nursingadmissionscareersIdaho

Best Nursing Schools in Idaho: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 7, 2026

Explore 12 nursing programs across Idaho's universities and community colleges. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and earning potential to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Overview of Nursing Education in Idaho

Idaho offers 12 accredited nursing programs across universities and community colleges, providing multiple pathways to a nursing career. Whether you're seeking an affordable Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or investing in a Bachelor's or Master's degree, Idaho schools deliver accessible, quality nursing education.

The state's nursing programs range from highly selective private universities to open-admission community colleges. Tuition varies significantly—from $3,336 per year at community colleges to $39,370 annually at private institutions. Nursing graduates in Idaho earn between $49,566 and $124,851 annually depending on degree level and specialization, with Master's and Doctoral degree holders commanding substantially higher salaries.

This guide breaks down your options so you can make an informed decision about which program aligns with your career goals, budget, and academic profile.

Top University Nursing Programs in Idaho

Four-Year University Options

Brigham Young University-Idaho (Rexburg)

BYU-Idaho stands out as the most affordable private option, charging just $4,656 per year for in-state tuition. With a 97% acceptance rate, this school prioritizes access over selectivity. However, the 54.5% graduation rate suggests that while admission is easy, completing the program requires significant commitment.

Nursing graduates earn $49,566 annually with a Bachelor's degree. The university enrolls 42,090 students, making it Idaho's largest institution. BYU-Idaho's nursing program emphasizes faith-based values and community service.

Boise State University (Boise)

Boise State is Idaho's premier public research university for nursing education. In-state tuition is $8,782 annually, and the school maintains an 84% acceptance rate with a solid 60.8% graduation rate—the highest among Idaho's four-year programs.

The real advantage: nursing graduates with a Master's degree earn $124,851 annually, the highest salary in Idaho's nursing pipeline. This reflects Boise State's advanced degree offerings and reputation. The university enrolls 17,081 students and offers robust clinical partnerships across the Treasure Valley region.

Idaho State University (Pocatello)

ISU charges $8,356 per year in-state tuition and offers doctoral-level nursing education. Graduates with a Doctoral degree earn $106,963 annually. The 37.7% graduation rate is lower than competitors, indicating a rigorous program that's not for everyone.

ISU enrolls 7,260 students and serves southeastern Idaho's healthcare workforce needs. The doctoral pathway is ideal for students planning advanced practice roles (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist).

Lewis-Clark State College (Lewiston)

LCSC offers an affordable four-year option at $7,388 per year with an 89.8% acceptance rate. The 40% graduation rate is moderate. Nursing graduates earn $71,617 annually with a Bachelor's degree.

With 2,277 students, LCSC is a smaller, more intimate institution serving the Lewiston-Clarkston region. The school emphasizes personalized education and strong community connections.

Northwest Nazarene University (Nampa)

NNU is Idaho's most expensive option at $39,370 annually, but it's a private nonprofit with strong academic standards (62.9% acceptance rate) and excellent outcomes (59.1% graduation rate). Master's degree graduates earn $106,524 annually.

NNU enrolls 1,138 students and offers a faith-based education with rigorous nursing curriculum. The higher cost reflects smaller class sizes and individualized faculty mentorship.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Two-Year Associate's Degree Programs

Community colleges offer the most affordable entry point into nursing, with tuition ranging from $3,336 to $3,396 annually. These programs award an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), which qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

College of Western Idaho (Nampa)

CWI charges $3,336 per year—Idaho's lowest tuition. Nursing graduates earn $63,975 annually. With 5,898 students, CWI is the largest community college in the state and offers flexible scheduling for working adults.

College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls)

CSI charges $3,360 annually and enrolls 3,476 students. Nursing graduates earn $65,503 per year. The 32.9% graduation rate suggests competitive admissions and rigorous coursework.

North Idaho College (Coeur d'Alene)

NIC charges $3,396 per year and serves 2,488 students in the panhandle region. Nursing graduates earn $68,424 annually—among the highest for ADN holders. The program benefits from strong regional healthcare partnerships.

College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls)

CEI charges $3,390 annually and enrolls 1,396 students. Nursing graduates earn $65,354 per year. This smaller program offers personalized attention and strong connections to local healthcare employers.

Community College Advantages

Cost: Save $5,000–$35,000 annually compared to four-year programs
Time: Complete prerequisites and core nursing courses in two years
Transfer: Many Idaho community college graduates transfer to four-year programs to earn a Bachelor's degree
Job readiness: ADN graduates are fully licensed RNs and can work immediately

For-Profit Nursing Programs

Idaho has three for-profit institutions offering nursing programs. These schools offer flexibility but typically charge higher tuition than community colleges.

