Accredited Online Colleges in Idaho 2023

Idaho is another state with a contrast between area and density: Although it covers more than 83,000 square miles, making it the 14th largest state in the union, only 1.9 million people live there, making it 44th in the country in terms of population density with an average of 15.64 people per square mile. The state’s economy depends in large part on agriculture, as almost one-third of all potatoes grown in the United States come from Idaho. There are also major wheat farming areas. Other industries important to Idaho include lumber, electronics, paper, mining, and tourism. One of North America’s oldest ski resorts is in the central part of the state: Sun Valley. However, the science and technology sectors are currently Idaho’s biggest industries. Boise, the capital, is home to Micron Technology, the only manufacturer of dynamic random-access memory chips in the country. One of the advantages of life in Idaho is the access to an abundance of national parks and wildlife refuges. Part of Yellowstone National Park is in Idaho, as well as sections of the Oregon Trail and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Idaho’s higher education institutions seek regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, one of the six most reputable and established accreditation agencies in the nation. Colleges and universities that want to obtain or maintain regional accreditation from the NWCCU must meet the commission’s high standards in areas such as mission, resources, governance, and assessment, as well as commit to continuous improvement. Regionally-accredited institutions commonly accept credits from other regionally-accepted institutions in Idaho. However, colleges in Idaho can also become eligible for national accreditation though agencies like the Distance Education and Training Council or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Both regional and national accreditation agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 

The best-known and most reputable higher education institutions in Idaho are its major research universities, including Boise State University, Idaho State University, and the University of Idaho. With 19,664 students, Boise State is the largest university in the state and also has the state’s largest undergraduate nursing program, according to its website. Idaho State, a state leader in health and medical education, boasts nearly 14,500 students, and has three satellite campuses in addition to its main campus in Pocatello. The University of Idaho recruits top students from across the nation and the world and boasts the highest graduation rate of the three major universities. Idaho’s state colleges include: College of Southern Idaho, College of Western Idaho, Eastern Idaho Technical College, Lewis-Clark State College, and North Idaho College. Idaho also has 11 private colleges and universities, notably including BYU-Idaho.

Methodology

Schools are ranked based on four data points in three categories:

  • Affordability (net price)
  • Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Student Outcome (4-year graduation rate)
  • Salary After Attending

Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received an overall score by aggregating each individual point and ranking accordingly–100 being the highest score possible. #1 being the highest possible rank.

In the case of a tie in scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.

All data was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics website and is accurate at the time of this writing [February 2023].

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Idaho 2023

1. Brigham Young University- Idaho

Score: 100

Average Net Price: $6,698
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Salary After Attending: $49,281

With over 300 online courses, students have the opportunity to explore subjects that interest them and further their academic pursuits. Each certificate comprises about five courses, which add up to approximately 15 credits.

In addition to online courses and certificates, BYU-Idaho offers various online bachelor's degrees that cater to different academic interests. These degrees are available in fields such as business, technology, health, family studies, and professional studies. To ensure that all online offerings are of the highest quality, BYU-Idaho has a dedicated online organization that works closely with faculty to create and improve course content. The associate online vice president of online programs oversees all aspects of online certificates and degrees at the university.

2. The University of Idaho

Score: 99.5

Average Net Price: $13,964
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Salary After Attending: $48,272

Should you harbor an inclination toward pursuing an online degree, the University of Idaho could potentially serve as an impeccable match. Boasting a selection of ten diverse degree programs, you will have the liberty to tailor your studies to your preferred pace and schedule. Upon completion of your studies, you'll graduate with a respected degree from a reputable research university that will impress employers.

The University of Idaho offers a range of undergraduate degree programs that are available completely online. These programs include communication, criminology, general studies, history, psychology, and organizational sciences. In addition, U of I also offers four online graduate programs in music, psychology, public administration, and theatre arts. This allows you to balance your academic pursuits with other responsibilities and commitments.

3. Northwest Nazarene University

Score: 99.5

Average Net Price: $21,647
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 61%
Salary After Attending: $47,908

The university offers both fully online and hybrid classes in the traditional undergraduate program, providing students with flexibility and convenience in their education. For those who may have a busy schedule or prefer to learn remotely, NNU Online offers associate or bachelor's degree programs. This option was created to ensure that traditional-age students have access to high-quality Christian education, regardless of their location or lifestyle.

NNU also offers several fully online graduate programs, such as theology, education, and nursing degrees. These programs are designed specifically to cater to busy professionals who want to continue their education while working.

4. Boise State University

Score: 99.3

Average Net Price: $16,153
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Salary After Attending: $43,100

Boise State University, with its extensive offerings, caters to students aspiring to advance their careers, presenting an impressive repertoire of nearly 100 online programs and over 800 distinct online courses. Whether you're inclined towards pursuing a bachelor's or graduate degree, or simply desiring to enroll in a single online class, Boise State University ensures a comprehensive array of programs tailored to meet your individual requirements. At Boise State University Online students can balance their jobs, family obligations, military service, and other everyday responsibilities while pursuing their educational goals. The university recognizes the importance of flexibility and convenience in today's fast-paced world. The university offers a diverse selection of online degrees, professional certificates, and classes that are designed to fit your schedule and learning preferences.

