Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Idaho 2025
Boise State University
130 computer engineering graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Brigham Young University-Idaho
160 computer engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Idaho
66 computer engineering graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
- 1.Idaho offers 6+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Boise State University leads with 89% graduation rate
- 3.Idaho software developers earn median $95,670 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian
- 5.Cost of living index: 97.5% of US average (below average)
Computer Engineering Education in Idaho: Overview
Idaho offers 6 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 399 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian, with major employers including Micron Technology, HP, Clearwater Analytics.
With a median software developer salary of $95,670 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 97.5% compared to the US average, Idaho offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by Boise State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, University of Idaho, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Idaho Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise State University | Boise, ID | Public | $5,941 | 89% | 73.7 |
| 2 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | Private | $4,656 | — | 64.3 |
| 3 | University of Idaho | Moscow, ID | Public | $6,540 | 83% | 63.6 |
| 4 | Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | Public | $5,992 | 87% | 59.3 |
| 5 | North Idaho College | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Public | $4,000 | — | 42.4 |
| 6 | Northwest Nazarene University | Nampa, ID | Private | $40,095 | — | 41.8 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Idaho: Side-by-Side
| School | Boise State | Brigham Young University-... | U of Idaho | Idaho State | North Idaho College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $5,941 | $4,656 | $6,540 | $5,992 | $4,000 |
| Graduation Rate | 89% | N/A% | 83% | 87% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 130 | 160 | 66 | 27 | 6 |
| Acceptance Rate | 84% | 97% | 79% | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 73.7/100 | 64.3/100 | 63.6/100 | 59.3/100 | 42.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Idaho
Idaho offers 5 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Boise State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, University of Idaho. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $66,969 in the Idaho market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Idaho
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Boise State | $5,941 | 89% | 130 | 73.7 |
| #2 Brigham Young University-... | $4,656 | N/A% | 160 | 64.3 |
| #3 U of Idaho | $6,540 | 83% | 66 | 63.6 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Idaho
For graduate study, Idaho offers 3 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Idaho reaching $124,371 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond Idaho.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Idaho
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Idaho | $6,540 | 83% | 31 | 57.6 |
| #2 Boise State | $5,941 | 89% | 18 | 53.5 |
| #3 Idaho State | $5,992 | 87% | 4 | 51.9 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Idaho
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Idaho are at North Idaho College ($4,000/year), Brigham Young University-Idaho ($4,656/year), Boise State University ($5,941/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Idaho's competitive tech salaries.
At North Idaho College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $16,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $66,969, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Idaho (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 North Idaho College | $4,000 | $16,000 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Brigham Young University-... | $4,656 | $18,624 | 0.6 years | Private |
| #3 Boise State | $5,941 | $23,764 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Idaho
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Idaho, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Boise State University
Boise, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,941 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 130 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 73.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 130 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (130 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Boise State's Computer Science program offers diverse specializations including cybersecurity, machine learning, and entrepreneurship, with industry partnerships like Micron providing career support. The program includes hands-on experience through required senior design projects and prepares graduates for immediate employment in the rapidly changing computer science field.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •Math 170 Calculus I
- •Physics 211 with Lab or Chemistry 111 with Lab
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,656 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 160 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 64.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 160 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (160 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
BYU-Idaho's Computer Science program prepares students for well-paying jobs as software engineers through experience in algorithm development, programming, software engineering, computer security, web design, and technical communication. The program offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, cloud computing, and big data to solve real-world problems.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,540 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 66 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 63.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 66 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (66 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
University of Idaho's Computer Engineering program combines electrical engineering and computer science skills with hands-on experience through Idaho's only Grand Challenge Scholars Program and a nationally-ranked Senior Capstone Design Program. Students benefit from substantial scholarship opportunities including the CyberCorps program covering full tuition plus $27,000 stipend.
Available Scholarships
Program Details
- Credits: 128 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Rankings & Recognition
- Idaho's only Grand Challenge Scholars Program
- Nationally-ranked Senior Capstone Design Program
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,992 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 27 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 59.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 27 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (27 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
ISU's Computer Engineering program offers unique Idaho LAUNCH grants covering up to 80% of tuition and paid research opportunities through the Career Path Internship program. The program prepares students for careers in machine learning, computer hardware development, microelectronics, and power grids with hands-on laboratory experience.
Available Scholarships
North Idaho College
Coeur d'Alene, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 6 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 42.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 6 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 42.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (6 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian
- You're seeking lower cost of living (97.5% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Micron Technology or HP
- You prefer Idaho's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Idaho's 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Engineering in Idaho FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Idaho-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Idaho salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.