Top Online Colleges in Idaho (ID): Best Schools of 2024

Colleges in Idaho have a wide range of online degree programs to meet the needs of their students. At Boise State University, for example, over 16,000 students took at least one online class in 2021.

If you live in Idaho, enrolling in an online college in-state gives you access to in-state tuition, local scholarships, and academic and career services usually reserved for campus-based college students. Earning your degree at an online college in Idaho combines the flexibility of online learning with the affordability of in-state education.

To get you started on your school search, we’ve researched the best online colleges Idaho has to offer. Read on to see which schools stand out and get all the information you need to pick the program that is right for you.

Idaho’s Best Colleges to Earn an Online Degree: 2023

OnlineColleges.me has analyzed and ranked the colleges in Idaho with the best online degree program options. Key factors in the ranking include academics, affordability, student support services, and student outcomes. The schools listed below offer strong curricula, a wider range of online programs, and the flexibility you need to excel in 2023 and beyond.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Boise State University

Boise, Idaho

Public $$
Boise State University has been ranked as one of the most innovative schools by U.S. News & World Report, and it shows through their online programs. The university offers a wide variety of interactive, online degrees, professional certificates, and classes designed by faculty members and instructional designers. You can choose one of the 70+ online programs year-round on a part- or full-time schedule, whichever best fits your situation. Many online programs are even offered in an accelerated format with classes taking place over a 5- or 7-week timeframe so you can finish more classes during the traditional 15-week semester.
Program Highlights:
BA in Digital Innovation & Design
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $350/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Master of Education in Early and Special Education
- Credits: 34
- Length: 4+ semesters
- Cost: $492/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership
- Credits: 40
- Length: 7-8 semesters
- Cost: $820/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
2
University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho

Public $$
The University of Idaho offers dozens of different undergraduate and graduate degrees that you can complete at your own pace entirely online. The online programs are designed to allow students to continue working while taking courses. You’ll be able to take a single online course or a full semester load depending on your availability. None of the online programs require students to visit campus, but the school encourages students to stop by at any time, especially for Commencement. Online students have access to many digital resources from the school’s library, which also has a 24/7 library chat that students can use if they need help.
Program Highlights:
MS in Adult, Organizational Learning and Leadership
- Credits: 30-39
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $589/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
MS in Environmental Service
- Credits: 30
- Length: 3+ semesters
- Cost: $589/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
BA/BS in Communications
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $455/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
3
Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho

Public $$
Idaho State University offers a variety of different online programs across all different levels. Certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, graduate and doctoral degrees are availabel trhough ISU’s online department. Delivery options range from asynchronous online, synchronous online, and mostly online with up to five required face-to-face meetings. Even though the third option may have a few required in-person meetings, the rest of the course material and other requirements will be asynchronous so students still have a great amount of flexibility. For students who prioritze flexibility above everything else, the best option is the asynchronous online courses. Students who take courses thorugh eISU will have to pay a $35/credit hour fee for the services that help ISU deliver high-quality online education that is equal to the face-to-face classroom education. These services include online proctoring, captioning, digital course materials and software, and web conferencing among other things.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in Criminology
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Cost: Varies
- Mode: Online – Asynchronous & Synchronous
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: Varies
- Mode: Online – Asynchronous & Synchronous
- Accreditation: NWCCU
MBA
- Credits: 39
- Length: Varies
- Cost: Varies
- Mode: Online – Synchronous & Asynchronous
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

13/1
4
Brigham Young University-Idaho

Rexburg, Idaho

Private not-for-profit $
The Pathway program at Brigham Young University-Idaho allows students in over 180 countries to take certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees online. These online programs are spiritually based and are designed to build hope and spiritual confidence. For students who need a better job as soon as possible, the Pathway program allows them to combine three certificates and an associate degree to make a custom bachelor’s degree. This lets students apply their certificates or associate degree toward getting a better job without the wait that a four-year degree may require. During certain courses students meet virtually or in a local gathering place once a week to participate in educational or leadership activities.
Program Highlights:
BAS in Marriage and Family Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $99-$169/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
AAS in Family History Research
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $99-$169/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
BAS in Business Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $99-$169/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

20/1
5
Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, Idaho

Public $$
The adult learning program at Lewis-Clark State College is one of the best schools in the nation for nontraditional students. Flexible online, evening, and weekend courses help students finish their degrees when and where they can. All courses are taken through the Canvas learning management system and are completed on students’ own time. The school also offers credit to students for prior experience. To receive these credits, students need to take a prior learning assessment in the form of a portfolio assessment or a challenge exam. These will help the student showcase their college-level experience. Students who choose to build a portfolio will be enrolled in a 1-credit portfolio development course, which will provide general orientation and guidance through the process.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor’s in Computed Tomography
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $358/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
BA/BS in Cybersecurity Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $358/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
BA/BS in History
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $358/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
6
College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls, Idaho

