5 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2025

Online colleges in Idaho provide great opportunities for learners with busy schedules to earn reputable degrees without commuting to college campuses. Several institutions offer programs with flexible online courses that students can navigate at their own pace.

These perks make online education an attractive option in Idaho. The proof is in the numbers. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 30.1% of students in the state were enrolled exclusively in distance courses in 2023, and 29% were enrolled in some distance courses.

If you're interested in exploring online degrees in Idaho, you'll be happy to know many programs are available. Below, we'll highlight some of the best accredited online colleges. You'll learn where to find the top online degrees with extras like financial assistance and online student support. We'll also discuss tuition for online college programs and share tips for lowering costs.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Idaho

Whether you want to earn an online master's degree or enroll in a distance bachelor's or doctoral program, you can find plenty of options in Idaho. Review the institutions below to discover accredited online undergraduate and graduate programs.

1. Boise State University

Boise State University offers over 100 online programs. Attendees can choose from online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. These degrees are available in various fields, such as project management, nursing, digital communications, educational technology, and more. Accelerated bachelor's are available for students with associate degrees or 60+ transferable credits.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Boise State's online bachelor's in business programs among the nation's top 10%, all online bachelor's and online MBAs in the top 15%, and online master's in business in the top 25%. Once enrolled, online learners receive support from coaches, advisors, and online tutoring and library services. Most students (85%) receive financial aid to make tuition more affordable.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,782

Out-of-State: $26,976

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,645

Out-of-State: $25,764

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 84%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

2. University of Idaho

Moscow is home to the University of Idaho, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Best Public Value University in the West. Online degree programs at the university are available through Campus 360, and individual online classes are offered through Independent Study in Idaho (ISI). Undergraduate and graduate programs include criminology, educational leadership, history, mathematics, and theatre arts.

The university aims to make learning more affordable for students. Most enrollees (96%) receive financial aid, and online learners pay the in-state tuition rate, regardless of residency.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,816

Out-of-State: $29,784

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,272

Out-of-State: $27,508

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 74%

Retention Rate: 75%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

3. Brigham Young University-Idaho

Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg � ranked in the top 10 among U.S. News & World Report's Regional Colleges West � works with BYU-Pathway Worldwide to offer flexible online degrees and resources for distance learners with work, family, and other commitments. BYU-Idaho programs are unique. Bachelor's degrees require just 90 to 96 credits, enabling students to complete their studies in three years.

Associate, bachelor's, and certificate programs are available in applied health, professional studies, information technology, family services, communication, and more. Tuition is affordable with guaranteed discounts. More than half of BYU-Idaho learners (59%) receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $4,656

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 70%

Institution Type: Private University

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

4. Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa offers dozens of fully online and hybrid degree programs for undergraduate and graduate learners. Areas of study include business administration, elementary education, Christian studies, divinity, nursing, and social work.

The university is ranked among U.S. News & World Report's top regional universities in the West. Attendees can benefit from academic and personal support services such as library access, career guidance, and counseling resources. Nearly all students (99%) receive financial aid. Though the school's traditional learning rate is over $39,000, online learners pay as little as $425 per credit.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $39,370

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $11,108

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Retention Rate: 79%

Institution Type: Private University

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

5. Idaho State University

Students attending Idaho State University in Pocatello can choose from numerous online degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Subject areas include civil engineering technology, criminology, health sciences, global studies, healthcare administration, nursing practice, and educational leadership.

ISU online programs offer synchronous classes that meet on scheduled days and times and asynchronous courses with no set times. The university provides financial aid to 94% of attendees and helps online learners navigate their studies with academic advising and technological guidance.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,356

Out-of-State: $27,466

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,904

Out-of-State: $27,788

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 74%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Other Featured Online Schools

Many great online programs are available in Idaho; however, you can also find online learning opportunities in other parts of the country. Do you want to expand your degree program search? Review the following online institutions outside of Idaho.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers top-ranked online programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Over 110 programs are available in accounting, business, creative writing, sociology, and many other areas of study.

Online microcredentials are also available to develop highly specialized skills. Distance learners benefit from success coaching, academic advising, and free tutoring. Low-cost course materials make learning more affordable.

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers online bachelor's programs ranked among the nation's top 10 by U.S. News & World Report. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in nursing, medicine, business, hospitality management, engineering, and beyond.

UCF helps online learners excel in their studies with one-on-one and group peer tutoring, among other academic support programs and services.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University students can choose from over 200 flexible online programs, including those leading to bachelor's, master's, and associate degrees. Fields of study include creative writing and English, marketing, nonprofit management, computer science, and finance.

SNHU offers a generous transfer policy to help students graduate sooner. Additional support services include academic coaching, peer tutoring, and library access.

How We Rank Schools

Our team selected the colleges and universities in the rank list above by thoroughly vetting institutions using NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. Each institution has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education.

