Home to 8 ranked institutions, Idaho offers a focused higher education landscape dominated by public universities and specialized private colleges. With a 50% split between public and private nonprofit institutions, graduates earn a median of $48,084 ten years after enrollment—$7,733 lower than the national average, reflecting the state's regional economy and cost of living.
Graduate earnings across Idaho's institutions range from $33,140 to $54,670 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating significant variation in career outcomes. University Of Idaho leads in median earnings at $54,670, while Brigham Young University-Idaho achieves the highest Azimuth Score at 1.7, showing how composite performance factors beyond just salary impact overall rankings.
While Brigham Young University-Idaho tops the overall rankings, its 96% acceptance rate makes it exceptionally accessible for a high-performing institution. This combination of strong outcomes with open admissions creates an ideal pathway for Idaho students seeking quality education without the stress of highly competitive admissions processes.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rexburg, ID | $53,406 Median Earnings (10yr) | $3,102 | 97.0% | 55.1% | |
| #2 | University Of IdahoPublic | Moscow, ID | $54,670 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,930 | 79.1% | 60.9% |
| #3 | Boise State UniversityPublic | Boise, ID | $51,658 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,387 | 84.0% | 61.9% |
| #4 | Idaho State UniversityPublic | Pocatello, ID | $45,608 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,678 | — | 38.3% |
| #5 | Lewiston, ID | $46,001 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,234 | 89.8% | 44.7% | |
| #6 | Nampa, ID | $51,719 Median Earnings (10yr) | $22,918 | 62.9% | 59.9% | |
| #7 | The College Of IdahoPrivate | Caldwell, ID | $48,473 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,367 | 47.2% | 64.1% |
| #8 | Boise Bible CollegePrivate | Boise, ID | $33,140 Median Earnings (10yr) | $15,056 | 96.4% | 48.1% |