Public $
The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) wants students to succeed in their pursuit of higher education and wants students to consider their goals when determining what class format they need. The school offers in-person, asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid learning options. Online coursework will be submitted through Canvas, CSI’s learning management system, or through CSI Mail, the college’s official email system. If students take an online course that requires proctored exams, they can complete those on campus in the testing center or can work with their professors to find an eligible place in their local community, such as a library. Online students will have access advising and career services, the financial aid office, and CSI’s Learning and Tutoring Commons, which offers free educational support and peer tutoring services.
Program Highlights:
AAS in Business Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $140-$285/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
AA in Economics-Social Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $140-$285/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
AA in Liberal Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $140-$285/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

21/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
North Idaho College

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Public $
North Idaho College offers a broad spectrum of degrees for students to choose from. You’ll be able to select a program from more than 80 different academic offerings, as well as career and technical education certificate programs. Associate degree programs span a wide variety of areas, including healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, communications and humanities, business administration and more. NIC plays a critical role in training employees for entry-level skilled roles in the local region. The school operates on an “open-door” admissions policy, meaning it will provide all eligible students with access to appropriate educational offerings at the college. This can be beneficial for students with divergent interests and abilities.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science, Nursing
- Credits: 68
- Length: 5 semesters
- Cost: $141.50/credit
- Mode: Varies
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Associate of Arts, Social Work
- Credits: 60-64
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $141.50/credit
- Mode: Varies
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

13/1
2
College of Eastern Idaho

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Public $
The College of Eastern Idaho offers more than 346 degrees and certificates for students. CEI offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees that are easily transferable to four-year universities. The school also offers “early college programs” for high school students, career technical programs, basic skills instruction, online learning, continuing education and more. CEI is a partner with Online Idaho, a course search and registration platform to find and register for online transferable courses from Idaho schools. Online learning at CEI can happen through a variety of different formats, including fully online courses, hybrid courses, interactive web courses and more flexible options.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science, Business Managment
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $140/credit
- Mode: Varies
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

11/1

How It Works: Online College Formats in Idaho

Online degree programs are designed to be flexible, but how does that look in real life? Different students have different needs and priorities, and this means that a format that works for one student may be impossible for another. To address the mix of learning styles and needs of today’s online students, schools have developed a variety of learning modes to cater to every type of learner. In this section, we break down the options that are available to you as an online learner so you can find a school that fits your learning style best. We also highlight some of the top programs for every learning mode and style.

Fully-Online vs. Hybrid/Blended

When people hear the words “online college,” they tend to assume that students will never set foot in the classroom, but that isn’t always the case. Of course, 100% online programs are available in Idaho, and you can earn your accredited degree with your computer and a good internet connection. But many schools also offer blended or hybrid programs that combine in-person and online learning. Hybrid programs are a mix of online and on-campus classes, and you can often mix and match to find the right balance for your needs. Blended courses combine online coursework with in-person sessions within a single class.

Whether you prefer the freedom of fully online learning or the structure and community of a mixed program, there’s an online college in Idaho that will match your schedule and learning style. Below, we’ve highlighted a top program of each style to help you get a feel for your options.

Registered Nursing Program at College of Southern Idaho (Blended/Hybrid)

Online registered nursing degrees like the one offered at the College of Southern Idaho are well suited to a hybrid format. Students can complete lecture-based classes on a schedule that works for them and attend in person when it’s time to learn hands-on skills and participate in clinical rotations. By offering the RN program in a hybrid setup, the College of Southern Idaho makes an RN certification possible for busy students who are trying to balance work and home responsibilities that might make it impossible to attend classes on campus full-time.

Alongside its nursing program, the College of Southern Idaho offers an array of online technical certificates, associate degrees, and even online apprenticeships. The school is a great option for students looking for a fast track into a new career or to take the first steps toward their B.A. or B.S.

Cybersecurity at Lewis-Clark State College (Fully Online)

Lewis-Clark State College is home to one of Idaho’s most extensive online computer science degree programs. In fact, their online cybersecurity program is the only one of its kind in Idaho. Students in the cybersecurity management bachelor’s program can expect to graduate with the skills they need to pursue a career in the information security industry. The program incorporates elements of computer programming and business management, and students take courses in networking, advanced cybersecurity, and pentesting. Students are also expected to complete a capstone design project and an internship. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to understand algorithms, data structures, network development, and relational databases. A full-time student can complete the 120-credit program in four years.

