10 Best Affordable Schools in Idaho for Bachelor’s Degree 2020

If you’re looking for an affordable bachelor’s degrees in Idaho, the state is home to more than a dozen institutions of higher learning that offer both two- and four-year programs in a number of disciplines. Many postsecondary institutions offer superior academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students alike. Due to significant diversity in both learning platforms and programs as well as some of the most affordable tuition rates in the country, students from all backgrounds flock to the state to pursue a college degree.

To distinguish between colleges and universities as well as the programs they offer, future students generally compare several defining features such as:

• graduation rates
• student/faculty ratios
• the average cost of attendance

Keeping track of this information and narrowing down your options can be a time-consuming and challenging process. To help you, we applied a rigorous methodology to rank the most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Idaho.

Methodology

For this comprehensive list of the most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Idaho, we compiled a list of colleges and universities across the state and awarded points based on three core metrics related to:

• the size of classes
• level of student success
• affordability

We evaluated each institution’s:

• tuition rates,
• student/faculty ratios
• graduation rates

These three factors are what prospective students use when considering a degree program in Idaho. To gather our list of schools, we conducted a search for the term “colleges in Idaho” and cross-referenced the data with the information provided on each school’s website.

Average Cost of Attendance

 To save you time, we’ve compiled this information here in one place. We also used the average cost of attendance as a basis for awarding points, ranking tuition based on how much on-campus, in-state students can expect to pay for one year of study if they take 15 hours of courses each semester. Although we did not use out-of-state tuition rates in our ranking, we felt it necessary to provide these figures for students who may be considering an Idaho school from elsewhere in the country.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Next, we used each school’s student:faculty ratio to get a better understanding of not only the size of the school itself but also the size of its classes. Some students need to learn in a small setting as they require a greater level of accountability to complete their course requirements. Other students thrive in a large environment in which they disappear into the background, free to complete their studies without extra personal attention. There are benefits to both. For the purpose of this ranking, we determined that schools with the lowest student:faculty ratios would earn the highest amount of points based on the following ranges.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Graduation Rate

Many students look at a school’s admissions rate to determine their likelihood of getting into their program of choice. Another important factor to consider is the graduation rate, or the number of students that stick with the program and eventually earn their degree. For example, if a school has a low graduation rate, it might mean that students are leaving midway through the program for a number of reasons. It might be due to poor academic support or unhelpful faculty members. It might be unaffordable tuition rates. Therefore, we awarded the highest amount of points to colleges and universities that reported the highest graduation rates.

Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Ranking Top 10 Best Affordable Bachelor’s Degree Colleges in Idaho

10. Stevens-Henager College

Boise, Idaho

Points: 5
School Website

Established in 1891, Stevens-Henager College is a private, nonprofit college with campuses in Boise and Idaho Falls, Idaho. There are also four locations throughout Utah. SHC confers affordable bachelor’s and master’s degrees to more than 350 undergraduate students across both Idaho locations. Students may pursue highly sought-after career fields such as:

• graphic arts
• information technology
• business
• healthcare

Students may earn their bachelor’s degree in as few as 36 months if enrolled full-time. Inexpensive online programs are also provided. Coursework is delivered in a 24/7, flexible distance learning format with outstanding academic support.  The school has a 9:1 student/faculty ratio. SHC offers personalized tutoring and mentoring as well as scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of tuition.

In-State Tuition: $16,972
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,972
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 18 percent

9. Boise State University

Boise, Idaho

Points: 5
School Website

Founded by the Episcopal Church in 1932, Boise State University is a public research university located in Boise, Idaho. Students can choose from more than 200 inexpensive areas of study. To make their academic experience unique they have the opportunity to combine:

• certificates
• minors
• work experiences
• hands-on research
• internships 

The school is known for its undergraduate research. Students are encouraged to conduct projects in:

• alternative energy
• art history
• choreography
• economics

BSU is also recognized for its School of Nursing, which boasts the state’s largest undergraduate nursing program, as well as its “Finish in Four” completion programs. Students work and regularly meet with an advisor who offers career development and helps them register for courses. Students who meet all requirements and follow BSU’s procedures and who are unable to graduate in four years are entitled to free tuition for any courses they have left to take.

