Best Colleges in Idaho

The best online university in Idaho, Brigham Young University - Idaho is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The university boasts more than 40 online degrees and certificates in four academic areas -- business, technology, family studies, and professional studies. Students can also customize their experience by combining a degree with a certificate. All courses use an asynchronous curriculum and emphasize gospel learning. Along with highly trained advisors, BYU-Idaho provides learners with multiple informational articles on how to plan courses and qualify for financial aid, among other topics. Additionally, online course planning software allows both prospective and enrolled students to explore graduation requirements. Prospective learners unsure about a major can apply to the PathwayConnect program, a one-year curriculum that provides essential academic success skills and fulfills many general education requirements. Applicants to degree and certificate programs submit ACT or SAT scores and high school transcripts or GED scores. All applicants also complete an interview.

Northwest Nazarene University, based in Nampa, offers numerous online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. A Christian institution, this top Idaho university features programs in Christian studies, ministry, missional leadership, and family ministry. Additionally, practicing teachers planning for careers as education administrators can pursue one of NNU's five education leadership programs, all of which award a doctorate. Unlike other colleges that offer online programs, NNU allows college-age distance education students to live on campus. These degree-seekers can participate in campus life and access student resources in person. All online learners receive one-on-one academic and career counseling support. Application requirements vary by program and may require transcripts, standardized test scores, and recommendation letters. Both undergraduate and graduate programs charge the same per-credit tuition rate to in-state and out-of-state students. Incoming learners interested in financial aid should submit FAFSA results by the Jan. 15 application deadline.

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.

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.

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.