Colleges and Universities in Idaho: A Comprehensive Guide

Idaho, known as the Gem State, offers a diverse range of higher education opportunities. From public universities to private colleges and community colleges, prospective students have numerous options to pursue their academic and career goals. This article provides an overview of colleges and universities in Idaho, covering aspects such as affordability, available programs, and the overall college experience.

Higher Education Landscape in Idaho

The state of Idaho is committed to supporting affordable college education. The University of Idaho, for example, offers more than $25 million in college scholarships annually. Overall, Idaho boasts 20 accredited colleges and universities within its borders. Public colleges and universities in Idaho tend to be more affordable compared to similar institutions in other states. Additionally, private secular and Christian schools in Idaho offer competitive rates.

Idaho's State Board of Education oversees three universities and one four-year state college, located in Boise, Lewiston, Moscow, and Pocatello. There are also three community colleges and a technical college situated in Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. While many of Idaho’s private colleges and universities have affiliations with Christian churches, institutions like the College of Idaho in Caldwell and career colleges in Boise, Idaho Falls, and McCall are exceptions.

Affordability and Financial Aid

Public universities and colleges in Idaho are particularly affordable. For the 2012-2013 academic year, the average in-state tuition was $5,980, lower than the national average of $8,070. Merit-based scholarships are available to help reduce expenses at both public and private colleges in Idaho. The Idaho Governor’s Cup program, for instance, awards up to $3,000 per year for community college and four-year college degree programs.

Financial aid is widely accessible in Idaho. Approximately 93% of students at Idaho State University receive financial aid. Even at private schools like Brigham Young University (BYU), affiliated with the LDS Church, nearly 90% of applicants with financial needs receive assistance.

Read also: The Right Path After GCSEs

Educational Attainment and Economic Impact

While Idaho high school students perform well on standardized tests, a relatively small percentage pursue higher education. However, data indicates that skipping college can increase the likelihood of unemployment for at least six months. Completing each year of college after high school can increase wages by an average of 10 to 20 percent, according to a 2012 College Board study.

Public Four-Year Colleges and Universities in Idaho

Several public four-year colleges and universities are located in Idaho. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Boise State University. In 2023, 3,993 bachelor's degrees were completed. 184 associate degrees, 1,028 master's degrees, and 60 doctoral degrees were earned.

Boise State University

Boise State University is a nationally recognized institution offering a wide range of online degree programs for undergraduates and graduate students.

University of Idaho

The University of Idaho, located in Moscow, was the state's first university, established in 1889 and opened in 1892. It serves as the land-grant institution and primary research university for the state. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 1,645 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 573 master's degrees, and 204 doctoral degrees were earned.

Idaho State University

Idaho State University in Pocatello began as the Academy of Idaho in 1901, achieving four-year status in 1947 and university status in 1963. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 1,261 bachelor's degrees were completed. 535 associate degrees, 587 master's degrees, and 192 doctoral degrees were earned.

Read also: Explore CFK

Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston is Idaho's only public, non-university four-year college. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 554 bachelor's degrees were completed. 314 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.

Private Colleges and Universities in Idaho

Idaho also has several private colleges and universities.

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Brigham Young University-Idaho, located in Rexburg, is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is a sister college to Brigham Young University. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 6,402 bachelor's degrees were completed. 2,187 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.

Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 253 bachelor's degrees were completed. 1 associate degree, 212 master's degrees, and 17 doctoral degrees were earned.

The College of Idaho

The College of Idaho, located in Caldwell, maintains a loose affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 320 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 8 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.

New Saint Andrews College

New Saint Andrews College is located in Moscow and has a reformed Christian theological background. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 18 bachelor's degrees were completed. 10 associate degrees, 9 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.

Boise Bible College

Boise Bible College is affiliated with congregations of the Christian churches and churches of Christ. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 12 bachelor's degrees were completed. 3 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine offers degrees in the medical field. Doctoral degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 147 doctoral degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, were earned.

Scholarship Opportunities in Idaho

Numerous scholarship opportunities are available for students attending colleges and universities in Idaho.

Boise State University Scholarships

Scholarships for incoming freshmen or transferring students enrolled full-time. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 CGPA, and a FAFSA must be submitted by February 15th. The number of awards and award amounts may vary.

Idaho State University Scholarships

Carl K. Scholarship for married undergraduate students attending full-time, majoring in Pre-law. Due date, number of awards, and award amount vary.
Annual award for undergraduate students attending full-time, majoring in Music. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Due date and award amount vary.
Annual award for athletic undergraduate students participating in varsity athletics with academic potential. Selection is made by the Athletics Department. Due date and award amount vary.
Scholarship for Hispanic undergraduate students. Due date, number of awards, and award amount vary.
Kenneth M. & Linda R. Annual award for male undergraduate sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate students majoring in Business with a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.5 for graduate students). Due date and award amount vary.
Dr. Mervin L. Annual award for undergraduate junior or senior students majoring in Engineering with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Due date and award amount vary.
Annual award for undergraduate students majoring in Foreign Language. Due date and award amount vary.
Scholarship for undergraduate students majoring in Music, based on competitive auditions administered by the Music Department. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Due date, number of awards, and award amount vary.
Scholarship for undergraduate students enrolled in Trio Student Support Services, with preference given to students who show motivation, financial need, leadership, and academic potential. Due date, number of awards, and award amount vary.
Annual award for fourth or fifth-year undergraduate students majoring in Education, with preference given to students with the greatest financial need and potential to become outstanding teachers. Due date and award amount vary.
Zeta B. Scholarship for incoming freshmen students, with preference given to female applicants. Due date, number of awards, and award amount vary.
Scholarship for non-traditional (age 23 or over) undergraduate students with a minimum of 90 credits and a minimum 2.8 GPA. Preference is given for full-time attendance. Due date, number of awards, and award amount vary.

University of Idaho and Boise State University Scholarships

Scholarship for undergraduate students demonstrating an interest in writing. Selection is based on school record, community activities, creative writing sample, and oral interview. The number of awards may vary.

Idaho Lifestyle and Environment

Idaho offers an affordable and engaging environment for college students. The cost of living in Idaho is slightly below the US average, with groceries, health care, transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses being more affordable than in many other states.

The top industries in Idaho are manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Major manufacturing products include computer equipment, lumber, and chemicals. While Idaho is famous for its potatoes, the state also produces wheat, sugar beets, other crops, and dairy products.

Known as the Gem State, Idaho is rich in precious and semiprecious gemstones and is a top source for silver worldwide. The state's natural beauty, including the Rocky Mountains, hiking trails, and vast spaces for outdoor recreation, provides many opportunities for students to balance academics with adventure. Popular destinations include the Caribou National Forest and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Shoshone Falls, often called the "Niagara of the West," and Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, are also notable attractions.

College Towns in Idaho

Idaho's college towns, such as Moscow and Boise, offer lively, tight-knit communities. Boise's growing tech industry provides exciting internship and job opportunities.

Online Education

Both online and offline options are available. Idaho residents can also attend various public out-of-state schools at reduced costs through tuition discount agreements with institutions in Alaska, Hawaii, California, Washington, and other members of the Western Undergraduate Exchange.

Job Market Outlook in Idaho

In 2024, there were approximately 1,250,979 jobs in Idaho. From 2023 to 2024, job growth in Idaho was above the national average, at 1.7%. There were 169,845 job openings in the state.

tags: #colleges #and #universities #in #idaho #list