Best Universities & Colleges in Idaho for 2024

These are the 8 top schools, both online and traditional, located in the state of Idaho. Scroll through the list below and get all the information you need about each institution.

Online Colleges in Idaho

Compare all of the best distance education colleges located in Idaho to pursue an online bachelors degree, associates, or online masters program degree. Including cost of tuition, degrees they offer, enrollment rates, faculty, famous alumni, and more.

Recommended Schools

  • Boise Bible College

    Boise, Idaho

    Boise Bible College in Boise, Idaho
    • 150 Total Students
    • 98% Acceptance Rate
    • 55% Enrollment Rate
    • 11 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 54 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    BBC began originally began as a ministry in 1945, with the sole aim of training the individuals for ministry work and leadership. It started as First Church of Christ in Boise and started instructions in the basement of a church building. By 1974, the college became an independent institute after separating from its founding church and continues to be so. Based in Boise, Idaho, the college does not operate as part of any denominational system, rather works in association with independent churches which are Christian Churches or Churches of Christ.

    The college was established primarily to serve the churches and even after all its years continues to do so. In times when professional education has become more common, religious education and ministry preparation through a dedicated college serves to prepare church leaders and spread the word of Gospel.

    Students at Boise Bible College enjoy an interesting combination of religious and student life. Considering significant in the development of church leaders, it instils spiritual development through sending students to local and regional churches. There are also student led organisations and committees. Each Thursday students also student led devotion activities and Chapel also makes an important part of student life. Mission Trips are also organised by the college for both within the country as well as internationally. For students the fun side of the college include recreational activities like rafting, on campus athletic teams and facilities. Banquets are also organised for the students, there are conferences which also bring in social opportunities for students. Students also get a Senior Skip Day when classes are skipped and students enjoy a fun time.

    Academics at BBC consist of One year Bible Certificate Program, Associate Programs and Bachelors degree programs. There are seven Associate programs, four four-year Bachelors programs and also a two-year Bachelors program.

    BBC School Facts

    • LocationIdaho
    • Religious AffiliationUndenominational

  • Boise State University Seal

    Boise State University

    Boise, Idaho

    • 22,086 Total Students
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • 34% Enrollment Rate
    • 17 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 8,156 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    BSU is a Public university that was established by the Episcopal Church as Boise Junior College in 1932. The predecessor to the junior college however was St. Margaret’s School which was founded in 1892. This junior college ended its affiliation with the church in 1934 and soon rose to the status of a four year degree granting institute in 1965. By 1969 the college became part of the state system and before the end of 20th century, by 1974 had transitioned into a university.

    It is based in Boise, Idaho and is the state’s largest university and contributor towards the field of research. It has joined a consortium of research universities which includes five other research universities. The university also hails as the leading producer of patents in the country and gave 410 start ups in 2012 alone.

    Boise State University brings the ideal university life for its students, from academic to research to involvement with the community, social interaction with the students and faculty to entertainment. There are plenty of recreational opportunities and the most popular ones at the university are fly fishing, biking, hiking and kayaking. It holds Treefort Music Fest, a four day event which brings music, artists and other fun activities, and there are theatre groups that also bring performances to the campus. Arts are further celebrated through off campus visual arts activities such as Idaho Shakespeare Festival. The university also celebrates different culture as a symbol of its acceptance of diversity, there are Jewish Deli Days, Russian Food Festivals as well as other many other cultures. The university also organizes two farmer markets, while also supporting and putting up many local eating places and businesses. BSU’s mascot is the ‘Buster Bronco’, and its athletic teams participate at the NCAA Division I and its colors are Orange and Blue.

    As part of its academic programs, the university offers 84 Bachelor’s, 64 Master’s, 12 Doctoral and Education specialist programs and 4 associate programs. It also has online and certificate programs. Its prestigious facilities are Hemingway Western Studies Center and Albertsons Library.

    BSU School Facts

    • Years Estd.1932
    • NicknameBroncos
    • MascotBuster Bronco
    • MottoSplendor sine Occasu
    • Motto Eng.Splendour Without Diminishment
    • ColorsBlue, Orange
    • LocationIdaho
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous BSU Alumni

    • Karl Knapp

      Rhodes Scholar; Vice chairman and managing director at United Bank of Switzerland (UBS)

    • Larry Williams

      Founder and President of Idaho Timber Corp.

