Last Updated: July 05, 2021
Idaho - Gem State
Despite a huge geographical area, Idaho houses just about 25 universities and colleges in all. Boise is not just the capital of the state but is also the largest metropolitan city and boasts the popular Boise State University, which has garnered national acknowledgment in the last few years for its remarkably blue-colored football field. Idaho is home to some of the esteemed universities/colleges where students can pursue their bachelor's, master's, and various other degree courses and certificate programs.
Most universities and colleges operate on a semester or quarterly basis, with their fall intake starting from September. It normally takes around 4-5 years to acquire a bachelor's degree while a master's degree can extend up to 2-3 years, depending upon the duration of the course.
Major cities in Idaho
Boise
Boise, being the capital, is the largest city in Idaho located in the southwestern part of the state. The city is an important cultural and economic center, opening doors to many work-related and educational opportunities.
Meridian
Being the second-largest city located in the southwestern part, Meridian is home to 47 schools, offering an integrative system of learning. The city, founded in 1891, is known for its good quality lifestyle and affordable cost of living.
Nampa
Nampa is a primary city of the Boise-Nampa Metropolitan area and is the third most populous in Idaho. Offering a rich blend of natural beauty and local history and culture, the city is home to some of the important enterprises such as the Union Pacific system, Mission Aviation Fellowship, American snacks, etc. The major thriving sectors in the city include manufacturing, agribusiness, technology, etc.
Caldwell
The city of Caldwell, located on the Boise River is a host to Albertson College of Idaho. Caldwell is famous for its wide network of recreational activities, offering opportunities for outsiders to unwind and explore. With its business-friendly climate, the city offers a good quality lifestyle and affordable living options.
Pocatello
Located in the southeastern part of the state, Pocatello is the fifth-largest city of Idaho, founded in 1889. The city is popularly known as a home to one of the leading institutions of the country - the Idaho State University.
Economy/Job Market
The economy of the state is mostly based on food processing, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and mining. Most of the big public universities and colleges here assist their students in finding course-related work to gain experience and may also offer internships or opportunities related to the work-study program. The major industries in the employment sector include food processing, mining, chemicals, tourism, science, and technology. The state of Idaho bears strong economic prospects and a competitive job market to keep the employment rates steady. According to 2021 Best State Rankings by the US News, Idaho stands at the number one position when it comes to economic growth and recovery.
To meet their financial needs, International students are also allowed to engage in on-campus job-related activities, working for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Optical Practical Training is also provided to F-1 International students, allowing them to work for a maximum of one year after the completion of their degree course. However, for students limited to the STEM field, the working period can be extended up to 2 years.
Tuition Fee and Cost of Living
The tuition fee of the student can vary depending upon the course and type of institution they are studying in.
At the Idaho State University, for example, the undergraduate tuition fee for the residents of the state is roughly $9,000 (per year), apart from other additional expenses while the tuition fee for non-residents is around $28,000 per year. However, the universities or the federal/state government offers a list of scholarship grants for students to meet their monetary requirements.
Similarly, the cost of living can also vary from location to location and whether the students are looking for on-campus accommodations or not. Usually, the cost of living is low compared to the average living cost in the US.
List of few major universities/colleges
- University of Idaho:
The University of Idaho qualifies as one of the top public institutions in the US, offering a broad range of courses for undergraduate, graduate, and research students. The University also offers various degree/certificate courses in diversified fields of study. The University has 3 branch campuses spread across the US with its primary campus in Moscow. With a 16:1 student to faculty ratio, the university focuses on the overall development of its students, making them competent and efficient in their respective spheres of focus. The University of Idaho also offers independent study programs for students to pursue online courses from anywhere across the globe.
- Idaho State University:
The Idaho State University is one of the reputed public institutions, offering a total of about 250 programs and doctoral degrees. ISU was founded in 1901 and was earlier known as the Academy of Idaho. The University has a notable alumni network, all leading successful careers and climbing the ladder of success. It offers courses related to business, computer science, health sciences, chemistry, communication, etc.
- Boise State University:
Boise State University, founded in 1934, is a leading public research institution, hosting students from all across the globe. The University offers a total of over 200 programs to undergraduate and postgraduate students along with many internships and work opportunities to promote the exponential growth of its students.
- College of Idaho:
The College of Idaho is a private liberal arts college located in Caldwell, Idaho. Founded in 1891, the college boasts of having a remarkable list of alumni consisting of many Rhodes Scholars and other esteemed personalities. The college offers a very well-defined undergraduate curriculum called PEAK, where the students are allowed to graduate with an academic major and three minors under a 4-year program.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
- Idaho Scholarship Award:
This award is offered to freshmen and transfer students enrolled in the first year of their bachelor's degrees. A total amount of $15,084 is offered under the scheme which can be renewed provided the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and maintains the minimum required GPA.
- You Are Welcome Here Scholarship:
Under this scholarship scheme, Idaho University offers a minimum of 2 annual scholarships to its first-year students pursuing any undergraduate program of study. The scholarship amount is applicable for the renewal depending upon the length of the course (usually up to 4 years).
- Non-Resident Tuition Waivers: Idaho State University also supports a variety of federal/state grants offered to the students. The University also offers merit-based tuition waivers to its international students, provided they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. Students are also allowed to work 20 hours per week under the College Work-Study Program to support their financial requirements.
- Idaho Opportunity Scholarship:
Idaho State Board of Education offers a $3,000 reward to students enrolled for a full-time course in the concerned Idaho colleges/universities. The scholarship can be renewed for up to 4 years and the applicant needs to demonstrate financial need and provide proof for the same to receive the benefits.
Tourism
The state of Idaho offers a pool of outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, river sports, camping, etc. The spectacular scenery and the mild climate make it a perfect tourist destination. The state is famous for its State Capitol Building, national parks. monuments and adventurous opportunities to help students relax and rejuvenate their minds.
Universities & Colleges in Idaho
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
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