• Accredited: These Idaho online schools have received accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Reputable: We confirmed that institutions in this list are respected schools, considering factors such as retention rates and student outcomes.
• Affordable: The colleges and universities reduce the cost of earning an online degree by offering financial aid, scholarships, or lower tuition rates.
• Online support services: Institutions in this list help online students excel academically and beyond with academic advising, writing help, tutoring, and career services.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Idaho

Online college programs offer plenty of amazing benefits; however, there are also potential downsides. Before enrolling in a program, explore some pros and cons of Idaho online degrees.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Around-the-clock access: Most online schools ensure coursework and other learning materials are accessible 24/7.
• Learn on the go: Students can access distance learning platforms from any location with an internet connection.
• Graduate faster: Many distance education programs offer accelerated degree paths to help learners complete their studies sooner.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Isolation: Networking with classmates and instructors can be more difficult for online learners.
• Online-only experience: Students who live far from their online school can't enjoy on-campus activities and student organizations.
• Self-motivation required: Online learners must be comfortable motivating themselves to complete assignments, take exams, and participate in discussions.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Idaho

Deciding which one of the online colleges in Idaho to attend is not always easy. You can narrow your options by researching schools that have received accreditation from organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Also, consider institutions with good reputations based on factors like graduation rates, student outcomes, and retention rates.

If you're following a budget, look for colleges with lower tuition or scholarships. Ensure institutions offer your desired major at the right degree level and accept transfer credits if you have community college credits. Also look for other benefits like tutoring, success coaching, writing help, and career guidance.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Idaho Cost?

In-state tuition at Idaho public schools averages $350 per credit hour for an online bachelor's degree. Out-of-state learners pay the same tuition rate. However, it's important to note that other factors impact the cost of online programs at Idaho colleges. Some include your degree type (i.e., bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) and enrollment status (full-time or part-time).

Tips on How To Make Online College in Idaho More Affordable

Saving money while attending the best colleges online is easier than you might think. You can apply to affordable online colleges in Idaho that offer lower tuition rates or grant credits for prior learning experiences.

Securing financial aid is another way to make online learning more affordable. NCES data reveals that 81.7% of full-time, first-time students in Idaho received grants, scholarships, or loans in the 2022-23 academic year. Review the list below to learn more about FAFSA and other ways to lower school costs:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Idaho Scholarships & Grants

Students seeking college funds that don't require repayment can benefit from scholarships and grants. They're essentially free money. Below, you can find grant and scholarship programs for Idaho students.

Tschudy Family Scholarship

This merit- and need-based award helps Emmett High School seniors or recent graduates with a 2.6 GPA pay for an academic degree from an Idaho public four-year higher education institution.

Award Amount: $2,500 per year

Deadline: March 1

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship

This scholarship is a need-based award for Idaho residents who graduated or will graduate from an Idaho high school (or equivalent). Applicants must have a minimum 2.7 unweighted cumulative GPA.

Award Amount: Up to $3,500 per academic year

Deadline: March 1

Idaho LAUNCH

This grant program covers 80% of the published tuition and fees at a participating Idaho institution. Eligibility is open to Idaho high school graduates enrolled in an in-demand career program.

Award Amount: Up to $8,000

Deadline: November 30 (initial applications), April 15 (Idaho LAUNCH application closes)

Top Majors for Idaho Graduates

Have you selected the major you want to study at one of the state's accredited online colleges? If not, explore the following list to discover the top majors for Idaho graduates.

• Business administration and management: This major teaches business theory and helps boost students' leadership and problem-solving skills. Bachelor's degrees prepare learners to become sales, operations, and production managers.
• Liberal arts and sciences: Students gain foundational knowledge in subject areas such as art, science, math, and philosophy. A bachelor's degree opens doors to careers as artists, graphic designers, human resource specialists, and beyond.
• Multi-/interdisciplinary studies: This major lets students draw from several academic disciplines to determine how they connect and overlap. Bachelor's degree holders often start public relations, project management, and human resources careers.
• Accounting: An accounting program teaches students to manage financial data, records, and reports. A bachelor's degree qualifies learners for accounting, auditing, and budget analysis careers.
• Registered nursing: RN programs teach current and future nurses how to provide patient care, help physicians, and educate patients on their health conditions. A bachelor's degree helps students pursue nursing roles in clinics, hospitals, and academic settings.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Idaho

Are you ready to enroll at one of the state's top accredited colleges online? Review the frequently asked questions below to learn more about these institutions.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Idaho?

One of the best ways to graduate sooner is to apply to a school offering accelerated online degrees in Idaho. These institutions might offer generous transfer credit policies, shorter course terms, self-paced or competency-based learning, or multiple program start dates.

Is an Online Degree as Respected as an In-Person Degree?

Research shows that most employers believe online degrees from well-known institutions have the same value as on-campus degrees. The key is picking a program from an accredited institution with a good academic reputation.

Can I Earn a Bachelor's Degree Entirely Online From a College in Idaho?

Many Idaho online colleges offer the opportunity to earn bachelor's degrees without visiting the campus. All institutions on the rank list above provide at least some fully online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Are There Any Affordable MBAs Online in Idaho?

Yes, you can find affordable online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs at schools in Idaho. For example, Idaho State University offers an MBA accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) that in-state, full-time students can complete online for $4,508.22 per semester.

Explore Enrollment Options for Online Programs

If you're eager to begin a fulfilling experience in online higher education, explore the colleges and universities on Learn.org. Find out which online colleges in Idaho offer programs that align with your academic and career goals.