Best Online Master’s Programs in Idaho 2024
Key Takeaways
- The best return on investment from an online master’s degree will come from getting hired in one of Idaho’s fastest growing industries, such as manufacturing or technology.
- Idaho has 4 online colleges and universities that offer master’s degrees that can be completed entirely online.
- Many of the online colleges in Idaho offer tuition that is much lower than the national average, making Idaho an affordable state to consider for online master’s programs.
Top Online Master's Programs in Idaho
- Boise State University 20 to 1
- University of Idaho 16 to 1
- Idaho State University 13 to 1
- Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
- Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
- University of Idaho $6,182
- Idaho State University $5,928
- Boise State University $5,532
- Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
- Idaho State University $8,601
- University of Idaho $7,754
- Boise State University $7,236
- Idaho State University 13 to 1
- Northwest Nazarene University 13 to 1
- University of Idaho 16 to 1
- Boise State University 20 to 1
- Boise State University $5,532
- Idaho State University $5,928
- University of Idaho $6,182
- Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
- Boise State University $7,236
- University of Idaho $7,754
- Idaho State University $8,601
- Northwest Nazarene University $11,093
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 master’s programs with competitive tuition fees and excellent professors.
Featured Programs
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.
For the full list of the best colleges and universities in Idaho, check out our ranking.
Find college admissions consultants in Idaho.
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.
Idaho offers a loan forgiveness-based financial program of up to $100,000 to physicians who work in the state’s rural areas.
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 Master’s Program 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
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: $10,548Expenses: $15,164Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Idaho is one of the best online colleges in Idaho, offering various online learning opportunities for graduate students with responsibilities. UIdaho’s online programs, especially their graduate degrees, are designed to attract more adult learners to continue their education. These programs offer asynchronous classes to allow graduate students to tailor their schedules, giving them more control over their plans.
All of UIdaho’s online programs have been evaluated and acknowledged to meet high academic standards. Online courses follow the same curriculum as their on-campus programs. The same experienced and distinguished on-campus faculty teach the lessons.
As one of Idaho’s best online colleges, online students gain access to various student support services, including academic advising, financial assistance, career planning, and online tutoring.
Online Master’s Degrees
MFA in Theater Arts
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Statistical Science
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS/MEngr in Computer Engineering
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Technology Management
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Educational Leadership
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Physical Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Special Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MAT in Teaching Mathematics
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership
- Required Credits: 33-45
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MPA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Psychology: Human Factors
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS/MEngr in Electrical Engineering
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEngr in Engineering Management
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Environmental Science
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Geological Engineering
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MNR in Natural Resources
Concentrations
- Integrated Natural Resources
- Fire Ecology and Management
- Restoration Ecology and Habitat Management
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEngr in Mechanical Engineering
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEngr in Civil Engineering
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: 2-3 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
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
60%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at Boise State University
Cost of Degree: $10,486Expenses: $23,559Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryBoise State University offers various online majors, from certificate programs to graduate degrees, and has made significant strides in online learning.
With an extensive online presence, Boise State is dedicated to offering its online students robust support services. They will get the help they need to thrive in their online programs, from tech support to committed online advisors. Online in-state students can expect to pay low tuition fees.
Boise State offers a broad range of master’s degree programs online, so online students are guaranteed to find something that fits their interests and career objectives. The knowledge and abilities you need are available through Boise State’s master’s level online programs, whether your goal is to explore a new path or develop your existing one.
Online Master’s Degrees
MS in Accountancy
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 1 year
- Format: Online
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Concentrations
- Management
- Construction Management
- Healthcare Leadership
- Required Credits: 49
- Completion time: 1 year
- Format: Online
MS in Cyber Operations and Resilience
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Master of Educational Technology
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MA in Education
Concentrations
- Language, Literacy and Culture
- Required Credits: 33-36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Early and Special Education
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MAT in Special Education
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: 61
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
MS in Respiratory Care
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 1 year
- Format: Online
MSN in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Required Credits: 50
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Genetic Counseling
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 21 months
- 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
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
37%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at Idaho State University
Cost of Degree: $11,268Expenses: $14,854Starting Salary: $43,900Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryIdaho State University, ranked as one of the best Idaho online colleges, is home to almost 75% of healthcare degrees in the state. While especially known for its featured online programs in healthcare, ISU also offers top-notch instruction that goes well beyond producing workers in health professions. This diversity ensures that online students with different interests and career aspirations can find a program that aligns with their goals.