    • Bill Sali

      Politics & Law

      Former U.S. Congressman; also Representative in the Idaho Legislature, eight-term

    • Marilyn Shuler

      Social Advocacy & Service

      Director of the Idaho Human Rights Commission; President of the Idaho Human Rights Education Center

    • Michael Hoffman

      Entertainment & Arts

      Hollywood director of 13 movies, including several Oscar-winning titles; also Rhodes Scholar

    • Victoria Holloway

      Entertainment & Arts

      Co-founder of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival; also professor of theatre performance at Arizona State University

    • Gary L. Bennett

      Science & Medicine

      Former manager at NASA; worked on the Voyager 1, Voyager 2, and New Horizons missions

    • Merle Wells

      Education & Advocacy

      Founder of the Idaho State Archives; the Wells State Archives Building was dedicated in his honor

    • Dee Pickett

      Professional Sports

      Former professional rodeo rider; has been Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association national and world champion

    • Diane Haddock Russell

      Entertainment & Arts

      Formerly held department chair at the University of Arizona College of Medicine; also the pioneer in cell growth research


  • Brigham Young University-Idaho Seal

    Brigham Young University-Idaho

    Rexburg, Idaho

    Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho
    • 43,803 Total Students
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • 47% Enrollment Rate
    • 25 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 6,805 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    BYU – Idaho a Private university in Rexburg, Idaho, was established as Bannock Stake Academy offering elementary level education. By 1900 the institute had begin its progress and had expanded its course offerings to include high school curriculum. The institute further added college level courses and programs, becoming largest private junior college in the country by 1999. Its transition as a university happened officially in the year 2001.

    The university is owned and managed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It holds Christian values and beliefs at the center of everything it offers and so prepares its student for professional life with knowledge and skills but also as responsible and worthy citizens of their communities and beyond.

    Understanding the great responsibility, campus life at Brigham Young University-Idaho is filled with every activity that takes its students learning beyond the walls of the classroom. Its student activities involve workshops teaching stand up and improve comedy as well as writing workshops; social activities bringing dance performances, singing competitions, dinners; recreational opportunities such as ice fishing, archery, Kayaking and more; service work involving volunteering at Humanitarian Service Organization (HSO) or feeding the less privileged and others. Besides all the fun activities, there are also opportunities for spiritual enhancement and personal development through church service and devotionals. The college also has sports and brings ‘intracollegiate’ sports competition. Its campus colors are Blue, Black and White.

    The academic programs at the university are just as wide; undergraduate programs consisting of 25 associate degrees and over 100 bachelor’s degrees, through its seven colleges (33 departments). Its prestigious facilities are David O. McKay Library and Thomas E. Ricks Memorial Gardens.

    BYU – Idaho School Facts

    • Years Estd.November 12, 1888 (1888-11-12)
    • MottoRethinking Education
    • ColorsBlue, Black, White
    • LocationIdaho
    • Religious AffiliationLatter Day Saints (Mormon Church)

    Famous BYU – Idaho Alumni

    • Frank L. VanderSloot

      Business & Industry

      Entrepreneur,a radio network owner, cattle rancher; founder and CEO of multi-level marketing company Melaleuca, Inc.

    • Jeff Benedict

      Education & Advocacy

      Author and professor at Southern Virginia University

    • Kory Katseanes

      Education & Advocacy

      Current director of the School of Music at Brigham Young University

    • Dean L. Cameron

      Politics & Law

      Republican member of the Idaho Senate

    • Michael W. Mosman

      Politics & Law

      Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Oregon

    • Wayne Quinton

      Science & Medicine

      Former developer of medical devices, developed more than 30

    • Brandon Dorman

      Entertainment & Arts

      Author and NY Times bestselling illustrator; book covers for Glenn Beck's Christmas Sweater, Fablehaven, and several Goosebumps books


  • Idaho State University Seal

    Idaho State University

    Pocatello, Idaho

    Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho
    • 13,078 Total Students
    • 15 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • Yes Online Programs

    Idaho State University is a public coeducational teaching and research institute. It was established in 1901 by Governor Frank W. Hunt under the name of the Academy of Idaho after donations were collected for its establishment. Classes started in the following year. In 1915, the college name was changed to Idaho Technical Institute. After the World War I, the number of enrolled students increased significantly. The name of the institute was changed again in 1927 to the University of Idaho-Southern Branch. Twenty years later, the school was changed from a two-year institute to a four-year college changing its name to Idaho State College. In 1963, the college achieved the university status and thus was finally renamed to its current name. In 2011, the faculty and students voted no confidence in the university president, Arthur Vailas and called for his resignation. However, Vailas refused to resign which increased the tension in the university which finally led to censoring Idaho by the American Association of University Professors. In the following year, the university Center for Energy Systems Technology and Education was top ranked for nuclear education and was marked as a center for excellence.

    ISU main campus is located in Pocatello, Idaho with additional locations in Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. Pocatello campus covers 1000 acres offering a variety of distinctive facilities as Reed Gym, Rendezvous Complex, the university auditorium Frazier Hall, The Holt Arena which is the main athletic facility, Pulling Courts, Turner Hall, Nichols Hall, Owen Hall, and Redfield Hall. The official colors for the university are orange and black while its mascots are called Benny the Bengal. Its athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I and Big Sky Conference.

