Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in Idaho
- 11
- Schools
- $46,798
- Avg. Earnings
- 49%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,728
- Avg. Net Price
- $16,799
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $40,081 at the low end to $54,670 at the top. That 1.4× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
College of Southern Idaho offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $40,916 against $6,095 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
The most budget-friendly option on this list is College of Southern Idaho, at $6,095 annually in net price.
-
Completion rates separate this field: New Saint Andrews College graduates 72% of its students, well above the 49% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor College of Southern Idaho: graduates owe only 0.20× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to College of Southern Idaho ($40,916 earnings), not the highest earner, University of Idaho ($54,670). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. College of Southern Idaho ($6,095/yr) and Northwest Nazarene University ($29,580/yr) produce graduates earning $40,916 and $51,719 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $23,485 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, College of Southern Idaho outperforms University of Idaho: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with College of Southern Idaho and New Saint Andrews College. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $46K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 College of Southern Idaho #1 overall | $40,916 ▼ -13% vs avg | $6,095 | 34% | 68 |
| 2 University of Idaho #2 overall | $54,670 ▲ +17% vs avg | $14,831 | 59% | 67 |
| 3 The College of Idaho #3 overall | $48,473 ▲ +4% vs avg | $19,481 | 63% | 66 |
| $51,658 ▲ +10% vs avg | $21,610 | 61% | 65 | |
| $46,001 ▼ -2% vs avg | $15,635 | 43% | 64 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in Idaho
This analysis ranks 11 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $46,798 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 49% and an average net price of $14,728.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: College of Southern Idaho — Net Price: $6,095 | Graduation Rate: 34%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: New Saint Andrews College — 72% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Idaho — Median alumni earnings: $54,670
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Idaho Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Idaho?
$46,001
Median earnings (10yr)
43%
Median graduation rate
$13,512
Median net price
1.5%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Idaho serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Across the 11 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $46,001 ten years after they first enrolled. The median graduation rate is 43%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $13,512 a year, with about $19,270 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 22% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.5%.
For Idaho, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $13,512 and graduates earning a median of $46,001, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
College of Southern Idaho lands at #1 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $40,916 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,095 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Idaho lands at #2 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $54,670 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,831 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
The College of Idaho lands at #3 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $48,473 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,481 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Boise State University lands at #4 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $51,658 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,610 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Lewis-Clark State College lands at #5 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $46,001 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,635 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Idaho State University lands at #6 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $45,608 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,193 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Northwest Nazarene University lands at #7 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $51,719 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,580 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
North Idaho College lands at #8 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $40,081 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,575 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
College of Western Idaho lands at #9 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (92/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Net price runs $8,500 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
College of Eastern Idaho lands at #10 with a 50/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,057 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,778 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
New Saint Andrews College lands at #11 with a 20/100 composite, led by value per dollar (100/100) and pulled down by social mobility (5/100). Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 10 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Idaho is home to a variety of colleges, each offering unique opportunities for students looking to further their education. With a focus on graduate outcomes, this list highlights institutions that prioritize earnings, social mobility, completion rates, and manageable debt. For many families, understanding these factors can make a significant difference in choosing the right school.
The strongest colleges in Idaho showcase impressive metrics that reflect their commitment to student success. Key indicators such as earnings after graduation, percentage of students graduating on time, average net price, and student debt levels help paint a clearer picture of what to expect. By analyzing these outcomes, prospective students and their families can identify which schools align best with their educational and financial goals.
For instance, the University of Idaho stands out with average earnings of $54,670 and a graduation rate of 59%. In contrast, the College of Southern Idaho has lower earnings at $40,916 and a graduation rate of just 34%. This contrast illustrates how different schools can serve varying needs and priorities, encouraging students to think critically about their options as they consider the path ahead.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 8 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.5%. Lewis-Clark State College leads the group at 2.1%, with The College of Idaho (1.9%) and North Idaho College (1.5%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 9.2% of students start in the bottom income quintile. North Idaho College leads at 14.1%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 19.1% across this list. The College of Idaho posts the highest success rate at 34.6%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.25 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Northwest Nazarene University reaches 1.59, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When comparing Idaho colleges, the difference between the University of Idaho and the College of Southern Idaho is striking. While the University of Idaho has a solid graduation rate of 59% and earnings of $54,670, the College of Southern Idaho falls behind with just 34% of students graduating and earnings of $40,916. This gap highlights the importance of not only choosing a school based on location but also considering outcomes that will impact future career opportunities.
As you navigate this list, think about your own priorities: Are you looking for an affordable option, or is a strong graduation rate and high earnings more important? Consider factors such as program availability, campus culture, and financial aid options. Each of these elements can play a crucial role in your overall college experience and future success.
Ultimately, this data underscores the potential impact of college choices on long-term stability. A family’s decision about where to send their child can influence their financial future and career trajectory. With the right information, students can make informed choices that align with their aspirations and lead to a fulfilling life after graduation.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges in Idaho: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in Idaho ranking? +
College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, ID ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges in Idaho ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $40,916 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 34% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Idaho posts the highest median earnings on this list: $54,670 ten years after enrollment, well above the $46,798 average across the 9 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, College of Southern Idaho leads: graduates earn a median $40,916 against net price of about $6,095 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
New Saint Andrews College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 72%, compared with a 49% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $14,728 a year across the 10 ranked schools with cost data. College of Southern Idaho is among the most affordable at roughly $6,095. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges in Idaho ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 11 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
