Universities in Idaho

Idaho is home to world-class research universities, innovative polytechnic institutions, and welcoming community colleges set against stunning natural backdrops.

Boise State University aerial view of the famous blue turf football field with campus and mountains behind
🏛️ Public University

Boise State University

📍 Boise, Idaho (Southwest Region)

Idaho's largest university and a Carnegie Research institution, Boise State is a dynamic, urban university known for innovation, applied research, and its iconic blue turf football field. Located in the heart of Boise, students enjoy direct access to both big-city amenities and world-class outdoor recreation.

29,000+
Students
1932
Founded
200+
Programs
Engineering Business Computer Science Education Health Sciences Social Sciences
Visit BSU Website ↗

Campus Highlights & Student Life

Famous "Smurf Turf" blue artificial turf — a global icon
ExtraMile Arena — top entertainment venue in Boise
Located 5 minutes from downtown Boise restaurants
Boise State Broncos play in Mountain West Conference
State-of-the-art Innovation Center & research labs
Direct access to Boise River Greenbelt trails
Online and hybrid programmes widely available
Strong alumni network in tech and healthcare sectors
Vibrant Greek life and 200+ student organisations
University of Idaho campus in autumn with brick academic buildings, University of Idaho banners and students on paths
🏛️ Public University — Land Grant

University of Idaho

📍 Moscow, Idaho (Northern Region)

Idaho's flagship university and land-grant institution, founded in 1889 — the same year Idaho became a state. The University of Idaho (U of I) is a nationally ranked research university renowned for its excellence in agriculture, law, engineering, and the natural sciences. Its historic Moscow campus is surrounded by the rolling Palouse hills.

11,000+
Students
1889
Founded
140+
Programs
Agriculture Law Engineering Natural Resources Business Music
Visit U of I Website ↗

Campus Highlights & Student Life

Idaho's oldest university — steeped in tradition since 1889
The Vandal football team plays in the Big Sky Conference
Nationally ranked College of Law in Boise
Stunning Palouse hills backdrop — incredible for outdoor enthusiasts
Idaho Forest, Wildlife & Range Experiment Station
Proximity to Moscow Mountain — hiking and mountain biking
Historic Administration Building — Idaho landmark since 1909
Strong research in water resources and environmental science
Vibrant Greek Row with 15+ fraternities and sororities
Idaho State University campus in autumn with stone academic buildings, ISU banners and students on walkways
🏛️ Public University

Idaho State University

📍 Pocatello, Idaho (Eastern Region)

Idaho State University is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution and Idaho's polytechnic university. ISU is particularly renowned for its health science programmes — including pharmacy, physical therapy, and nursing — and for its proximity to the stunning landscapes of Eastern Idaho, including Craters of the Moon and the Sawtooth Range.

12,000+
Students
1901
Founded
280+
Programs
Pharmacy Physical Therapy Nursing Engineering Business Education
Visit ISU Website ↗

Campus Highlights & Student Life

Idaho's polytechnic university with STEM focus
ISU Bengals play in the Big Sky Athletic Conference
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM)
Pocatello is close to Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Advanced nuclear engineering programme (near INL)
ISU Museum of Natural History — free admission
Outdoor Programme offers guided wilderness adventures
2 hours from Grand Teton National Park
Strong graduate programmes in health professions
More Institutions

Other Idaho Colleges & Universities

Idaho's higher education landscape includes excellent community colleges, private universities, and specialty institutions.

Lewis-Clark State College campus with modern academic buildings and scenic hillside setting
🏛️ Public

Lewis-Clark State College

📍 Lewiston, Idaho

3,700+
Students
1893
Founded
70+
Programs

Idaho's only non-doctoral public college, offering bachelor's and associate degrees with an emphasis on professional and applied programmes. Located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers.

Visit Website ↗
Boise city skyline representing College of Western Idaho campus in the Treasure Valley
🏛️ Community College

College of Western Idaho

📍 Nampa / Boise, Idaho

14,000+
Students
2007
Founded
80+
Programs

Idaho's fastest-growing college, serving the Treasure Valley with affordable associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training. A key partner for students planning to transfer to Boise State.

Visit Website ↗
Coeur d'Alene lake near North Idaho College campus in Northern Idaho
🏛️ Community College

North Idaho College

📍 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

7,000+
Students
1933
Founded
60+
Programs

Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene — widely considered one of the most picturesque community college campuses in America. Renowned for its nursing and technical programmes.

Visit Website ↗
Side-by-Side

Idaho University Comparison

Compare Idaho's major public universities to find the best fit for your educational goals.

University Location Enrollment Founded Research Focus Athletics Division Law School
Boise State University Boise 29,000+ 1932 STEM & Innovation Mountain West ✗
University of Idaho Moscow 11,000+ 1889 Agriculture & Natural Resources Big Sky Conference ✓
Idaho State University Pocatello 12,000+ 1901 Health Sciences & Engineering Big Sky Conference ✗
Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston 3,700+ 1893 Applied & Professional NAIA ✗
Campus Visits

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