# Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 11 | Category: By State (Affordable)
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-idaho

## Methodology

Ranked by lowest net price in Idaho

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [College of Southern Idaho](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-southern-idaho) | Twin Falls, ID | 34% | $40,916 | $6,095 | $8,000 | 0.2x |
| 2 | [Brigham Young University-Idaho](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/brigham-young-university-idaho) | Rexburg, ID | 55% | $53,406 | $8,221 | $13,969 | 0.26x |
| 3 | [College of Eastern Idaho](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-eastern-idaho) | Idaho Falls, ID | 37% | $42,057 | $8,778 | $12,000 | 0.29x |
| 4 | [North Idaho College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-idaho-college) | Coeur d'Alene, ID | 37% | $40,081 | $10,575 | $9,000 | 0.22x |
| 5 | [Idaho State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/idaho-state-university) | Pocatello, ID | 39% | $45,608 | $12,193 | $20,039 | 0.44x |
| 6 | [College of Western Idaho](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-western-idaho) | Nampa, ID | 29% | N/A | $8,500 | $9,720 | N/A |
| 7 | [University of Idaho](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-idaho) | Moscow, ID | 59% | $54,670 | $14,831 | $21,982 | 0.4x |
| 8 | [Lewis-Clark State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lewis-clark-state-college) | Lewiston, ID | 43% | $46,001 | $15,635 | $18,500 | 0.4x |
| 9 | [The College of Idaho](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-college-of-idaho) | Caldwell, ID | 63% | $48,473 | $19,481 | $24,500 | 0.51x |
| 10 | [Boise State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/boise-state-university) | Boise, ID | 61% | $51,658 | $21,610 | $20,500 | 0.4x |
| 11 | [Northwest Nazarene University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-nazarene-university) | Nampa, ID | 65% | $51,719 | $29,580 | $23,750 | 0.46x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-idaho

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.