Online colleges in Idaho can help you earn a degree that opens doors. More importantly, your degree will likely qualify you for higher paying jobs that offer career growth potential. Similarly, an undergraduate degree lays the foundation to pursue a graduate degree, allowing you to capitalize on even more opportunities. Some online colleges in Idaho offer tuition breaks to in-state residents, who typically enjoy better access to local networking opportunities, too.
Featured Online Schools
Higher Learning Initiatives in Idaho
Think Through Math
Think Through Math began in 2005 as a program called Apangea Math. Much like the current model, it was a web-based tutoring platform that connected students with live teachers online. The newer model is very similar but has expanded to include more options such as bilingual teachers and more specialized instruction. The purpose of this initiative is to get students of every level comfortable with the subject matter and college and career ready.
Idaho Digital Learning Academy
Created in 2002 by the state legislature, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy is an online secondary school. State-sponsored and accredited, this institution promotes flexibility and accessibility when it comes to education, without sacrificing quality or dependability. This initiative enjoys great success because virtual education is a very appealing and practical option for many. Since its start, more than 65,000 students have enrolled.
Popular Degree Programs in Idaho
Beyond the earning potential of a degree, you may want to consider geographic and institutional specialization factors. According to Business Insider, the most popular major in Idaho is natural resources management, followed by business management.
- Natural Resources Management: The College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho offers four online master’s degrees and one Ph.D. in natural resources. Each degree emphasizes a particular aspect of natural resources management. Beyond those degrees, students can also earn a 15-credit fire ecology, management and technology certificate. With the National Interagency Fire Center located in Idaho, this presents a unique opportunity for Idaho students pursuing a career in natural resources.
- Business Management: Many students in Idaho pursue a degree in business management, as it prepares them to lead and manage in a wide variety of fields. Coursework emphasizes sound business principles, leadership, communication, strategic management, and entrepreneurship. Most Idaho online colleges offer at least one online business degree at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level.
Paying for College in Idaho
Paying for online college courses in Idaho can be intimidating. However, financial aid can help. Select a college that charges affordable tuition and fees, and look for scholarships and grants to help you pay for your education.
Tuition Prices
Tuition comprises most of the cost of attending an accredited online college in Idaho. The information below shows that Idaho public two-year college tuition rates are in line with the national average. However, in-state students pursuing a public four-year degree in Idaho pay 24% less than the national average. When considering total costs, make sure to factor in textbooks, course materials, and online fees.
Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2017-18
| Public Two Year | Public Four Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $4,190 | $7,590 |
| U.S. Average | $4,234 | $9,978 |
Source: College Board
Employment Outlook in Idaho
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Idaho enjoys a higher employment rate than most of the U.S. Though Idaho’s unemployment rate falls below the national average, residents earn 17% less than the national annual mean wage. Despite the lower annual mean wage, residents enjoy a significantly lower cost of living than the national average, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The BLS breaks down how much residents earn by occupation. The data shows that those working in fields that require postsecondary education earn considerably more than those with just a high school diploma. Within many fields, those working in leadership and management earn the highest annual mean wages.
| Idaho | 2.7% |
| United States | 3.8% |
Source: BLS
| Idaho | $42,240 |
| United States | $50,620 |
Source: BLS
Accreditation for Colleges in Idaho
Before you invest in an online college in Idaho, make sure the institution you plan to attend is accredited. Many employers look for this when reviewing your resume. Furthermore, if you plan to earn a graduate degree, prospective schools will usually require that you earned your undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. If you intend to partially fund your education through financial aid, especially federal and state grants, then your program must have proper accreditation in order to be eligible for these funds.
Colleges and universities seek accreditation through one of 19 accrediting organizations approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education. Institutions can receive regional accreditation or national accreditation. National accreditation applies mostly to trade or single purpose schools. Beyond these two institutional types of accreditation, some agencies focus on specific programs such as business management, nursing, or marriage and family counseling. When in doubt, check the school’s accreditation against CHEA’s list of approved accrediting agencies.
Scholarships for Idaho Online College Students
Researching and applying for scholarships and other financial aid options takes time. The financial aid office of the college you plan to attend can speed up the process by matching you with resources specifically available to their students. In addition, look for resources that can be applied to any school. Submit your FAFSA early and explore the options below to get started.
Who Can Apply: Idaho high school seniors with a track record of public service efforts may apply for this scholarship if they have earned at least a 2.8 GPA. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay.
Amount: $3,000, renewable for up to four years.
Who Can Apply: Idaho high school seniors who can show financial need may apply for this scholarship if they have earned at least a 2.7 GPA.
Amount: $3,500, renewable for up to four years.
Who Can Apply: Idaho residents who started college, earned at least 24 credits, but then stopped their education for at least 24 months may apply for this need-based scholarship. Applicants must have earned at least a 2.7 GPA prior to their break in enrollment.
Amount: $3,500, renewable for up to four years.
Who Can Apply: Any Idaho student who attended and graduated from one of 27 Idaho school districts participating in the Gear Up program may apply.
Amount: Variable.
Who Can Apply: Idaho high school seniors who will have earned at least 10 post-secondary credits by the time they graduate from high school may apply for this merit-based scholarship to match a private sector, merit-based scholarship.
Amount: Varies, based on the amount of the scholarship to be matched.
Who Can Apply: Idaho residents who are the spouses or children of fallen or disabled members of the armed forces or public safety officers may apply.
Amount: Tuition waiver, plus $500 per semester for books.
Who Can Apply: Idaho high school or home school graduates with at least a C average may apply for this essay-based scholarship. Students must write on an aspect of the Holocaust.
Amount: $1,000.
Who Can Apply: The Idaho Power Company awards this scholarship to the successful applicant who plans to study some form of engineering at an Idaho college or university.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship from the Idaho Power Company supports the successful applicant who intends to pursue a natural resources degree at the University of Idaho.
Amount: Not specified.
Who Can Apply: Idaho residents who plan to major in math or science at one of Idaho’s four-year colleges or universities may apply. Enrolling freshmen must have at least a 3.0 GPA, but that requirement may be waived for nontraditional students.
Resources for Students in Idaho
- Idaho Adult Education Program: If you struggled through high school to meet 12th grade standards, but still want to earn a college degree, the Idaho Adult Education Program can help you close those academic gaps. Sponsored by Idaho’s Career and Technical Education division, the site serves anyone over age 16.
- Libraries Linking Idaho: Also referred to as LiLI, this interlibrary resource boasts helpful tools for college and university students. The site offers links to academic research tools including publications in business, medicine, agriculture, religion, philosophy, psychology, and history.
- Idaho State Board of Education: The site informs readers of Idaho’s directions in key policies and plans for public education and lists valuable information regarding scholarships and grants.
- Idaho Department of Labor: Those seeking employment in Idaho should begin with the Idaho Department of Labor website. You can search for jobs and take advantage of career trainings and interview preparation. Readers can also download a 24-page career preparation guide.
- Idaho Job Network: Another site dedicated to career planning and job searches, the Idaho Job Network operates in close partnership with prospective employers. After you register for the website, you can take advantage of resources like articles and podcasts. You can also use the website to locate internships.
Online Schools in Idaho
Boise State University
Boise, ID
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewiston, ID
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID