Best Online Colleges in Idaho

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Best Online Colleges in Idaho

Idaho online schools have their share of benefits for people of all backgrounds. For instance, working adults may squeeze earning an education into their free time. After or before they go to work, they can complete their course requirements. Additionally, nontraditional students like single parents may earn their degree through one of the Idaho online colleges while their kids are in school or while they sleep. This allows single parents to maintain their household and not lose precious time with their little ones while still furthering their education.

For rural students in Idaho, commuting back and forth to college has its share of problems. For one, the commute takes up precious time each day. Students who also work may find it difficult to make it to school on time each day due to the distance barrier. Prospective students also have to take into consideration that they may have to miss school due to weather-related problems when they have a long commute. With Idaho online schools, students don’t have to miss school due to weather issues unless they don’t have the internet for the day. 

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Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Colleges in Idaho

In this Value Colleges ranking of the best online colleges in Idaho, each school offers degrees, from associate’s to doctorate, that students can obtain entirely online. Furthermore, each school featured meets Value Colleges Best Value standards, including full accreditation and a trusted return on investment.


1. University of Idaho

As one of the best online colleges in Idaho, the University of Idaho offers 15 degrees to choose from. A standout in the college’s online program is that many of the majors are not traditionally found at any other area university. Highlights among the online degree programs include Bachelor of Science in Fishery Resources, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Management, Master of Food Science, and Bachelor of Science in Virtual Technology.

The University of Idaho is located within a rural area of Moscow with a campus size just over 800 acres. The college is made up of eight schools with dozens of undergraduate and graduate degrees available. The school’s infamous sports teams are known as the Vandals because of the college’s storied history on the basketball court.

Number of Online Programs: 15

school website

2. Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College has 13 online degree programs for those looking to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s in areas such as business, education, science, and the law. Undergraduate degrees that can be conferred through the online program include business administration, early childhood development, humanities, nursing, and web design. Certification programs and minors can also be earned through the virtual classroom at Lewis-Clark State College.

Lewis-Clark State College is part of the public college system in Idaho. The city-like campus is located in Lewiston and has a modest size of just over 45 acres. The college is renowned for providing a well-rounded liberal arts education to students. Class sizes are small—allowing for more individualized instruction. Benefits of attending Lewis-Clark State College include low in-state tuition and high acceptance rates.

Number of Online Programs: 13

school website

3. Idaho State University

Another top pick among the best online colleges in Idaho is the public Idaho State University. The college offers degree programs that can be earned online through their College of Technology, College of Arts and Letters, College of Business, and College of Health Sciences. Associate, bachelor, master, doctoral, and certificate programs are available with most degrees not requiring any in-person campus visits. Idaho State University’s online campus offers each student a guaranteed return on investment with high average starting salaries among graduates.

Idaho State University is a public college within the southeast region of the state. The college has a vast number of degree programs available with more than 250 options offered to students. Idaho State University has a competitive sports program that participates in the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference. Several past and current professional football players have been drafted from Idaho State University.

Number of Online Programs: 9

school website

4. Boise State University

Boise State University has bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees available through their online program. Degrees are available in the fields of business, science, education, nursing, and technology. Boise State University uses an online format that customizes courses to allow each student to finish foundation credits virtually before moving onto degree requirements. Boise State University offers online students plenty of flexibility while also ensuring they have staff support as they complete their coursework.

Boise State University is one of the largest colleges in the state with a total enrollment in excess of 25,000 students. The school offers over 170 majors to students with unique choices like a degree in raptor biology. The Boise campus has plenty of perks for students including 200 clubs and organizations, NCAA Division I athletic teams, and a recreational center with courts and rock walls.

