Best Colleges in Idaho

All 16 colleges in Idaho, ranked by overall quality and led by Northwest Nazarene University, Boise State University and The College of Idaho. 7 public, 9 private. median out-of-state tuition $19,068. lowest in-state tuition $3,360 at College of Southern Idaho. Each school below shows its acceptance rate, tuition and average SAT.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best college in Idaho?

Based on our overall rankings, Northwest Nazarene University is the top-ranked college in Idaho. Other strong choices include Boise State University, The College of Idaho, University of Idaho.

How many colleges are in Idaho?

We track 16 four-year colleges in Idaho, including 7 public institutions and 9 private ones.

How much does college cost in Idaho?

The average out-of-state tuition across colleges we track in Idaho is approximately $19,068 per year. In-state students at public schools typically pay significantly less, and most schools offer financial aid that reduces the effective cost.

What are the best public colleges in Idaho?

The best public colleges in Idaho include Boise State University, University of Idaho, College of Southern Idaho. Public universities typically offer lower tuition for in-state residents.

What are the best private colleges in Idaho?

The best private colleges in Idaho include Northwest Nazarene University, The College of Idaho, BYU-Idaho. Private colleges may offer more generous financial aid despite higher sticker prices.

How are these Idaho rankings determined?

Our overall rankings are calculated independently from publicly available data including U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and aggregated student-experience signals — not from US News or any other publication.

1. 1. Northwest Nazarene University — Nampa, ID · 64.7% acceptance · SAT 1,130 · $40,794 tuition · 65% grad rate
2. 2. Boise State University — Boise, ID · 87.2% acceptance · $27,788 tuition · 60% grad rate
3. 3. The College of Idaho — Caldwell, ID · 49.1% acceptance · SAT 1,180 · $37,845 tuition · 63% grad rate
4. 4. University of Idaho — Moscow, ID · 75.5% acceptance · SAT 1,116 · $28,320 tuition · 57% grad rate
5. 5. BYU-Idaho — Rexburg, ID · 95.8% acceptance · SAT 1,118 · $4,800 tuition · 55% grad rate
6. 6. New Saint Andrews College — Moscow, ID · 83.9% acceptance · SAT 1,262 · $16,800 tuition · 74% grad rate
7. 7. Carrington College-Boise — Boise, ID · 62% grad rate
8. 8. College of Southern Idaho — Twin Falls, ID · $6,840 tuition · 33% grad rate
9. 9. Idaho State University — Pocatello, ID · $27,720 tuition · 39% grad rate
10. 10. Lewis-Clark State College — Lewiston, ID · 87.7% acceptance · $22,028 tuition · 40% grad rate
11. 11. College of Eastern Idaho — Idaho Falls, ID · $6,750 tuition · 39% grad rate
12. 12. Boise Bible College — Boise, ID · 90.5% acceptance · SAT 1,040 · $11,802 tuition · 41% grad rate
13. 13. College of Western Idaho — Nampa, ID · $7,454 tuition · 31% grad rate
14. 14. Eagle Gate College-Boise Campus — Boise, ID · $19,068 tuition
15. 15. Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus — Idaho Falls, ID · $19,068 tuition
16. 16. Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine — Meridian, ID

Best Colleges in Idaho on PickACampus