Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024

Published: Dec 21, 2021
Updated: Nov 22, 2023

Find the best online colleges in Idaho ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Top 10 Online Colleges in Idaho

University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Boise State University
Lewis–Clark State College
Northwest Nazarene University
Brigham Young University–Idaho
Stevens–Henager College

University of Idaho
Boise State University
Idaho State University
Brigham Young University–Idaho
Northwest Nazarene University
Lewis–Clark State College
Stevens–Henager College

Brigham Young University–Idaho 96%
Northwest Nazarene University 88%
Lewis–Clark State College 87%
Boise State University 84%
University of Idaho 74%

Boise State University 20 to 1
Brigham Young University–Idaho 19 to 1
University of Idaho 16 to 1
Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
Idaho State University 13 to 1
Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1

Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
Lewis–Clark State College $6,996
University of Idaho $6,182
Idaho State University $5,928
Boise State University $5,532
Brigham Young University–Idaho $4,536

Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
Idaho State University $8,601
University of Idaho $7,754
Boise State University $7,236
Lewis–Clark State College $4,703

Stevens–Henager College
Brigham Young University–Idaho
Northwest Nazarene University
Lewis–Clark State College
Boise State University
Idaho State University
University of Idaho

Stevens–Henager College
Lewis–Clark State College
Northwest Nazarene University
Brigham Young University–Idaho
Idaho State University
Boise State University
University of Idaho

University of Idaho 74%
Boise State University 84%
Lewis–Clark State College 87%
Northwest Nazarene University 88%
Brigham Young University–Idaho 96%

Idaho State University 13 to 1
Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
Lewis–Clark State College 15 to 1
University of Idaho 16 to 1
Brigham Young University–Idaho 19 to 1
Boise State University 20 to 1

Brigham Young University–Idaho $4,536
Boise State University $5,532
Idaho State University $5,928
University of Idaho $6,182
Lewis–Clark State College $6,996
Northwest Nazarene University $36,298

Lewis–Clark State College $4,703
Boise State University $7,236
University of Idaho $7,754
Idaho State University $8,601
Northwest Nazarene University $11,093

Key Takeaways

Idaho is a member state of the The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement in the western region, making it easier for distance learners to enjoy affordable and more accessible academic programs in that region of the U.S.
It is one of the states with the most affordable online academic programs at nearly 25% less than the national average for total tuition costs in a public 4-year institution.
Idaho residents often pay lower tuition rates than their out-of-state counterparts.

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Employment Outlook for Graduates in Idaho

Idaho takes pride in its having one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates, with just 2.9% in October 2022. Idaho college graduates may not need to seek employment options elsewhere, because the state has been consistent with strong employment prospects.

The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that Idaho’s median annual income for all occupations is $47,490.

Some of Idaho’s thriving employment industries include healthcare, business management, and information technology. Idaho’s outdoor recreation industry also indicates a rapid growth rate of 30% over the next decade, with an average annual income of $83,360.

In Idaho’s biggest city, Boise, wages in the healthcare, business management, and I.T. industries allow professionals to have a comfortable living. However, earning lucrative and successful careers still depends on many factors, including educational attainment, work experience, and other credentials.

State Authorization For Online Learning in Idaho

As mentioned, Idaho is a member of The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), which allows out-of-state students to enroll in online degree programs and pay in-state tuition fees. Distance learners from any NC-SARA state must inquire about potential tuition savings when pursuing any of Idaho’s ten participating schools.

Apart from tuition discounts, all colleges and schools participating in NC-SARA comply with a comprehensive set of guidelines that protects and advocates for the integrity of distance learning and its management.

Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Idaho

Idaho has one of the least expensive private 4-year college tuitions, averaging $14,380 per year.

Although residency requirements vary per online school, most Idaho schools require in-state students to either have an account with an Idaho-based financial institution, an Idaho state vehicle registration or driver’s license, be a registered voter in Idaho, or have resided in Idaho for at least one year.

Since Idaho participates in NC-SARA, out-of-state undergraduate and graduate students in traditional and online programs can enjoy tuition discounts at some Idaho colleges and universities. Students seeking undergraduate degrees can find more details through the Western Undergraduate Exchange.

On the other hand, online graduate students can find more detailed information regarding tuition discounts on the Western Regional Graduate Program. Tuition discounts in online schools are only applicable to students residing in one of the 16 member states participating in the agreement. Students must arrange for these benefits through the registrar during admission or enrollment.

