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Colleges & universities

Degrees, certificates and job training in the valley

By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 202613 sources

In short

The valley has a large public university (Boise State), a low-cost community college (CWI), two private colleges (College of Idaho and Northwest Nazarene), and branch campuses of Idaho State and the University of Idaho. In-state rates usually require 12 months of living in Idaho for reasons other than school.

Cheapest start: CWI: $172 per credit for Ada and Canyon residents (2026-27)
Boise State: $9,789 a year in-state tuition and fees (2026-27)
In-state rule: 12 months living in Idaho, mainly for reasons other than school
Idaho LAUNCH: Up to $8,000 for recent Idaho high school grads

How much does college cost in Idaho?

School	Type	Where	Yearly tuition and fees
Boise State University	Public university	Boise	$9,789 in-state
University of Idaho	Public university (main campus Moscow; Boise center)	Boise	$9,825 in-state
Idaho State University	Public university (main campus Pocatello; Meridian center)	Meridian	$9,339 in-state
College of Western Idaho	Public community college	Nampa, Boise and other sites	About $4,240 for two 12-credit semesters, in-district
College of Idaho	Private liberal arts college	Caldwell	$39,320 tuition
Northwest Nazarene University	Private Christian university	Nampa	$42,430 tuition, plus $750 student fees

Public university figures are full-time undergraduate tuition and fees approved by the State Board of Education in April 2026 (up about 4.5%). CWI figure is $172 per credit plus a $55 fee each semester; Idaho residents outside Ada and Canyon pay $50 more per credit (capped at $500 a semester). Private colleges give large scholarships, so most students pay less than the listed price. Source: Idaho Education News: State board OKs tuition increases (April 2026)

Which colleges are in the Boise area?

Type

Boise State University

Public research university

Best for: Most bachelor's and graduate degrees, next to downtown Boise

Website ↗

College of Western Idaho (CWI)

Community college

Best for: Low-cost first two years, career and technical programs, and adult classes

Lowest tuition in the valley
Hands-on trades programs at its Nampa campus

Ada and Canyon county residents pay the in-district rate.

Website ↗

College of Idaho

Private liberal arts college

Best for: Small classes and a traditional campus in Caldwell

Website ↗

Northwest Nazarene University

Private Christian university

Best for: Faith-based undergraduate and graduate programs in Nampa

Website ↗

Idaho State University, Meridian

Public university branch

Best for: Health professions and pharmacy degrees

Address: 1311 E Central Dr., Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: (208) 373-1700

Also runs low-cost dental, speech, counseling and medication clinics open to the public.

Website ↗CallDirections

University of Idaho, Boise

Public university branch

Best for: Law (J.D.), water resources and other graduate programs

Website ↗

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM)

Private medical school

Best for: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree

Independent school next to ISU's Meridian campus, with up to 220 students per class.

Website ↗

Carrington College, Boise

Private career college

Best for: Short health care programs such as medical and dental assisting, nursing and veterinary technology

Website ↗

How do I qualify for in-state tuition?

How long until I get in-state tuition?

Usually 12 continuous months. You must live in Idaho mainly for reasons other than education for at least 12 months before the term starts. Dependent students qualify if a parent has lived in Idaho for 12 months and provides at least half their support.

Are there exceptions?

Yes. Exceptions include many active-duty military members stationed in Idaho and their families, Idaho National Guard members, some veterans, spouses of Idaho residents, and graduates of Idaho high schools. Ask the school's residency office, since each school decides.

What proof do I need?

Each school sets its own documents, so ask its residency office. Keep records that show when you moved and that you live here, such as a lease or deed, and switch your driver's license, vehicle and voter registration soon after you arrive.

What is the Idaho LAUNCH grant?

What is it?

A state grant that pays 80% of tuition and fees, up to $8,000 total, for in-demand career programs at eligible Idaho schools. It covers trade, technical, two-year and four-year programs. There is no GPA or financial need requirement.

Who qualifies?

Idaho residents graduating from an Idaho public, charter, private or home school, or finishing a GED, who are under 21 by April 15. You must enroll by the fall after graduation and complete a Career Pathway Plan.

When do I apply?

Applications open October 1 and close April 15. The priority deadline is November 30, and funds are limited, so apply early. For programs a year or longer, you can use up to $4,000 in the first year.

Is it still funded?

Yes, for now. The 2026 Legislature provided $65 million for the program after a $10 million cut, and officials expected to fully fund Class of 2026 grants. Adults who are not recent grads can look at the separate Idaho LAUNCH for Adults program.

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Sources (13) · Checked Oct 23, 2026

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