Eagle Gate College-Boise Campus charges $18,645 annually. Nursing graduates earn $66,420 with a Bachelor's degree. The school enrolls 467 students.

Carrington College-Boise offers an Associate's program with tuition not publicly listed. Graduates earn $68,711 annually. The school enrolls 433 students.

Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus charges $18,645 annually for a Bachelor's program. Graduates earn $63,317 per year. The school enrolls 226 students.

Note: For-profit schools can offer convenience and accelerated timelines, but carefully evaluate job placement rates, NCLEX pass rates, and accreditation before enrolling.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

1. Define Your Career Goals

Quick entry into workforce: Choose a community college ADN program ($3,300–$3,400/year)
Advanced practice roles: Select a university with Master's or Doctoral programs (Boise State, Idaho State, Northwest Nazarene)
Leadership/education: Bachelor's degree provides stronger foundation than ADN

2. Assess Your Budget

Calculate total cost of attendance, not just tuition:

Tuition and fees
Books and supplies ($1,200–$2,000/year for nursing)
Clinical uniforms and equipment
Licensing exam fees ($200–$300)

Community colleges are 80–90% cheaper than four-year universities.

3. Evaluate Graduation Rates

Higher graduation rates indicate stronger student support and program quality:

Boise State: 60.8%
Northwest Nazarene: 59.1%
BYU-Idaho: 54.5%
Lewis-Clark State: 40.0%
Idaho State: 37.7%

4. Consider Location and Lifestyle

Urban: Boise State (Boise), Eagle Gate (Boise), Carrington (Boise)
Rural/panhandle: North Idaho College (Coeur d'Alene)
Southeast Idaho: Idaho State (Pocatello), College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls)
Central Idaho: College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls)
Southwest: College of Western Idaho (Nampa), Northwest Nazarene (Nampa)

5. Review NCLEX Pass Rates

While not listed above, contact programs directly for NCLEX-RN pass rates. Idaho's average is around 85%. Programs with rates below 80% may indicate curriculum or student support issues.

Idaho's Nursing Job Market

Idaho faces a significant nursing shortage. The state's population is growing faster than the nursing workforce, creating strong job security and competitive salaries.

Earning Potential by Degree Level:

Associate's Degree (ADN): $63,317–$68,711/year
Bachelor's Degree (BSN): $49,566–$71,617/year
Master's Degree (MSN): $106,524–$124,851/year
Doctoral Degree (DNP): $106,963/year

Job Growth: Idaho's nursing positions are projected to grow 12–15% through 2032, faster than the national average of 6%.

Regional Opportunities:

Boise: Largest healthcare market; St. Alphonsus Health System, St. Luke's Health System
Pocatello: Idaho State University Hospital, Portneuf Medical Center
Coeur d'Alene: Kootenai Health (regional leader)
Twin Falls: Magic Valley Regional Medical Center
Lewiston: Tri-State Memorial Hospital

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Idaho

Federal Aid

FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov. Most Idaho nursing students qualify for grants or loans.
Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 (2024–2025) for eligible low-income students
Federal Student Loans: Unsubsidized loans up to $7,500/year for undergraduates

Idaho-Specific Programs

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship: Covers tuition at Idaho public universities for income-eligible students
Idaho National Guard Educational Assistance: Up to $5,000/year for Guard members
Health Professions Loan Repayment Program: Idaho may offer loan forgiveness for nurses working in underserved areas (verify current eligibility)

Employer Sponsorship

Many Idaho healthcare systems offer tuition reimbursement or sign-on bonuses:

St. Alphonsus Health System
St. Luke's Health System
Kootenai Health
Portneuf Medical Center

Scholarships

University-specific nursing scholarships (contact financial aid offices)
Professional organizations: American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International
Community foundations in your region

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

You've learned about Idaho's 12 nursing programs. Now it's time to compare them side-by-side.

Visit GradeToGrad's nursing school search to:

Filter by degree type (ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP)
Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduation rates
Read student reviews
Request information directly from schools
Build your college list

Action Items

Narrow your list to 3–5 programs that match your budget, location, and goals
Request information from each school's nursing department
Schedule campus visits or attend virtual information sessions
Ask about NCLEX pass rates and job placement data
Complete the FAFSA to understand your financial aid eligibility
Apply early (fall of senior year for spring/summer entry)

Idaho's nursing schools are ready to prepare you for a rewarding, in-demand career. Start your comparison today.