Best Colleges in Idaho

The University of Idaho serves more than 11,000 students through a 1,585-acre campus in Moscow, three educational centers, nine research and extension centers, and extension offices in 42 counties. U of I is a land-grant institution, the state's primary research university, and the lead university in the Idaho Space Grant Consortium.

U of I offers 94 undergraduate majors and 62 graduate majors in 12 comprehensive disciplines including art and design, engineering, health, language and writing, and performance art. Many undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs offer online completion pathways. Students enrolled in agricultural programs gain valuable hands-on experience in campus labs, greenhouses, and animal centers and out in the field on hundreds of acres of farmland.

To be considered for undergraduate admission, applicants must possess a minimum 2.0 GPA and provide SAT or ACT scores, official high school transcripts, and a nonrefundable $60 fee.

Originally founded as Boise Junior College in 1932, Boise State University became Idaho's third state university in 1974. The 285-acre campus encompasses more than 170 buildings and serves approximately 25,000 students each year. BSU boasts successful NCAA athletic programs, a dynamic Greek life community, and more than 260 student clubs and organizations.

This public research university offers 91 bachelor's degrees, 66 master's degrees, 29 graduate certificates, and 11 doctoral degrees. The school's highest-enrollment undergraduate programs include nursing, health science studies, biology, computer science, and psychology. Graduate programs with the highest enrollment numbers include social work, business administration, and educational technology. Distance learners can access hundreds of classes and more than 45 complete degrees online.

Prospective students must submit a complete application, official high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. A $50 application fee applies for nonresidents of Idaho and applicants interested in fully online programs.

The College of Idaho is a private liberal arts college located in Caldwell, 30 miles from downtown Boise. The oldest school of its kind in the state, C of I serves more than 1,000 students each year. The college fosters a close-knit community, with more than 60% of students living on-site in residence halls. C of I also offers varsity sports, Greek life, outdoor activities, and study abroad programs.

C of I uses a distinctive curriculum called PEAK, which requires students to complete one major and three minors in four years. PEAK offers practical education and helps expand students' horizons through exposure to four academic areas: the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and a professional field. Learners enjoy small class sizes thanks to the school's 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

C of I bases admission decisions on high school academics, recommendation letters, community involvement, personal achievements, and writing ability. The school does not require applicants to provide ACT/SAT scores.