Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
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.
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?
- 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
Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2023
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #9 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #12 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management 2025
- #17 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #19 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #20 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #23 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
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: $8,816Expenses: $15,164Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Idaho
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management 2025
- #4 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
- #10 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #14 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
37%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at Idaho State University
Cost of Degree: $8,356Expenses: $14,854Starting Salary: $43,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Idaho
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wyoming
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Idaho
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Washington
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Montana
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #22 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #22 Best RN to BSN Online Programs
- #6 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #17 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
60%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at Boise State University
Cost of Degree: $8,782Expenses: $23,559Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025
- #8 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025
- #9 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025
- #13 Best Online Associate in Web Design
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #20 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
35%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lewis–Clark State College
Cost of Degree: $7,388Expenses: $17,330Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024
- #6 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Idaho
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
- #5 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #12 Best Online Associate in Education
- #19 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #20 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
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: $40,895Expenses: $17,216Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
- #2 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Idaho 2025
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #7 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #20 Best Online Associate in Business Management
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: $4,656Expenses: $10,714Starting Salary: $49,400Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
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