In-State Tuition: $7,694
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,776
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent

8. Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, Idaho

Points: 6
School Website

Located in Nampa, Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University is a private, Christian liberal arts university. Established in 1913 as a a Bible school and a grade school, NNU enrolls more than 8,000 students from 31 states and 14 countries. The school is comprised of five academic and support units:

• the School of Theology and Christian Ministries
• the School of Business
• the College of Adult and Graduate Studies
• the College of Arts and Sciences
• Academic Services

NNU provides more than 60 low-cost degree programs in professional and adult, graduate, and undergraduate areas of study. Several programs are available through an accelerated track. NNU is also the first Christian university in the state to offer an agricultural concentration for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering. NNU is known across the state for its veteran support services. It provides a number of education benefits for veterans, including the Yellow Ribbon Program.

In-State Tuition: $29,800
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,800
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent

7. Boise Bible College

Boise, Idaho

Points: 6
School Website

Boise Bible College focuses on preparing students to serve in a number of ministry careers. To accomplish this, all of BBC’s inexpensive academic programs are comprised of three elements:

• Bible
• general education
• professional ministry studies

The school offers four-year Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Each includes a major in Bible. Students may then choose an additional major or minor to complete such as:

• youth ministry
• worship ministry
• intercultural studies,
• Christian education
• children’s ministry

BBC also allows students to develop not only their spirituality but also their leadership skills both inside and outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to take advantage of on-campus events such as:

• retreats and banquets
• opportunities for student employment
• mission trips as well as chapel services
• student organizations
• intramural sports 

In-State Tuition: $12,520
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,520
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent

6. The College of Idaho

Caldwell, Idaho

Points: 7
School Website

Founded in 1891, the College of Idaho is a private liberal arts college and the oldest of its kind in the state. Enrolling fewer than 950 undergraduate and graduate students, it is also one of the smallest colleges in Idaho. C of I offers a number of affordable academic programs in:

• business
• education
• anthropology

Graduates have gone on to become Rhodes, Goldwater, Truman, and Marshall scholars. Several of the C of I’s most popular undergraduate majors include:

• the biological and biomedical sciences
• psychology
• the health professions
• business
• the social sciences

The school’s “professional, ethical, articulate, knowledgeable” (PEAK) program provides students the opportunity to specialize in four “peaks” or separate academic areas:

• a professional field
• the natural sciences
• the social sciences,
• the humanities

Students who follow this program can graduate in four years with one major and three minors.

In-State Tuition: $30,155
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,155
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 67 percent

5. University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1889, the University of Idaho is a public university  and the state’s primary research and land-grant university. U of I also operates satellite campuses in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Coeur D’Alene, enrolling more than 11,700 total students.  The school offers more than 300 affordable degrees for undergraduate and graduate students, including popular programs in:

• conservation biology and ecology
• wildlife resources
• environmental science
• music theory
• scientific modeling
• fire ecology and management
• broadcast and digital media

The Division of Distance and Extended Education provides non-traditional course offerings in the areas of independent study, dual credit summer session, and online degrees. Students also have the opportunity to conduct experiments and gain field experience in ecology and agricultural science.

In-State Tuition: $7,864
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,500
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent

4. Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho

Points: 7
School Website

Idaho State University is a public research university that was founded in 1901 as the Academy of Idaho. Today, ISU offers nearly 300 affordable academic programs at its main campus and at locations in Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and Meridian as well as online. Recognized as Idaho’s lead institution in degrees pertaining to medical education and the health professions, ISU offers low-cost academic majors through its various colleges ISU enrolls more than 12,600 students and reports a 14:1 student/faculty ratio. Students may choose to participate in more than 140 registered student organizations as well as several sorority and fraternity chapters. On-campus student media opportunities include a radio station and a student-run newspaper.

