Rankings / By State (Affordable)

Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 11 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$47,459

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

47%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$14,136

Avg. Net Price

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When considering higher education in Idaho, affordability is a key factor for many students and families. This list highlights colleges in the state that offer the lowest net prices, making them accessible options for those looking to minimize their financial burden while pursuing a degree.

What sets these institutions apart are the important outcomes associated with their programs, such as post-graduate earnings, graduation rates, and student debt levels. As you review the list below, keep in mind that the average earnings across these schools is $47,459, with an average graduation rate of 47%. Understanding these metrics can help you determine which school may offer the best return on investment for your education.

For example, the College of Southern Idaho stands out with a net price of just $6,095, while maintaining an earnings potential of $40,916. In contrast, Brigham Young University-Idaho has a higher net price at $8,221 but offers a significantly better graduation rate at 55%. These figures illustrate the trade-offs between costs and outcomes, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect from your college experience in Idaho.

Key Findings

College of Southern Idaho has a net price of $6,095 and a graduation rate of 34%.

Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates 55% of its students, despite a higher net price of $8,221.

The average earnings for graduates from these colleges is $47,459.

College of Eastern Idaho has a 37% graduation rate and a net price of $8,778.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 11

Avg. earnings at 10yr $47,459

Avg. graduation rate 47%

Avg. net price $14,136

Avg. median debt $16,542

How We Ranked

Ranked by lowest net price in Idaho

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls, ID

Graduation34%

Earnings$40,916

Net Price$6,095

View full profile →

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Rexburg, ID

Graduation55%

Earnings$53,406

Net Price$8,221

View full profile →

College of Eastern Idaho

Idaho Falls, ID

Graduation37%

Earnings$42,057

Net Price$8,778

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls, ID · 3,810 students · Public

With a student body of 3,810, the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls delivers a personal touch while still focusing on quality education. The school's graduation rate sits at 34%, but many students appreciate the supportive community and pathways available to enhance their learning experience.

34% graduate $40,916 earnings

College's full profile

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Rexburg, ID · 44,397 students · Private nonprofit

Brigham Young University-Idaho, located in Rexburg, is a private nonprofit institution with a large student body of 44,397. The school is known for its welcoming environment and a strong sense of community, which can make a significant difference in your college experience, especially for those who thrive in larger settings.

96% accepted 55% graduate $53,406 earnings

Brigham's full profile

College of Eastern Idaho

Idaho Falls, ID · 1,478 students · Public

The College of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls serves a tight-knit community of 1,478 students, offering a supportive atmosphere that fosters personal growth. With a graduation rate of 37%, students can find the encouragement and resources they need to succeed academically and socially.

37% graduate $42,057 earnings

College's full profile

North Idaho College

Coeur d'Alene, ID · 2,619 students · Public

North Idaho College, situated in Coeur d'Alene, is home to 2,619 students who benefit from a vibrant campus environment. The college supports student success with a graduation rate of 37%, emphasizing community and personal attention throughout the educational journey.

37% graduate $40,081 earnings

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID · 7,583 students · Public

Idaho State University in Pocatello draws attention with its promising median earnings of $45,608 ten years after graduation. With a graduation rate of 39%, this institution is a solid choice for students seeking a supportive environment that encourages persistence and career readiness, especially in fields like healthcare and engineering, where the school has strong programs.

39% graduate $45,608 earnings

College of Western Idaho

Nampa, ID · 6,459 students · Public

With a student body of 6,459, the College of Western Idaho in Nampa has a welcoming community that prioritizes student support. While the graduation rate sits at 29%, this college emphasizes accessibility and strives to create pathways for all students to succeed, especially for those who are first-generation college-goers or from underserved backgrounds.

College's full profile

University of Idaho

Moscow, ID · 7,747 students · Public

At the University of Idaho in Moscow, students benefit from a solid graduation rate of 59%, which reflects the institution's commitment to student success. This public university serves a diverse body of 7,747 students and has a friendly 76% acceptance rate, creating an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

76% accepted 59% graduate $54,670 earnings

University's full profile

Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, ID · 2,385 students · Public

Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston is a smaller institution with a close-knit community of 2,385 students. With a graduation rate of 43%, it offers a more personalized education experience that can cater to individual student needs, making it a strong contender for those who thrive in less crowded environments.

88% accepted 43% graduate $46,001 earnings

Lewis-Clark's full profile

The College of Idaho

Caldwell, ID · 1,041 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 63%, The College of Idaho offers a solid educational foundation for its 1,041 students. Located in Caldwell, Idaho, this private nonprofit school emphasizes a personalized learning experience, encouraging close connections between students and faculty that can foster academic success and growth.

49% accepted 63% graduate $48,473 earnings

Boise State University

Boise, ID · 17,674 students · Public

Boise State University is a vibrant public institution that serves over 17,600 students in the heart of Idaho's capital. With a graduation rate of 61%, it offers a diverse range of programs, allowing students to explore various fields while enjoying a lively campus environment with plenty of extracurricular activities.

87% accepted 61% graduate $51,658 earnings

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID · 1,024 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Nampa, Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University has a graduation rate of 65% and enrolls around 1,024 students, fostering a close-knit community. This private nonprofit school emphasizes a holistic educational approach, integrating faith and learning, which appeals to many students seeking both academic and personal development.

65% accepted 65% graduate $51,719 earnings

Northwest's full profile

Looking closely at the data, we see that Brigham Young University-Idaho, while more expensive at a net price of $8,221, offers a notable graduation rate of 55%. In contrast, North Idaho College has a lower net price of $10,575 but only graduates 37% of its students. This difference in outcomes suggests that investing a bit more in tuition could lead to better graduation outcomes and, ultimately, higher earnings.

As you sift through these schools, consider what matters most to you beyond costs. Think about location, program offerings, and campus culture. For example, if you prioritize a more affordable option, College of Southern Idaho may be appealing, but if graduation rates are crucial to you, BYU-Idaho might be worth the extra investment. Weigh these factors against your financial situation to find the best fit.

Ultimately, the data shows that choosing the right college can significantly impact your financial future. A well-considered decision could lead to stable earnings and career success. Take the time to evaluate each option carefully — one choice can set the stage for your life ahead.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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