The online courses in each online program at Idaho State University follows the same curriculum as its on-campus counterpart. Online graduate students have the same faculty with terminal degrees, access to helpful materials, and research and experiential learning opportunities. ISU’s approach demonstrates that its commitment to excellence is unwavering, regardless of the mode of delivery.
Online Master’s Degrees
MS in Human Resource Development
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 18-24 months
- Format: Online
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 1 year
- Format: Online
MEd in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Secondary Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in School Psychology
- Required Credits: 31
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Instructional Design and Technology
- Required Credits: 32
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Speech-Language Pathology
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 3 years
- Format: Online
MA in Teaching
- Required Credits: 33-36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MEd in School Psychology Examiner
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MA in Spanish
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MA in History
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MHA in Health Education
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 37
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MS in Health Informatics
- Required Credits: 39
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MPH in Public Health
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MHA in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 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
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: $11,408Expenses: $17,216Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryStanding strong as one of the best private online colleges in the state, Northwest Nazarene University is sought-after for its student-centered approach to education. The university maintains an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, indicative of its small class sizes and dedication to providing a personalized and intimate learning environment.
Besides prioritizing personalized attention, Northwest Nazarene University provides an extensive array of online programs across multiple disciplines. NNU offers top-notch online education intended to support your success, regardless of the online degree and modality of learning. Online students will also receive guidance from NNU’s academic advisors.
Online Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: 12-16 months
- Format: Online
MEd in Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion time: 1.5 years
- Format: Online
MEd in Educational Leadership
Concentrations
- Building Administrator
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 22 months
- Format: Online
MA/MDiv in Youth, Children and Family Ministry
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MA/MDiv in Missional Leadership
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MA/MDiv in Spiritual Formation
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MA in Pastoral Ministry
- Required Credits: 40
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Key Industries in Idaho
Idaho’s economy is driven by a unique mix of sectors, including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. Earning an advanced online degree in a similar field provides you with specialized knowledge and skills that lead to promising career prospects.
According to Idaho Commerce, the state’s biggest industries and related online master’s programs include:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- MEngr in Mechanical Engineering
- MS in Psychology: Human Factors
- MS in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning
- Energy
- Technology & Innovation
- Back Office & Shared Services
- Aerospace
- Food Production
- Outdoor Recreation
- Tourism
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s Degrees in Idaho
How much does an online master’s degree in Idaho cost?
In 2020-2021, the average cost for a year of tuition in a public grad school in the United States was $12,394. The average cost for a year of tuition in private, non-profit grad school was $28,445.
The good news is that the tuition for an online master’s program in Idaho falls well below the national average. However, the cost of your online master’s degree will depend on the type of grad school you attend.
An online master’s degree will usually cost about the same as a traditional master’s degree. Some schools will charge 5-10% more for online courses. This added cost pays for the technology and specialized training needed for online instruction.
But getting a master’s degree online can also help you save money. The costs above don’t include expenses like housing, transportation, or certain campus fees. As an online grad student, you can save a lot of money by avoiding these added expenses.
Many online master’s degree programs are also accelerated. Most master’s degree programs are designed to be completed in two years. But you may be able to earn your online master’s degree in as little as 12-18 months. Earning an accelerated online master’s degree can save you money on tuition.
Can I study out-of-state?
In some cases, in-state schools in Idaho may not meet the needs of an individual. If you’ve already explored all in-state options and found no online schools aligning with your goals and expectations, consider out-of-state schools. However, you must know that attending an online college out-of-state may often result in higher educational costs.
Generally speaking, out-of-state tuition costs are more significant than in-state costs. This can have a big financial impact on your choice, particularly if you want to pay as little as possible for your education. Make sure you research the tuition costs of the out-of-state universities you are considering and consider your options for reducing your expenses, such as with financial aid or scholarships.
One of the most effective ways to maintain low educational costs when studying out-of-state is to explore the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
Read our Guide to College Fees and learn more about this topic.
What can I expect from an online college course in Idaho?
If this is your first time taking online courses, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently.
You’ll be accountable for your time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
Will employers respect my online degree from Idaho online colleges?
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 online programs and in-person programs if you mention this distinction.
While some employers may express concern about adjusting 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.
What are the advantages of online programs?
The advantages of online programs 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 a quiet conference room at work.
In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities and educational experiences that you can complete on your schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials.
And, of course, just as some learners prefer the energy of a live classroom, some learn best when working in their personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
What are the disadvantages of online programs?
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online programs will require some adjustment.
While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through online learning, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you adjust to online learning, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to get the most out of your online education. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