    The university is divided into 5 colleges in addition to Kasiska Division which includes 5 schools and colleges of health sciences. It offers more than 250 majors including certificate programs, bachelor, masters and doctoral degree programs. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Idaho was ranked in 2011 by Carnegie Foundation among 98 institutions as Research University-High standing.

    Idaho State School Facts

    • Years Estd.1901, 116 years ago
    • NicknameBengals
    • MascotBenny the Bengal
    • MottoLatin: Veritas Vos Liberabit
    • Motto Eng."The truth will set you free"
    • ColorsBlack, orange
    • LocationIdaho
    • AthleticsNCAA Division I FCSBig Sky Conference
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Idaho State Alumni

    • Don Aslett

      Business & Industry

      author and founder of Varsity Contractors Inc.

    • Sue Ane Langdon

      Entertainment & Arts

      former American actress

    • Antonio Taguba

      Politics & Law

      former United States Army major general

    • James A. McClure

      Politics & Law

      former U.S. senator

    • Jeff Cook

      Professional Sports

      former NBA basketball player


  • Lewis-Clark State College Seal

    Lewis-Clark State College

    Lewiston, Idaho

    Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho
    • 3,633 Total Students
    • 99% Acceptance Rate
    • 51% Enrollment Rate
    • 14 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 1,074 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Lewis–Clark State College is a public college in the northwest United States, in Lewiston, Idaho. Lewis-Clark State was founded in 1893 as the Lewiston State Normal School in Lewiston, after the authorization of its establishment by the Idaho Governor William J. McConnell. The school first started to train teachers with hands on work as a vocational education. The school lost about 15% of its students on the World War I, which is a small percentage when compared to regular and conventional institutions, as Lewiston attracted a predominantly female student body, while the other institutions were accepting the majority as male students. In 1943, the Board of Education turned the school into full four-year school and its name was changed officially to Northern Idaho College of Education (NICE), in 1947. Four years later, budget hawks closed the school. Under pressure, the legislature re-opened the school with the new name Lewis–Clark Normal School, in 1955, but as a two-year school under the management of the University of Idaho. Under the strong need for the vocational education was introduced by Lewis, the legislature raised the school to a four-year status and officially changed its name in 1971 to the current name of Lewis–Clark State College.

    The college’s athletics teams are nicknamed Warriors with the school colors of navy, white and red. “Warriors” was agreed in the 1950s; former nicknames comprise “Pioneers” in the 1930s, and “Loggers” in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Lewis–Clark State plays in intercollegiate athletics in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), mainly in the Frontier Conference.

    The college offers more than 90 degree & certificate programs, 2 Career & Technical Education divisions, 6 Academic divisions, and 372 online courses and 9 online degree offerings.

     

    LCSC School Facts

    • Years Estd.1893 (1893)
    • NicknameWarriors
    • ColorsNavy, White, & Red
    • LocationIdaho
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous LCSC Alumni

    • Vic Darensbourg

      Professional Sports

      Former MLB pitcher

    • Steve Decker

      Professional Sports

      Retired MLB player

    • Carlos Fisher

      Professional Sports

      MLB player, Cincinnati Reds

    • Bucky Jacobsen

      Professional Sports

      Former MLB player

    • Brendan Ryan

      Professional Sports

      MLB player, New York Yankees

    • Steve Reed

      Professional Sports

      Former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball


  • New Saint Andrews College

    Moscow, Idaho

    New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho
    • Yes Online Programs

    New Saint Andrews College is a private Christian college that was established in 1994 based on the curriculum of Harvard College. It graduated its first class 4 years later which consisted of 2 students only. The college was relocated in 2002 after it purchased and restored the historic Skattaboe Block. The college gained recognition from the Moscow Historic Preservation Commission for this restoration process. In 2005, New Saint Andrews received accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. In the following year, the college appeared on the Christian Broadcasting Network. In the same year, the college was ranked by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute among the top 50 institutes for “conservatives, old-fashioned liberals, and people of faith”. In 2007, the college was authorized to offer master’s degrees.

    The college has a rural campus. The college library, which is named Tyndale Library, hosts more than 500,000 volumes. The campus based on a decision of the board trustees does not offer residential halls or food services, to encourage students to become more involved in the local community.

    New Saint Andrews does not offer a variety of undergraduate majors; it rather offers a single classical liberal arts curriculum. The curriculum includes the Trivium and Quadrivium of the liberal arts studies. It also emphasizes that learning is a life-long process encouraging students to read “the Great Books” rather than focusing on textbooks. It also follows the “Oxford-style” to use recitation groups in which groups of eight students discuss their readings with a faculty member. The college offers online Latin education program. Students enrolled at the college may get financial support from Tri-State and Montana scholarships.

