10 Cheapest and Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho

Idaho might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of affordable college options, but it should be. The Gem State is quietly one of the best places in the country to earn a degree without piling on debt. Whether you’re in a scenic mountain town or a growing city like Boise or Idaho Falls, the state offers a strong mix of affordability, academic quality, and career potential.

Many Idaho colleges have in-state tuition well below the national average, with generous scholarships and grants available for residents and non-residents alike. The state also keeps living costs low, making it easier to stretch your housing, food, and transportation budget. Whether attending a large public university or a smaller career-focused college, you’ll find plenty of support systems to help you succeed without overpaying for your education.

Idaho’s colleges are closely tied to the state’s fastest-growing industries: healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. That means many programs are designed to prepare you for real-world jobs, with built-in internships and employer partnerships. If you’re looking for strong outcomes and solid job prospects after graduation, Idaho delivers.

Key Takeaways

• Idaho has some of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the U.S., making college accessible to more students.
• Living costs are lower than national averages, so your total expenses stay manageable.
• Colleges align with local job markets, especially in tech, healthcare, and agriculture.
• Financial aid and scholarships are widely available for Idaho residents and some out-of-state students.
• Outdoor access and quality of life make Idaho an attractive choice for students who want more than just a degree.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho

Idaho’s college system is surprisingly affordable, especially for in-state students. From large research universities to small private institutions, the state offers plenty of options to get a quality education without overspending. The colleges below are ranked by average in-state tuition and chosen for their mix of strong academics, financial aid, and career-focused programs.

Brigham Young University–Idaho

Located in Rexburg, BYU–Idaho is a private university affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It offers a highly affordable education with a strong focus on faith, service, and career preparation.

Main Courses:

You’ll find popular programs in business, elementary education, animal science, computer science, and communication. BYU–Idaho also offers online degrees through its Pathway program.

Pros:

• Extremely low tuition for a private college
• Strong sense of community and shared values
• Wide range of online and campus programs
• Career-oriented academic pathways

Cons:

• Religious requirements for students
• Honor code restrictions may not suit everyone
• Fewer graduate-level opportunities

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$4,180

Lewis-Clark State College

Based in Lewiston, Lewis-Clark State is a small public college focused on workforce development and career training. It serves both academic and technical students with equal attention.

Main Courses:

Standout programs include nursing, elementary and secondary education, radiographic science, business administration, and welding.

Pros:

• Low tuition with strong job placement outcomes
• Hands-on, career-focused training
• Small class sizes and supportive faculty
• Well-known nursing and trades programs

Cons:

• Fewer research opportunities
• Limited graduate degrees
• The small-town setting may feel isolated to some

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$6,618

Idaho State University

With its main campus in Pocatello, ISU is a public research university known for healthcare and technical programs. It also has campuses in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Meridian.

Main Courses:

You can study pharmacy, health sciences, civil engineering, nuclear technology, education, and more. ISU also has a top-rated physician assistant program.

Pros:

• Strong focus on healthcare and STEM fields
• Affordable for a research institution
• Access to research labs and clinical sites
• Multiple campus locations

Cons:

• Admissions can be competitive in health programs
• Social life is quieter than in larger universities
• Not as nationally recognized as other flagships

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$7,420

Boise State University

Boise State is Idaho’s largest public university, located right in the capital city. It’s known for its growing research programs, innovation, and strong ties to local tech companies.

Main Courses:

Business, mechanical and software engineering, nursing, communication, and environmental studies are just some of your options here.

Pros:

• Urban campus in a thriving metro area
• Access to internships and employers in Boise
• Great athletics and school spirit
• Expanding research and innovation opportunities

Cons:

• Parking and housing can be tight in the city
• Large introductory classes in core subjects
• Some programs have higher admission standards

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$7,690

University of Idaho

Located in Moscow, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship public university. It offers a full range of programs and a traditional campus experience with strong academic rigor.

Main Courses:

Popular programs include civil engineering, agriculture, pre-law, English, and wildlife sciences. The university also offers strong graduate research programs.

Pros:

• Beautiful campus with a traditional college feel
• Wide range of majors and graduate programs
• Strong alumni network across the Mountain West
• Research opportunities in agriculture and natural sciences

Cons:

• Rural location with limited public transportation
• Slightly higher tuition than other public schools
• Winters can be long and cold

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$7,840

Boise Bible College

Boise Bible College is a small private Christian institution that prepares students for ministry and leadership roles. It’s located in Boise and offers a focused, values-based learning environment.