Number of Online Programs: 8

school website

5. Northwest Nazarene University

Although one of the lesser-known institutions, Northwest Nazarene University is still consistently ranked as one of the best online colleges in Idaho. Most online programs at the college are intended for graduate-level although students can earn their bachelor degrees virtually in liberal studies, Christian ministry, nursing, and business. Graduate-level degree options are available in the field of ministry, education, business, and nursing. Associate degree courses are also online and can be applied toward higher-level degree credit requirements. Northwest Nazarene University offers online students the same level of professional support as traditional students.

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Northwest Nazarene University as a best value school. The private Christian college focuses on religion, education, and community throughout its curriculum. Class sizes are modest with most courses having fewer than 20 students enrolled. Highly-rated major options include business management, journalism, education, and biology. The college has a high four-year graduation rate with most graduates finding employment within six months of degree conferment.

Number of Online Programs: 4

school website


What is the Value of Online Colleges in Idaho?

Now more than ever before students from all walks of life and of all ages are busy juggling family, full or part-time work, and other commitments while attempting to earn a degree or further their education. For this reason, more students are turning to online learning as a viable and respected means for earning their degree. As the demand increases, so does the number of fully online degrees offered by accredited universities across the nation.  In fact, today earning a degree fully online is considered an equally respected avenue for obtaining degrees from the associate to doctorate levels and most major colleges and universities across the nation offer courses and degrees fully online.

Online schools in Idaho also benefit students in terms of price. Often, earning a degree from one of the online colleges in Idaho is less expensive because students don’t have to pay all the expenses of maintaining a building that traditional college students pay for in their tuition. 

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Idaho?

Students can obtain Idaho online degrees at all levels. For instance, pupils may find associate degree programs at many of the online institutions Idaho residents have access to. Additionally, students may earn a bachelor’s degree. Master’s and doctorate programs are also available as Idaho online degrees. It’s also possible to earn certain certificates online. 

Pupils interested in earning an online degree may enter into a program that’s completely online while other programs may require a student to be on campus for certain classes. Some degrees can be earned online only if a student already has an associate’s degree in that field. For instance, when a student first enters nursing, these programs require students to complete clinicals to learn firsthand. However, once a student possesses an LPN or RN license, they have the option to earn a bachelor of science in nursing completely online

Associate’s degree programs are often limited to business, healthcare administration, accounting, criminal justice, or other areas of interest that don’t require any face-to-face instruction. Bachelor’s degree programs have even more options than associate’s degrees. Master’s and doctorate programs are available in a variety of areas of expertise, including business, healthcare, criminal justice, engineering, and more. 

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Idaho?

Affordability is important for many students when choosing to advance their education. Often, schools offer their online degree programs at cheaper rates than a traditional school program. For example, the University of Idaho online tuition is lower than their cost for their traditional brick-and-mortar students. University of Idaho online tuition isn’t the only inexpensive option for an online education since other universities and colleges offer low tuition rates for their online programs as well.  

Students who are looking to save money on their education may find that some public institutions have lower tuition rates than private and for-profit schools. 

Community college provides a strong education to students without a high tuition rate. Pupils may find that taking community college courses for general classes like their prerequisites may save them money. Additionally, community colleges offer the option to earn complete associate’s degrees that students can transfer to another school

Sometimes, a student may be able to enroll in an employer reimbursement program. This option is when an employer pays for a student’s education, so the pupil may advance his or her skills and knowledge. The place of employment pays for a portion of the student’s education, and the student usually has to sign a waiver that they have to remain with the company for a designated amount of time. 

Are There Online Public Universities in Idaho? 

Students in Idaho may benefit from earning an online degree from a public university. Some students want the prestige of a major university while other students may find that the only way they can earn a degree in their desired area of study is by attending a major university. 

University of Idaho online degrees can benefit students who want to attend school online but want to enroll in a public university. University of Idaho online degrees are for students who already have an undergraduate degree and want to pursue their master’s. Students may choose from programs in healthcare, engineering, education, and science. Boise State University online degrees are another option, and students may select bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate programs. Students may choose to earn one of the Boise State University online degrees in subjects like healthcare, teaching, and public relations.


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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

Find your perfect value college

ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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