List of Colleges and Universities in Idaho

Idaho, known for its stunning landscapes, agricultural industry, and outdoor recreational opportunities, is also home to a diverse array of higher education institutions. These institutions range from community colleges to large universities offering a variety of degree programs and specialized training. Each of the major colleges and universities in Idaho provides distinct advantages and opportunities for students, whether they are looking to pursue a trade, receive a liberal arts education, or gain advanced professional qualifications. Below is a detailed exploration of some of the major colleges and universities in the state of Idaho, along with their ranking profiles.

Boise Bible College

Founded in 1945, Boise Bible College (BBC) is a small private institution located in Boise, Idaho, dedicated to preparing students for Christian ministry and leadership. It offers undergraduate programs in Biblical Studies, Ministry, Christian Education, and Worship Ministry, focusing on equipping students for careers in church leadership and service-oriented fields. While BBC is not ranked among major national or international institutions, it plays an important role within the Christian community in the region, providing theological education and fostering a strong sense of service and faith.

College of Southern Idaho

College of Southern Idaho (CSI), located in Twin Falls, is a public community college that provides associate degrees, technical certificates, and vocational training in a wide range of fields, from healthcare and agriculture to business and arts. CSI has earned a reputation for its robust academic programs, offering transfer programs for students who plan to continue their education at a four-year university. CSI has also established itself as a leader in workforce development, particularly in areas related to the regional economy. While CSI is a community college and not typically ranked in national university rankings, it has gained local recognition for its role in adult education, technical training, and transfer programs.

College of Western Idaho

Another prominent community college in Idaho is the College of Western Idaho (CWI), located in Nampa. Like CSI, CWI provides a wide variety of associate degree programs, career training, and adult education opportunities. Its programs cater to the needs of students seeking entry into the workforce or planning to transfer to four-year institutions. CWI has made substantial progress in serving non-traditional students and working adults. The college has a reputation for offering flexible, affordable education with a focus on practical skills, which have been critical for regional economic development in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

Eastern Idaho Technical College

Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC), based in Idaho Falls, specializes in providing technical training and certification programs in fields like healthcare, business, and information technology. EITC offers associate degrees and certificates that are designed to help students transition directly into the workforce with practical, marketable skills. Although it does not appear in traditional rankings for academic institutions, EITC is recognized for its excellence in vocational training and its critical role in meeting the needs of local industries. EITC is an ideal option for students interested in pursuing hands-on, technical careers that require specialized training.

Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), located in Lewiston, is a public college known for its focus on liberal arts education and professional programs. LCSC offers a range of undergraduate programs, including degrees in business, education, nursing, and sciences. It is also home to strong programs in the performing arts, health sciences, and human services. LCSC is often recognized as a regional leader in undergraduate education and has a strong community presence. According to rankings, LCSC performs well in providing a personalized educational experience with a low student-to-faculty ratio and a robust support system for its students.

The College of Idaho

One of the premier private liberal arts colleges in the state, The College of Idaho is a highly selective institution located in Caldwell. Known for its rigorous academic programs and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and internships, the College of Idaho has earned a strong reputation for its academic excellence, especially in the fields of biology, business, education, and humanities. It has also been recognized for its close-knit community and commitment to student success, often ranking highly in regional lists for its academic achievements and overall student satisfaction.

New Saint Andrews College

New Saint Andrews College, a small liberal arts college located in Moscow, offers a classical education with an emphasis on Christian thought and theology. Its focus is on providing students with a well-rounded liberal arts education that integrates Christian philosophy and worldview with academic disciplines such as literature, history, and philosophy. While New Saint Andrews College does not generally appear in large national rankings due to its small size and unique niche, it is respected within certain academic and Christian communities for its classical approach to education and its commitment to fostering thoughtful, articulate, and ethical graduates.

North Idaho College

North Idaho College (NIC), located in Coeur d'Alene, is another leading community college in the state. NIC offers a variety of two-year associate degree programs, as well as technical certifications, in fields such as nursing, business, and technology. It is particularly well-known for its strong nursing program, which is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the region. NIC is also recognized for its involvement in regional workforce development and its ability to meet the needs of local industries by providing well-trained, career-ready graduates.

Boise State University

Boise State University (BSU), the largest university in Idaho, is a public research university located in Boise. Boise State has gained national recognition in recent years, particularly for its strong programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and education. The university is also known for its excellent athletic programs, particularly in football, where the Broncos have garnered national attention. BSU’s College of Engineering is ranked among the top 100 engineering schools in the U.S., and its MBA program is highly regarded in the region. Boise State University continues to grow in terms of both its academic offerings and its research contributions, making it one of the state’s premier institutions.

Idaho State University

Idaho State University (ISU) is another leading public research university located in Pocatello. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including strong programs in health professions, engineering, and business. U.S. News & World Report has ranked ISU's counseling program as one of the best in the country, and it is known for its comprehensive health-related programs, such as the nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy schools. Idaho State University has earned national recognition for its health sciences programs, and it plays a key role in preparing students for careers in healthcare fields.

University of Idaho

The University of Idaho is Idaho's flagship public university and a prominent research institution located in Moscow. It is ranked as one of the top universities in the U.S. for research in several fields, including agriculture, engineering, and environmental science. U of I is also recognized for its strong programs in law, education, and business. The university offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and it is a key player in regional and national research initiatives. The university consistently ranks as one of the best universities in the West and is recognized for its strong academic programs, research facilities, and student satisfaction.

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho), located in Rexburg, is a private university affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Known for its strong academic programs in business, education, and liberal arts, BYU-Idaho offers a distinctive environment that combines rigorous academic standards with an emphasis on the LDS faith. The university has been recognized for its affordability and its commitment to providing a values-based education. Although it is not typically ranked in the same categories as larger, non-religious universities, BYU-Idaho has a strong regional presence and is known for producing graduates who are well-prepared for the workforce and for leadership roles in their communities.

Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), located in Nampa, is a private Christian university affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. NNU offers a wide range of programs, with particular strengths in education, nursing, and business. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its integration of faith and learning. While it may not be ranked among the top national universities, NNU is highly regarded for its community engagement, student satisfaction, and the quality of its academic programs in liberal arts and professional fields.

Conclusion

Idaho is home to a diverse array of colleges and universities, ranging from large research institutions to small, specialized schools. These institutions offer a variety of educational opportunities, catering to the needs of a wide range of students, from those seeking technical certifications to those pursuing advanced degrees in research-intensive fields. Institutions like Boise State University, Idaho State University, and the University of Idaho stand out for their national rankings and broad academic offerings, while schools such as the College of Southern Idaho and North Idaho College provide essential vocational and community-based education. Together, these institutions contribute to the educational landscape of Idaho, providing quality education that meets the needs of both students and the regional economy.

List of major colleges and universities in the U.S. state of Idaho:

• Boise Bible College
• College of Southern Idaho
• College of Western Idaho
• Eastern Idaho Technical College
• Lewis-Clark State College
• The College of Idaho
• New Saint Andrews College
• North Idaho College
• Boise State University
• Idaho State University
• University of Idaho
• Brigham Young University-Idaho
• Northwest Nazarene University