Main Courses:

Key areas include biblical studies, ministry leadership, Christian education, and pastoral counseling. Programs are designed to prepare students for work in churches, missions, and Christian nonprofits.

Pros:

• Strong Christian foundation and mission-driven learning
• Small class sizes with personal attention
• Affordable tuition for a private college
• Close-knit, supportive campus community

Cons:

• Limited program variety outside of the ministry
• Small campus and student body
• Few secular or technical career options

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$12,520

New Saint Andrews College

Located in downtown Moscow, New Saint Andrews is a classical Christian liberal arts college offering a rigorous, discussion-based education rooted in biblical worldview and Western tradition.

Main Courses:

Programs are focused on classical liberal arts, including theology, philosophy, literature, rhetoric, and ancient languages. The college follows a fixed curriculum model.

Pros:

• High academic standards and a unique classical approach
• Very low student-to-faculty ratio
• Strong intellectual and faith-based community
• Emphasis on deep reading, writing, and public speaking

Cons:

• Extremely limited program diversity
• No STEM or professional degrees
• Not ideal for students seeking mainstream careers

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$12,800

College of Eastern Idaho

College of Eastern Idaho is a public community college in Idaho Falls offering affordable, career-focused education with strong local industry ties.

Main Courses:

You can pursue programs in nursing, cybersecurity, general studies, industrial systems, and business. CEI also offers transfer degrees and workforce training certificates.

Pros:

• Low tuition and fees
• Flexible scheduling options
• Strong community and employer connections
• Pathways to four-year institutions

Cons:

• Limited bachelor’s degree options
• Smaller campus environment
• Fewer extracurricular activities than larger universities

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$4,560 – One of the lowest in Idaho, CEI makes quality education accessible for local and nontraditional students.

Northwest Nazarene University

NNU is a private Christian university in Nampa offering a blend of liberal arts and professional programs. It serves a diverse student body while maintaining its faith-based mission.

Main Courses:

You’ll find strong programs in nursing, education, social work, business, and engineering. NNU also offers online and graduate degrees.

Pros:

• Strong community and Christian values
• A broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs
• Supportive campus and student services
• Beautiful suburban campus near Boise

Cons:

• Higher tuition than most public options
• Required chapel and faith components
• Limited research opportunities

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$29,800

The College of Idaho

Located in Caldwell, The College of Idaho is a private liberal arts school known for its small class sizes, innovative curriculum, and strong academic tradition.

Main Courses:

The college follows a PEAK curriculum model where students graduate with four areas of focus. Popular majors include biology, political economy, education, pre-med, and business.

Pros:

• Personalized education with exceptional faculty support
• The PEAK curriculum encourages interdisciplinary learning
• Strong academic outcomes and alumni network
• Beautiful campus near Boise

Cons:

• The highest tuition on this list
• Small enrollment and campus size
• Fewer STEM and technical degree options

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$30,150

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Most Affordable Idaho Colleges

Getting into one of Idaho’s affordable colleges is a straightforward process, but there are a few important steps you’ll need to follow to qualify for admission, financial aid, and in-state tuition. Each college may have specific deadlines and requirements, but most follow a similar path. Taking time to complete each step thoroughly will help you access scholarships and grants that reduce your costs significantly.

Complete Application Form Submission

Most Idaho colleges accept applications through their institutional websites or platforms like the Common App. You’ll be asked to fill in basic details, write a personal statement or short essay, and share information about your extracurriculars. This is your chance to show who you are beyond grades, so take it seriously.

Official High School Transcripts

Colleges require an official transcript from your high school or proof of a GED. These records give admissions teams a clear view of your academic history and help determine eligibility for merit-based scholarships or honors programs.

Idaho Residency Status Verification

To qualify for in-state tuition, you must prove residency in Idaho. Common forms of proof include a valid Idaho driver’s license, voter registration, or state tax documents. Each school may have its own checklist for what’s required, so check directly with the admissions office.

ACT or SAT Scores

Many Idaho colleges still consider ACT or SAT scores as part of the admissions process, especially for merit aid. While some schools have adopted test-optional policies, submitting strong scores can improve your chances for scholarships.

FAFSA Financial Aid Application

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential to unlocking federal grants, work-study, and institutional aid. Idaho also offers its own need-based scholarships that rely on FAFSA information, so complete the form as early as possible, ideally before state priority deadlines.

