Best Online Colleges in Idaho
The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top online colleges in Idaho. Start planning your future at BestColleges.
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Idaho features one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States at just 2.9%. This means employers must raise salaries and strengthen benefits to attract talented candidates. Additionally, some of the state’s largest employment sectors — such as education, management, and healthcare — feature salaries that range from $43,410 to $77,510 per year.
In Boise, Idaho’s largest city, salaries like these allow professionals to live comfortably. However, to obtain a lucrative and fulfilling career, you often need some formal education beyond high school. To meet your professional goals, consider earning a degree or certificate from one of the best online universities in Idaho.
Attending college online presents many advantages for both recent high school graduates and working adults who need additional education. Many online programs boast an asynchronous format with no set meeting times. As a result, students can view pre-recorded lectures and complete work when it suits their schedules. Online learners can also access many — if not all — of the same student support resources available to on-campus degree-seekers. Additionally, online programs at public colleges and universities often extend in-state tuition to out-of-state learners.
This guide outlines the top five online universities in Idaho, including available online programs, student support services, scholarship opportunities, and other essential details that can help you choose the right school and program. Use the embedded links to learn more about each school, as well as to contact admissions and financial aid counselors. Each school on this list holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Idaho
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$8,816
$28,052
79%
48%
Idaho's best public online university, the University of Idaho offers seven online undergraduate and three online graduate degrees, including popular bachelor's programs in history and organizational sciences. All bachelor's programs accept significant transfer credit, making them an attractive option for prospective students who already possess an associate degree. Available master's programs prepare graduates for careers as public administrators, psychologists, and performing artists.
Prospective students can review the U of I website to explore careers and learn more about available internship opportunities. Students may also explore the four-year degree plan for each program, an excellent tool that helps learners graduate on time. All degree-seekers meet with an advisor at least once per term, typically before registering for courses.
U of I accepts new students in the fall semester, and undergraduate application requirements include ACT or SAT scores. Application materials for graduate applicants vary by program. In-state learners may qualify for up to $4,000 per year in automatic merit-based scholarships; these awards stack with other institutional aid.
$8,272
$27,508
75%
11,849
Public
Yes
$8,816
$28,052
Moscow, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$8,816
$28,052
79%
48%
$8,272
$27,508
75%
11,849
Public
Yes
Idaho's best public online university, the University of Idaho offers seven online undergraduate and three online graduate degrees, including popular bachelor's programs in history and organizational sciences. All bachelor's programs accept significant transfer credit, making them an attractive option for prospective students who already possess an associate degree. Available master's programs prepare graduates for careers as public administrators, psychologists, and performing artists.
Prospective students can review the U of I website to explore careers and learn more about available internship opportunities. Students may also explore the four-year degree plan for each program, an excellent tool that helps learners graduate on time. All degree-seekers meet with an advisor at least once per term, typically before registering for courses.
U of I accepts new students in the fall semester, and undergraduate application requirements include ACT or SAT scores. Application materials for graduate applicants vary by program. In-state learners may qualify for up to $4,000 per year in automatic merit-based scholarships; these awards stack with other institutional aid.
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$5,928
$23,906
N/A
59%
Idaho State University offers numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees online, including several options in the Division of Health Sciences. Learners can pursue a graduate degree in dental hygiene or a bachelor's degree in emergency medical services, among other subjects.
ISU boasts an extensive guide to help new degree-seekers succeed with online learning, and learners can contact technical support at any time of day. The online course catalog also clearly states whether a course uses a synchronous or asynchronous format. Additionally, ISU counselors work closely with students to locate internship and field placements, if necessary.
Online undergraduate programs at ISU accept applications from high school juniors, making the university an excellent choice for prospective dual-enrollment students. First-time applicants must submit high school transcripts or GED scores and standardized test scores.
$8,601
$26,578
71%
12,301
Public
Yes
$5,928
$23,906
Pocatello, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$5,928
$23,906
N/A
59%
$8,601
$26,578
71%
12,301
Public
Yes
Idaho State University offers numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees online, including several options in the Division of Health Sciences. Learners can pursue a graduate degree in dental hygiene or a bachelor's degree in emergency medical services, among other subjects.
ISU boasts an extensive guide to help new degree-seekers succeed with online learning, and learners can contact technical support at any time of day. The online course catalog also clearly states whether a course uses a synchronous or asynchronous format. Additionally, ISU counselors work closely with students to locate internship and field placements, if necessary.
Online undergraduate programs at ISU accept applications from high school juniors, making the university an excellent choice for prospective dual-enrollment students. First-time applicants must submit high school transcripts or GED scores and standardized test scores.
Boise State University
Boise, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$5,941
$24,135
84%
56%
Boise State University offers 47 online degrees and certificates, including a bachelor's degree in imaging science, a master's in genetic counseling, and a doctorate in educational technology. This top online university in Idaho creates online programs for busy professionals, with flexible coursework and the ability to learn on a full-time or part-time basis.
Online learners at BSU benefit from a student success team. These highly trained advisors answer questions regarding credit transfer and graduation requirements. Additional student support services include a pathway degree plan that degree-seekers can complete online.
Prospective learners can attend a live online information session. Boise State accepts GED scores and requires standardized test scores from high school graduates without a minimum GPA. All online learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency. Online students may qualify for university-funded scholarships and grants. These financial aid opportunities award up to $5,000 per year to in-state students.
$7,236
$24,573
78%
26,727
Public
Yes
$5,941
$24,135
Boise, ID4 yearCampus + Online
$5,941
$24,135
84%
56%
$7,236
$24,573
78%
26,727
Public
Yes
Boise State University offers 47 online degrees and certificates, including a bachelor's degree in imaging science, a master's in genetic counseling, and a doctorate in educational technology. This top online university in Idaho creates online programs for busy professionals, with flexible coursework and the ability to learn on a full-time or part-time basis.
Online learners at BSU benefit from a student success team. These highly trained advisors answer questions regarding credit transfer and graduation requirements. Additional student support services include a pathway degree plan that degree-seekers can complete online.
Prospective learners can attend a live online information session. Boise State accepts GED scores and requires standardized test scores from high school graduates without a minimum GPA. All online learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency. Online students may qualify for university-funded scholarships and grants. These financial aid opportunities award up to $5,000 per year to in-state students.
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