Idaho university campus representing computer programming education
Updated December 2025

Best Computer Programming Programs in Idaho: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 6 top accredited computer programming programs in Idaho. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian.

Programs Ranked6
Median Salary$95,670
Cost of Living97.5%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in Idaho 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Rexburg, IDPrivate

288 computer programming graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$5K
Tuition/yr
64.3
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Boise State University

Boise, IDPublic

106 computer programming graduates annually, 89% graduation rate

$6K
Tuition/yr
89%
Grad Rate
62.9
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Idaho State University

Pocatello, IDPublic

22 computer programming graduates annually, 87% graduation rate

$6K
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad Rate
54.6
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Idaho offers 6+ accredited computer programming programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Brigham Young University-Idaho leads with strong% 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 Programming Education in Idaho: Overview

Idaho offers 6 accredited computer programming programs, producing approximately 453 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 programming programs in the state are led by Brigham Young University-Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Idaho Computer Programming Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg, IDPrivate$4,656โ€”64.3
2Boise State UniversityBoise, IDPublic$5,94189%62.9
3Idaho State UniversityPocatello, IDPublic$5,99287%54.6
4University of IdahoMoscow, IDPublic$6,54083%45.8
5North Idaho CollegeCoeur d'Alene, IDPublic$4,000โ€”43.1
6Northwest Nazarene UniversityNampa, IDPrivate$40,095โ€”39.5

Top 5 Computer Programming Programs in Idaho: Side-by-Side

SchoolBrigham Young University-...Boise StateIdaho StateU of IdahoNorth Idaho College
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$4,656
$5,941
$5,992
$6,540
$4,000
Graduation Rate
N/A%
89%
87%
83%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
288
106
22
14
13
Acceptance Rate
97%
84%
N/A
79%
N/A
Type
Private
Public
Public
Public
Public
Score
64.3/100
62.9/100
54.6/100
45.8/100
43.1/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Programming in Idaho

Idaho offers 5 bachelor's-level computer programming programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Brigham Young University-Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $66,969 in the Idaho market.

A bachelor's in computer programming typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs in Idaho

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Brigham Young University-...
$4,656
N/A%
288
64.3
#2 Boise State
$5,941
89%
106
62.9
#3 Idaho State
$5,992
87%
22
54.6

Top Computer Programming Schools for Master's Degrees in Idaho

For graduate study, Idaho offers 3 master's-level computer programming programs. Leading institutions include Boise State University, University of Idaho, 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 programming master's programs for more options beyond Idaho.

Top 3 Computer Programming Master's Programs in Idaho

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Boise State
$5,941
89%
18
53.5
#2 U of Idaho
$6,540
83%
14
45.8
#3 Idaho State
$5,992
87%
3
51.0

Most Affordable Computer Programming Colleges in Idaho

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer programming 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 Programming Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs in Idaho (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#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 Programming Schools in Idaho

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer programming 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.

#1

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Rexburg, ID โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $4,656 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 288 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 64.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 288 computer programming graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 64.3 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (288 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 provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, cloud computing, and big data to solve real-world problems. The program offers a blend of technology and engineering courses carefully aligned with employer needs, preparing graduates for well-paying jobs as software engineers or graduate school.

Available Scholarships
$All-new scholarships are available for new freshman and for return missionaries
Admissions
  • Transfer Friendly
#2

Boise State University

Boise, ID โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $5,941 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 106 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 62.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 89% graduation rate
  • 106 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 62.9 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (106 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 offers multiple specialized emphases including Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, Entrepreneurship, and Secondary Education, with graduates well-prepared for immediate employment in the computer industry or continuing graduate studies. The program includes an accelerated masters option and joint partnerships with business departments for entrepreneurial training.

Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขcomputer programming
  • โ€ขdifferential equations
  • โ€ขlinear algebra
  • โ€ขdata structures
  • โ€ขintroductory systems programming
  • โ€ขcalculus-based statistics
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.0
Available Specializations / Concentrations
CybersecurityMachine LearningEntrepreneurshipSecondary EducationArtificial Intelligence
#3

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $5,992 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 22 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 54.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 87% graduation rate
  • 22 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 54.6 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (22 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

No specific information about Idaho State University's Computer Programming program was found in the provided content. The pages contain general university information and details about other programs, but do not explicitly describe a Computer Programming program.

#4

University of Idaho

Moscow, ID โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-CampusOnline
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $6,540 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 14 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 45.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 83% graduation rate
  • 14 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 45.8 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (14 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

This M.S. Computer Science program prepares students to contribute to the field in new and novel ways through hands-on research with faculty in areas like computational biology and network security. The program offers flexible delivery options including online and part-time study, with funding opportunities through faculty partnerships with external agencies and industry.

Available Scholarships
$WRGP award
Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขknowledge of a structured, high-level language (CS120)
  • โ€ขalgorithms and data structures (CS121)
  • โ€ขa full year of calculus
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
  • Credits: 30 credits
  • Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
computational biologynetwork securitycomputer architecturenetwork designdigital hardware designdigital systems designcomputer systems
#5

North Idaho College

Coeur d'Alene, ID โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $4,000 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 13 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 43.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 13 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 43.1 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (13 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$66,969
Starting Salary
$95,670
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
544
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$102,443

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$93,344

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$104,533
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$92,526

Database Administrator opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$96,464

Computer Programming Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Idaho if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • 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 Programming in Idaho FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Computer Programming degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

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.