for the 2025 academic year to enrich the student experience. The college’s Strategic Plan emphasizes expanding access to higher education and lifelong learning, ensuring educational success through excellent instruction, and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Additionally, LC State’s Business & Computer Science Division has received reaffirmation of specialized accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), valid until July 31, 2031, underscoring the quality of its business programs.

There are 6 colleges and universities in Idaho with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Idaho is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of Idaho

    Moscow , ID
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
    Other Rankings

    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:

    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
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Boise State University

    Boise , ID
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
    Other Rankings

    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:

    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
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Idaho State University

    Pocatello , ID
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
    Other Rankings

    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:

    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Brigham Young University–Idaho

    Rexburg , ID
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
    Other Rankings

    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
  6. #5

    Lewis–Clark State College

    Lewiston , ID
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    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

    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
  7. #6

    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
    Other Rankings

    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
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Idaho’s Most Affordable 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
2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Brigham Young University–Idaho
  2. Lewis–Clark State College
  3. Idaho State University
  4. Boise State University
  5. University of Idaho
  6. New Saint Andrews College
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