    New Saint Andrews School Facts

    • Years Estd.1994
    • LocationIdaho
    • Religious AffiliationOther Protestant

  • Northwest Nazarene University Seal

    Northwest Nazarene University

    Nampa, Idaho

    • 2,207 Total Students
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • 30% Enrollment Rate
    • 15 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 1,589 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is a Christian higher education institute for liberal arts. The university was established in 1913 by Eugene Emerson as both a grade and bible school. The name of the school was changed twice in 1916 to Northwest Holiness College and then to Northwest Nazarene College. In the following year, the college was converted into a liberal arts college that was authorized by the Idaho state Board of Education to grant college degrees. The college was granted educational accreditation in 1931 as a 2-year school. It was expanded 6 years later to become a 4-year college. The college started offering master’s programs in the 1960s. It finally achieved the university status gaining its current name in 1999.

    The university states that its mission is to convert the whole person into creative and redemptive agent for god in the world by offering education centered in Jesus Christ. The university has suburban campus covering 90-acres in Nampa, Idaho. The campus offers several distinctive buildings and facilities including Brandt Center, Brick House, Corlett Hall, Culver Hall, Dooley Hall, Elmore Hall, Emerson Administration Building, Finkbeiner Recreation Area, Ford Hall, Halle Softball Field and Helstrom Business Center. Additionally, the university operates branch campuses in Boise, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. The university athletic teams, who are nicknamed Nighthawks, compete in the NCAA’s Great Northwest Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division II. The official colors of the university are red and black.

    The university has academic programs in 6 academic areas through 20 academic departments. It offers more than 80 undergraduate programs, 8 pre-professional programs and 17 graduate degree programs. There are also some programs offered for adult education and online degree programs. The university operates a center for professional development to support the student to build their career. Northwest Nazarene is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in addition to program accreditation from 7 accrediting organizations.

    NNU School Facts

    • Years Estd.1913
    • NicknameCrusaders
    • MottoSeek Ye First the Kingdom of God
    • ColorsRed and black
    • LocationIdaho
    • AthleticsNCAA (GNAC)
    • Religious AffiliationChurch of the Nazarene

    Famous NNU Alumni

    • Kent R. Hill

      Social Advocacy & Service

      former administrator for USAID's Bureau for Global Health

    • Richard Hieb

      Science & Medicine

      NASA astronaut

    • Jim Zimbelman

      Science & Medicine

      earth and planetary geologist at the Smithsonian Institution

    • Donna Fletcher Crow

      Entertainment & Arts

      author known for historical Christian fiction

    • Thomas Jay Oord

      Education & Advocacy

      Nazarene theologian



All Top Colleges in Idaho

  • The College of Idaho Seal

    The College of Idaho

    Caldwell, Idaho

    The College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho
    • 1,065 Total Students
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • 23% Enrollment Rate
    • 10 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 955 Total Applicants
    • No Online Programs

    The College of Idaho is a private higher education institute for liberal arts located in Caldwell, Idaho. The college was established in 1891 as the oldest liberal arts college in the United States. Dr. Rev. William Judson Boone was the founder of the college with the support of the Wood River Presbytery. First classes included 19 students and were held in the Caldwell Presbyterian Church. In the following year, the college relocated to own building downtown. The college relocated in 1910 to its current location which was donated by Henry and Carrie Blatchley. In the same year, Sterry Hall and Finney Hall were built on campus while Voorhees Hall was built in 1913. The college became independent in 1893 and appointed its own Board of Trustees. In 1991, the name of the college was changed to Albertson College of Idaho in honor of Joe Albertson, who was college alumnus and generous donor to the college. In 2007, the college was changed back to its original name.

    The college is located in a suburban area covering 50 acres. It has several distinctive buildings and facilities including Hendren Hall, Margaret Boone House, Anderson Residence Hall, Simplot Residence Hall, Centennial Amphitheater, Morrison Quadrangle & Clock Tower, Hayman Residence Hall and Kathryn Albertson International Center. The campus offers two libraries; N.L. Terteling Library and Cruzen-Murray Library. Off-campus facilities include Simplot Stadium and Wolfe Field Baseball Stadium which are located few minutes away from the main campus. The college athletic teams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as members of the Cascade Collegiate Conference. They are nicknamed Coyotes.

    The college is divided into 16 departments that offer undergraduate programs in 26 majors and 58 minors in addition to 3 graduate programs. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

    C of I School Facts

    • LocationIdaho
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous C of I Alumni

    • Joe Albertson

      Business & Industry

      founder of Albertson's supermarkets

    • Elgin Baylor

      Professional Sports

      11 time NBA all-star player

    • Warren Jones

      Politics & Law

      justice of Idaho Supreme Court

    • Klaus Scharioth

      Politics & Law

      former German ambassador to the United States

    • Elmo Smith

      Politics & Law

      former Governor of Oregon


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