In-State Tuition: $7,420
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,940
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 30 percent

3. Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, Idaho

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1893 as the Lewiston State Normal School, Lewis-Clark State College is a public college. Enrolling more than 3,600 students from more than 25 states and 34 countries, LCSC is the top ranked institution in the state for offering the lowest tuition rates among all public four-year schools. Students may choose from more than 220 affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and minors. The school is most known for its affordable programs in:

• technology
• business
• management sciences and information systems
• nursing
• education
• criminal justice
• social work

LCSC also offers non-credit classes through workforce training and continuing education programs. Approximately 81 percent of LCSC students receive some type of financial aid.  95 percent of recent LCSC graduates go on to graduate school, a job, or another area.

In-State Tuition: $6,618
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,236
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 28 percent

2. Brigham Young University-Idaho

Rexburg, Idaho

Points: 7
School Website

Brigham Young University-Idaho is a private university owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Established in 1888 as Ricks College, BYU-Idaho also operates a main campus in Utah as well as a location in Hawaii. Enrolling 34,000 on-campus and 15,000 online students, BYU-Idaho is comprised of six colleges. Students may choose from 20 associate and 87 bachelor’s degrees, including popular, low-cost majors in industries such as:

• automotive technology
• construction management
• applied plant science
• animal and food science

BYU-Idaho uses an approach known as the Learning Model, which includes 14-week semesters and discussion-based classes that encourage student engagement. All students must adhere to the Church Education System honor code regarding rules for:

• academic honesty
• drug and alcohol use
• grooming
• dress
• chastity.

In-State Tuition: $4,118
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,118
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent

1. New Saint Andrews College

Moscow, Idaho

Points: 8
School Website

Founded in 1994 and modeled after the Harvard College’s curriculum, New Saint Andrews College is a private, classical Christian college. Enrolling students from 35 states and eight countries, NSAC does not offer undergraduate majors. Instead,  it follows one integrated liberal arts curriculum provided through a Christian worldview. Students attending NSAC receive a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Culture degree that begins with preparatory training centered on a curriculum such as the Trivium, which involves rhetoric, logic/dialectic, and grammar. The program then moves to advanced studies as represented through courses in the Quadrivium, or astronomy, music, geometry, and arithmetic. It has a 10:1 student/faculty ratio, a 78 percent graduation rate, and an affordable tuition rate. Students seeking a liberal arts education grounded in the classical and Christian traditions and faith may consider NSAC. It’s  not only the most affordable bachelor’s degree college in Idaho but also the best value for their money.

In-State Tuition: $12,800
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,800
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 78 percent

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most In-Demand Careers in Idaho for Graduates With a Bachelor’s Degree?

To help you determine the most profitable career path as you narrow down your options and search for the most affordable bachelor’s degree college in Idaho, we compiled information about the most in-demand careers in Idaho for students with an undergraduate degree. Whether you are already set on a career and would like to learn more about its employment outlook or you are currently searching for a hot career in Idaho, we can help.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information, we consulted the Idaho Department of Labor for assistance. Based on projections, the following are the top 15 hot jobs in Idaho as well as their projected growth rates between 2016 and 2026:

• Respiratory Therapists: 51.2 percent
• Actuaries: 42.1 percent
• Statisticians: 42 percent
• Home Health Aides: 39 percent
• Personal Care Aides: 37 percent
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: 35.2 percent
• Nurse Practitioners: 35.1 percent
• Physician Assistants: 32.8 percent
• Massage Therapists: 31.5 percent
• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians: 31.4 percent
• Postsecondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers: 30.4 percent
• Information Security Analysts: 30.3 percent
• Software Developers, Applications: 30.2 percent
• Registered Nurses: 29.3 percent
• Internists, General: 29.1 percent

Radiation therapists, physical therapist assistants, market research analysts and marketing specialists, medical secretaries, and physical therapists are also in high-demand across the state. In addition, the fastest-growing industries in Idaho based on projections by the Idaho Department of Labor for 2016 to 2026 include:

• service producing
• educational and health services
• trade
• transportation
• utilities

Goods-producing and healthcare/social assistance round out the top five.

What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Idaho?