5. Idaho State University

Score: 98

Average Net Price: $17,410
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 45%
Salary After Attending: $42,101

At Idaho State University, you can complete your degree from the comfort of your own home! Their online programs are designed to help students achieve their professional goals as an educator-leader in schools, organizations, and sports. These programs may be offered asynchronously with no scheduled class time, or synchronously, where classes meet online on specific days and times. This allows students to fit their coursework around their busy schedules.

While students do not have to physically travel to an ISU campus to participate in classes, some programs require clinical or other activities that can take place at the student's location.

Colleges & Universities Idaho

Private

School Name: Boise Bible College
Accrediting Agency: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
Address: 8695 W Marigold St, Boise, Idaho 83714-1220
Contact: (208) 376-7731
Website: www.boisebible.edu
Type of School: 4-year, primarily associate’s, Private not-for-profit
Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;Associate’s degree;Bachelor’s degree

School Name: Brigham Young University-Idaho
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 525 S Center, Rexburg, Idaho 83460
Contact: (208) 496-2411
Website: www.byui.edu
Type of School: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
Programs Offered: Associate’s degree;Bachelor’s degree

School Name: Northwest Nazarene University
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 623 Holly St, Nampa, Idaho 83686-5897
Contact: (208) 467-8011
Website: www.nnu.edu
Type of School: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
Programs Offered: Bachelor’s degree;Master’s degree

 

Public

School Name: Boise State University
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 1910 University Dr, Boise, Idaho 83725
Contact: (208) 426-1011
Website: www.boisestate.edu
Type of School: 4-year, Public
Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;One but less than two years certificate;Associate’s degree;Two but less than 4 years certificate;Bachelor’s degree;Postbaccalaureate certificate;Master’s degree;Doctor’s degree

School Name: College of Southern Idaho
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301-1238
Contact: (208) 733-9554
Website: www.csi.edu
Type of School: 2-year, Public
Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;One but less than two years certificate;Associate’s degree

School Name: College of Western Idaho
Address: 5500 East Opportunity Drive, Nampa, Idaho 83687
Contact: (208) 562-3000
Website: cwidaho.cc/
Type of School: 2-year, Public
Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;One but less than two years certificate;Associate’s degree

School Name: Eastern Idaho Technical College
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404-5788
Contact: (208) 524-3000 x3371
Website: www.eitc.edu
Type of School: 2-year, Public
Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;One but less than two years certificate;Associate’s degree;Two but less than 4 years certificate

School Name: Idaho State University
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 921 S 7th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho 83209
Contact: (208) 282-3620
Website: www.isu.edu
Type of School: 4-year, Public
Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;One but less than two years certificate;Associate’s degree;Two but less than 4 years certificate;Bachelor’s degree;Postbaccalaureate certificate;Master’s degree;Post-master’s certificate;Doctor’s degree;First-professional degree;First-professional certificate

School Name: Lewis-Clark State College
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 500 8th Ave, Lewiston, Idaho 83501-2698
Contact: (208) 792-5272
Website: www.lcsc.edu
Type of School: 4-year, Public
Programs Offered: One but less than two years certificate;Associate’s degree;Two but less than 4 years certificate;Bachelor’s degree

School Name: North Idaho College
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 1000 West Garden Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814-2199
Contact: (208) 769-3300
Website: www.nic.edu
Type of School: 2-year, Public
Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;One but less than two years certificate;Associate’s degree

School Name: University of Idaho
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, Idaho 83844-2282
Contact: (888) 884-3246
Website: www.uidaho.edu
Type of School: 4-year, Public
Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;Bachelor’s degree;Master’s degree;Post-master’s certificate;Doctor’s degree;First-professional degree

 

For-Profit

School Name: ITT Technical Institute-Boise
Accrediting Agency: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
Address: 12302 W. Explorer Dr, Boise, Idaho 83713-1529
Contact: (208) 322-8844
Website: www.itt-tech.edu
Type of School: 4-year, primarily associate’s, Private for-profit
Programs Offered: Associate’s degree;Bachelor’s degree

School Name: University of Phoenix-Idaho Campus
Accrediting Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Address: 3080 East Gentry Way, Suite 150, Meridian, Idaho 83642-3014
Contact: (800) 941-9682
Website: www.phoenix.edu
Type of School: 4-year, Private for-profit
Programs Offered: Bachelor’s degree;Master’s degree

Faith-Based

School Name: Boise Bible College
Accrediting Agency: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
Address: 8695 W Marigold St, Boise, Idaho 83714-1220
Contact: (208) 376-7731
Website: www.boisebible.edu
Type of School: 4-year, primarily associate’s, Private not-for-profit
Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;Associate’s degree;Bachelor’s degree

School Name: Brigham Young University-Idaho
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 525 S Center, Rexburg, Idaho 83460
Contact: (208) 496-2411
Website: www.byui.edu
Type of School: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
Programs Offered: Associate’s degree;Bachelor’s degree

School Name: Northwest Nazarene University
Accrediting Agency: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Address: 623 Holly St, Nampa, Idaho 83686-5897
Contact: (208) 467-8011
Website: www.nnu.edu
Type of School: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
Programs Offered: Bachelor’s degree;Master’s degree



 

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