Along with the bachelor’s in cybersecurity management, Lewis-Clark State College also offers a 10-credit online certificate in cybersecurity.

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

When you become a student at an online college in Idaho, you’ll take courses that you can complete on your schedule, which are called asynchronous courses. Asynchronous courses offer more flexibility because you do not need to log in at specific times to participate in a real-time lecture. Instead, you’ll be provided with course materials through an online learning platform. You’ll still have deadlines to meet, but you can study whenever works best for you. You may also be required to take synchronous courses as well. Even though they are still conducted online, synchronous courses require real-time participation. In these courses, you’ll attend lectures and interact with your peers in a virtual classroom space.

Asynchronous courses tend to be more popular with online students, particularly those who have full-time jobs, because of their flexibility. Still, the structure provided by synchronous courses can be helpful for some students or some subjects. Fortunately, most of the online colleges in Idaho we’ve featured offer both options depending on the course. To illustrate your options, we’ve highlighted examples of each format below.

Geography at The College of Western Idaho (Asynchronous)

Of the many online programs offered at The College of Western Idaho, the geography associate degree program may be one of the most compelling. Geography students pursuing their A.A. degree at the College of Western Idaho develop a strong foundation in geology, mapping, environmental science, and geospatial technology. These skills prepare students for in-demand careers in Idaho, such as site location analysts or GIS specialists. Degree programs at the College of Western Idaho can also be a gateway for more advanced degrees in the field. This two-year program can be combined with a certificate in geographic information systems to expand your credentials further.

This program, and others at The College of Western Idaho, are offered entirely in an asynchronous format. This means you’ll be able to study according to your schedule from wherever you’d like. The school’s focus on workforce readiness means that your classes will focus on the real-world skills you need to succeed after graduation.

Business Education at Idaho State University (Synchronous)

If synchronous online learning appeals to you, put Idaho State University on the top of your list. One of the school’s many synchronous programs that appeals to a variety of students is its business education bachelor’s degree. Business education students at Idaho State have the opportunity to earn a B.A. or B.S. in secondary education – business technology or business education. qualifies them to teach in-demand subjects such as business math, information technology, computer programming, entrepreneurship, and more.

All of the online undergraduate degrees at Idaho state can be taken on a full- or part-time basis. Full-time students can expect to graduate in as few as eight semesters. In addition, Idaho state students can look forward to low-cost in-state tuition rates, generous financial aid packages, and a broad range of scholarship opportunities.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

When it comes to online degree programs, flexibility is the key to success for most students. Most online colleges in Idaho will allow you to pursue your degree part-time or full-time. When you’re balancing work and other responsibilities, the opportunity to drop down from 12 credits a semester to three, six, or even nine credits can be the difference between completing your education and having to put your studies on hold. Even better, you can opt for full- or part-time enrollment on a semester-by-semester basis, taking fewer courses when things are busy and diving into additional classes when you have extra time on your hands. We’ve highlighted two great part- and full-time options below.

Public Health at Boise State University (Part-Time)

Boise State University is home to a variety of flexible online degree programs that can be attended on a part-time basis. One standout option is the school’s public health online bachelor’s degree program. This degree prepares students for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination and paves the way for a fulfilling career as a public health professional. Plus, with a price tag as low as $13,770 for the entire 120-credit program, public health students at Boise State get a top-notch education at an affordable price.

Another standout feature of Boise State’s online degrees is the high level of student support they provide. Each online student is paired with a success coach who will stick with them for the duration of their studies. For self-directed students, there is an extensive resource library to help you map out your college journey. The school is also ideal for student veterans or those on active duty. Military credits can be applied toward your degree path, and the school will work to accommodate your schedule while you are deployed.

Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management at The University of Idaho (Full-Time)

The recreation, sport, and tourism management degree program at The University of Idaho sounds like a dream for a full-time student. This hybrid bachelor’s degree program combines online classes in subjects like writing and psychology with in-person classes in classes like whitewater safety and emergency first aid. If you’re dreaming of working in the outdoor recreation field, this program should fit the bill.

The University of Idaho is home to the only accredited recreation program in the state and one of only three in the entire Northwest. Plus, since you’ll be doing some in-person learning, you’ll get to spend time in the outdoor hotspot of northwestern Idaho.

Are Online College Degrees in Idaho Accredited?