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

Online education has grown dramatically in quality, credibility, and popularity over the last two decades. Today, more than a quarter of all college students are taking at least one online course. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are more than 5 million college students who are pursuing their undergraduate degree fully online. And the number of online college and graduate students continues to grow as online technology and instructional methods improve.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to remote learning has proven an essential part of the educational ecosystem. Schools that offer primarily online degree programs saw an increase of 7% enrollment just between Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. The number of traditional institutions offering online courses and degrees is growing as well. This all paints a promising picture for the future of online education. But it also produces a dizzying array of options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Online Colleges 2024

Asynchronous learning means classes don’t meet at set times. This is the most flexible online learning experience, making when you cover your course material up to you. Most asynchronous online courses will still have deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments and tests. Some asynchronous classes may still ask for an occasional meeting, such as initial meet-and-greets, and in some cases there may be scheduled test times. The idea of asynchronous learning is to allow the student to manage their schedules as needed.

Synchronous learning means you will have scheduled meeting times for your online classes. Synchronous learning gives online students the flexibility of location while also giving students a chance to engage with each other and their professors. For many online students, the structured class schedules and ability to see and hear from peers in real-time helps create the learning experience they want.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities—educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

How do we determine the best online colleges for undergrads?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2023

#1
University of Idaho
Moscow , ID
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Research Universities 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: $8,396
Expenses: $14,450
Starting Salary: $47,000
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BA/BS in Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Criminology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BGS in General Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in History

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Organizational Sciences

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#2
Idaho State University
Pocatello , ID
#3 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Public 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: $7,958
Expenses: $14,556
Starting Salary: $43,900
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BA in Anthropology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BBA in Finance

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Fire Services Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in General Business

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in General Family Consumer Sciences

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in History

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Homeland Security And Emergency Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Marketing

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Secondary Education

Concentrations

Business Education
Business Technology
Family and Consumer Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Sociology

Concentrations

Criminology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Workplace Training and Leadership

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#3
Boise State University
Boise , ID
#2 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Research Universities 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: $8,364
Expenses: $20,352
Starting Salary: $43,100
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BAS in Applied Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS in Cyber Operations and Resilience

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS in Imaging Sciences

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BBA in Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA in Multidisciplinary Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA in Public Health

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA in Public Relations

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS in Respiratory Care

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
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#4
Lewis–Clark State College
Lewiston , ID
#4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 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: $6,996
Expenses: $13,360
Starting Salary: $38,200
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BA/BS in Accounting

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BAS in Business

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Business and Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Business Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Communication Arts

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Computed Tomography

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BTC in Early Childhood Development

Required Credits: 10
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA/BS in Elementary Education

Required Credits: 128
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in General Studies

Concentrations

Education
Humanities
Natural Sciences And Mathematics
Social Sciences

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in General Studies

Concentrations

Business

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies

Required Credits: 83
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA/BS in Justice Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (LPN-to-BSN)

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Radiographic Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Social Science

Concentrations

Anthropology
History-Secondary Education
Sociology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Social Science

Concentrations

Political Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSW in Social Work

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA/BS in Sport Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#5
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa , ID
#2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
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: $36,298
Expenses: $15,174
Starting Salary: $46,300
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BS in Accounting

Required Credits: 150
Completion time: 5 years
Format: Online
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 3 years
Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#6
Brigham Young University–Idaho
Rexburg , ID
#1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Most Affordable 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: $4,536
Expenses: $8,882
Starting Salary: $49,400
Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BS in Applied Business Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Applied Health Informatics

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Applied Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Marriage and Family Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#7
Stevens–Henager College
Online Degrees
BS in Accounting

Emphasis

Forensic

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 20-38 months
Format: Online
BS in Business Administration

Concentrations

Marketing
Technology
Human Resource

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 20-38 months
Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity and Networking

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 20-38 months
Format: Online
BS in Graphic Arts

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 20-38 months
Format: Online
BS in Health Services Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 20-38 months
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 20-38 months
Format: Online
BS in Respiratory Care

Concentrations

Management
Advanced Clinical Practice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 20-38 months
Format: Online
BS in Software and Mobile Applications

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 20-38 months
Format: Online
BS in Web Design and Development

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 20-38 months
Format: Online
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Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024

Top 10 Online Colleges in Idaho

Key Takeaways

Featured Programs

Employment Outlook for Graduates in Idaho

State Authorization For Online Learning in Idaho

Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Idaho

Colleges and Universities in Idaho

What are Idaho’s Colleges & Universities?

Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2023

Career Outlook for degree at University of Idaho

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Idaho State University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Boise State University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Lewis–Clark State College

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Northwest Nazarene University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Brigham Young University–Idaho

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Emphasis

Concentrations

Concentrations