How Do Idaho College Costs Compare to National Averages

Idaho stands out as one of the most affordable states in the country for higher education. In-state tuition at public universities generally ranges between $8,000 and $9,500 per year, which is lower than the national average of about $10,700. Even private colleges in Idaho tend to cost less than similar institutions in other states.

But the real savings go beyond tuition. Idaho also has lower-than-average living costs. Students typically spend less on housing, food, and transportation, especially if they attend school in a rural or suburban area. Some campuses offer affordable on-campus housing, while others partner with landlords to provide student-friendly rates.

What makes Idaho even more attractive is the range of financial aid available. Many students dramatically reduce or even eliminate their out-of-pocket costs through federal aid, Idaho Opportunity Scholarships, and school-specific awards. If you’re eligible for work-study or internships in fields like tech or healthcare, you’ll find additional opportunities to earn while you learn.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Affordable Idaho Colleges

If you’re an international student considering Idaho, you’ll pay more than in-state residents, but the cost is still lower than in many other U.S. states. Tuition for non-residents at public universities typically falls between $20,000 and $28,000 per year. While that’s a significant increase from the $8,000–$10,000 paid by Idahoans, it’s still 25 to 40 percent cheaper than similar schools in high-cost states like California or New York.

Living expenses are also much more manageable in Idaho. International students benefit from affordable housing, modest food prices, and low transportation costs, especially in smaller cities or college towns. Most colleges also offer meal plans and dorms that are more affordable than off-campus rentals in larger metro areas.

Additional costs to plan for include mandatory health insurance (usually $1,800 to $2,400 annually), visa processing fees, and service charges for international student support. Still, many schools offer on-campus jobs or connections to local employment opportunities to help you offset your costs while you study.

How Does University of the People Compare with Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho

University of the People (UoPeople) offers a unique alternative to Idaho’s traditional colleges. As an accredited, tuition-free, online university, it removes many of the financial barriers associated with higher education. While there’s no tuition, students pay modest fees: a $60 application fee and $160 per undergraduate course. For a full bachelor’s degree (typically 40 courses), the total comes to around $6,400.

When it comes to accreditation, UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and is also recognized by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), aligning it with national academic standards comparable to those of Idaho’s public universities.

UoPeople and Idaho’s brick-and-mortar institutions serve different types of learners. UoPeople operates entirely online and asynchronously, making it ideal if you need flexibility or want to study from anywhere in the world. In contrast, Idaho’s colleges offer in-person experiences, hands-on learning, campus facilities, and deeper ties to local industries like tech, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Idaho’s colleges may be a better fit if you’re looking for a campus lifestyle, real-world labs and internships, or a personal connection with faculty and classmates. But if flexibility, affordability, and online accessibility are your top priorities, UoPeople is an excellent option, especially for adult learners or international students seeking a U.S.-accredited degree without relocating.

Ready to Choose the Most Affordable College?

Choosing the right affordable college in Idaho comes down to your priorities. You’ll want to compare tuition and total costs, including housing, books, and transportation. Also consider the strength of the program you’re interested in, each college’s accreditation status, financial aid options, job placement rates, and how well the school supports students both academically and personally.

Idaho offers a range of college experiences, from research universities like Boise State and the University of Idaho to smaller schools like Lewis-Clark State and Boise Bible College. You’ll find institutions aligned with your interests, whether you’re aiming for a hands-on technical degree, a faith-based education, or a liberal arts foundation.

Whether you choose a local campus or an online option like University of the People, you can find a path that fits your budget and goals without sacrificing quality.

FAQs

What is the average tuition at Idaho’s most affordable colleges?

For in-state residents, tuition typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 annually. Private colleges in Idaho tend to be higher, but are still more affordable than many private institutions in other states.

Which Idaho college has the lowest in-state tuition rates?

Brigham Young University–Idaho has the lowest tuition, averaging around $4,180 per year for in-state students.

What financial aid programs are available at Idaho colleges?

Idaho offers several state-based financial aid programs like the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, along with federal aid through FAFSA and institutional merit- and need-based awards.

Do Idaho colleges offer work-study programs for students?

Yes, many Idaho colleges participate in the Federal Work-Study Program, which allows eligible students to earn money through part-time campus or community jobs.

Do Idaho colleges offer online degree programs?

Most public colleges in Idaho offer a mix of hybrid and fully online degrees. Some smaller private colleges also offer flexible online options for working adults.

Which Idaho college offers the most generous financial aid?

Boise State University and University of Idaho both have strong financial aid programs, especially for in-state students, including scholarships for academic merit, leadership, and need.