As you consider your future, chances are you’re likely thinking about the salary in your career. Whether you know the path you wish to take or you are still deciding between several occupations, understanding the salary expectations can help you to narrow down your options. We consulted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a resource dedicated to calculating occupational employment and wage estimates across the state. According to the BLS, data was collected from employers in all industries in both nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas in Idaho, and the figures below are accurate as of May 2018. The BLS indicates that the annual mean wage across all occupations was $43,480, or $20.90 per hour. The top five highest-paying careers in Idaho include:

• Anesthesiologists: $256,450
• Physicians and Surgeons, All Other: $241,670
• Surgeons: $241,030
• Family and General Practitioners: $234,810
• Orthodontists: $202,030

For our purposes, however, we decided to look at other well-paying jobs that graduates with a bachelor’s degree can hold either immediately after completing their programs or with extra training or on-the-job experience. Although medical schools and law schools do require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to be admitted into their programs, some other high-paying occupations that average salaries above $100,000 per year in Idaho include:

• Computer and Information Research Scientists: $137,180
• Sales Engineers: $124,300
• Architectural and Engineering Managers: $117,930
• Chemical Engineers: $114,140
• Postsecondary Engineering Teachers: $111,330
• Engineers, All Other: $110,270
• Physician Assistants: $109,090
• Computer Hardware Engineers: $106,680
• Marketing Managers: $105,210
• Personal Financial Advisors: $104,640
• Sales Managers: $103,780
• Computer and Information Systems Managers: $102,910
• Nurse Practitioners: $102,600
• Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers: $101,590
• Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers: $100,110

Based on the data above, we can conclude that, aside from occupations in the healthcare industry that require a master’s or doctoral degree, the highest-paying jobs in Idaho are in the computer and information technology, education, business, and engineering industries.

What Are the Best Schools in Idaho for Bachelor’s Recipients?

Of the more than a dozen four-year colleges and universities in Idaho, some of the most well-known schools include:

• the College of Idaho
• Idaho State University
• Boise State University
• the University of Idaho
• Brigham Young University-Idaho

Although we detailed these five schools in our ranking above, we felt it would be helpful to compile data regarding salary information for students graduating from these institutions. To do this, we used information obtained from PayScale for three categories:

• early career pay, or the amount a student can earn five years after graduation,
• mid-career pay, or the amount a student may bring home 10 years after earning his or her degree
• the 20-year net return on investment (ROI), or the amount that graduates will earn after 20 years in the field.

We ranked each of the five schools in order from the highest ROI to the lowest ROI. The ROI figures below are provided for on-campus students who pursued a degree without any type of financial aid package. We also used salary data for early career earnings and mid-career pay based on students who have a bachelor’s degree and who did not go on to pursue graduate studies.

• 1. Brigham Young University-Idaho
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $468,000
  – Early Career Pay: $52,700
  – Mid-Career Pay: $94,300
• 2. University of Idaho
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $368,000
  – Early Career Pay: $51,300
  – Mid-Career Pay: $95,200
• 3. Idaho State University
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $314,000
  – Early Career Pay: $50,300
  – Mid-Career Pay: $89,800
• 4. Boise State University
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $288,000
  – Early Career Pay: $49,300
  – Mid-Career Pay: $83,000
• 5. Lewis-Clark State College
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $200,000
  – Early Career Pay: $45,200
  – Mid-Career Pay: $69,700

Many prospective students overlook Idaho in the Pacific Northwest, yet it is a beautiful state covered in deep river valleys and soaring mountains. Although the Gem State is best known as a producer of potatoes, it is home to a number of affordable bachelor’s degree colleges that range from small private colleges to large state universities. For instance, although the Vandal might be the mascot of the University of Idaho, it is the students who make out like bandits, considering the school’s $368,000 20-year net ROI. U of I is also home to some of the highest-paid graduates, both at five years and at 10 years after graduation.

If you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Idaho you will benefit from rigorous academic programs that prepare you for careers across a broad spectrum of industries. You will also have time to take in the state’s majestic waterfalls, canyons, and mountain ranges. Each of the 10 most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Idaho listed above was chosen based on points awarded in three categories. When considered as a whole, they provide a comprehensive idea of each school’s cost-to-quality ratio.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 10 most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Idaho.

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