You might wonder if earning a degree at an online college in Idaho will give you the same quality of education as an in-person program. Online degree programs can provide top-tier academics, and there is an accreditation system in place to ensure that in-person and online programs meet high academic standards. The U.S. Department of Education oversees the accrediting organizations that are tasked with ensuring that the online and in-person institutions under their jurisdiction meet rigorous standards. National and regional accrediting agencies are responsible for the accreditation of institutions, but there are also accrediting bodies that accredit specific programs within a school. Not all programs will be accredited, but those that require licensure or other oversight, such as nursing, counseling, and teaching, are subject to accreditation. Conversely, any school you attend should have accreditation, and in most cases that will be regional accreditation.

In Idaho, the primary accrediting agency is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This organization oversees most of the colleges in the northwestern U.S.

Verifying a school’s credentials is easy. Any reputable university will make it easy to find their accreditations on their website, and you can learn more about the process and what to look out for from our guide to accreditation. If you recognize the accreditor, you can enroll with confidence. If you’re unsure, you can look the organization up on the U.S. Department of Education’s Accreditation Database.

Calculating the Cost of Your Idaho Online College Degree

The cost of your education can vary widely depending on your institution, degree, and state residency. On average, Idaho students can expect to pay between $7,482 and $15,180 in tuition per year at an Idaho-based college. Attending school online may reduce the cost of your education. Unlike other states, Idaho schools generally do not offer discounted tuition for online-only students. However, some online students pay fewer additional fees than their in-person counterparts. Plus, you’ll save money on commuting costs, meal plans, and other incidental expenses.

On top of that, most schools in the state extend their reduced in-state tuition costs to online students if they are Idaho residents. As an in-state student, you’ll have the opportunity to earn Idaho-based scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Check out the price tags of five Idaho colleges below.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
Idaho State University	$7,957/ year	$25,934/ year	$7,957 / year	$25,934/ year
BYU Idaho	$5,062/ year	$5,062/ year	$5,062/ year	$5,062/ year
College of Eastern Idaho	$3,360/ year	$6,720 / year	$3,360/ year	$3,360/ year
Lewis-Clark State College	$9,406 / year	$23,258/ year	$9,406/ year	$23,258/ year
North Idaho College	$3,396 / year	$8,736/ year	$3,396/ year	$8,736/ year

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

College Financial Aid Options for Online Students in Idaho

Idaho college students have many opportunities to reduce their tuition bills through financial aid and scholarships. For starters, most schools offer a mix of need-based and merit-based tuition assistance. Look to your community as well. Many service clubs like your local Rotary Club and other organizations offer scholarships to local students based on need or academic potential. There are also many state-wide scholarship programs that you might consider. The big ones include The Steele-Reese Foundation, The Idaho Community Foundation, and the state-funded Idaho Opportunity Scholarship Program. Your search doesn’t have to stop at generalized scholarships either. Don’t forget to look into scholarship opportunities targeted towards students in your chosen career field or towards demographic groups you are a member of. Visit our guide to financial aid and our guide to scholarships to help you expand your search.

Quickest-Growing Careers for Idaho College Graduates

If you still aren’t sure what you want from your degree, looking at which career fields are in the highest demand in Idaho can be a great way to start. Identifying your dream job and tailoring your studies to fit is a sure way to make the most out of your education. See which careers will be in the highest demand over the next ten years in the table below.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Annual Mean Wage (2021)
Special Education Teachers, Preschool	100%	$48,680
Aerospace Engineers	66.7%	$122,270
Music Directors and Composers	63.6%	Data not available
Chemical Plant and Systems Operators	50%	Data not available
Nurse Midwives	50%	$61,740
Gaming Managers	50%	Data not available
Therapists, All Other	50%	Data not available
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Professors	41.2%	$58,240
Environmental Engineers	36%	$112,950
Sales Engineers	35.7%	$101,830

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

More College Resources for Online Students in Idaho

Next Steps Idaho

This website is home to an extensive resource library for aspiring college students. They provide in-depth articles on every aspect of the college admissions process, from application essays to interview prep and beyond.

Northern Idaho Family Group

You can find links to major scholarship programs, work-study opportunities, and financial aid resources on this page. As a bonus, the page highlights major deadlines for schools across Idaho.

Idaho Technical Career Academy

This site is a must-visit if you’re considering attending a vocational program. The site compiles all of the vocational programs in the state, offers assistance with resumes, and connects you with a host of resources about career outlooks in Idaho.

Idaho Career Information System

The Idaho Career Information System exists to help potential students make informed decisions about their education. In addition, the site can help you identify possible future careers and the educational paths that will help you get there.

Think College Idaho

This non-profit group partners with students, families, and schools to provide resources to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they prepare for college. The site includes resources on specific funding for students with disabilities and a comprehensive list of services that may benefit students throughout their educational journey.

Inside Look at the Best Online Colleges in Idaho