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Key Takeaways
Best computer programming degree programs: Brigham Young University-..., Boise State, Idaho State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $40,095/year
North Idaho College offers the most affordable option at $4,000/yr
Computer Programming degree programs available: 2 associate's, 3 master's, 2 doctoral in Idaho
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Idaho community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Micron Technology, HP, Clearwater Analytics, Kount
Tech hubs in Boise and Idaho Falls
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Programming degree programs near 16+ cities across Idaho
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Idaho Computer Programming programs
We rank 12 accredited computer programming programs in Idaho using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Programming Degree Programs in Idaho Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Programming Degree Rankings in Idaho
Compare the top-ranked Computer Programming programs in Idaho by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Programming Programs in Idaho
Program Landscape
Idaho offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in computer programming, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Brigham Young University-..., North Idaho College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Idaho offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,328/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $52,619 in Idaho.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Idaho's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Micron Technology, HP, Clearwater Analytics hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer programming schools in Idaho, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer programming degrees in Idaho.
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Programs in Idaho
Program Landscape
Idaho ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer programming education, with 5 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Brigham Young University-..., Boise State, Idaho State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Idaho computer programming programs earn a median salary of $81,320, 17% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Micron Technology, HP, Clearwater Analytics.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,656 to $40,095 annually, with an average of $12,645/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 89%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Idaho's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer programming degrees in Idaho, these top-ranked computer programming schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Computer Programming Programs in Idaho
Program Landscape
Idaho offers 3 master's degree programs in computer programming, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Boise State, U of Idaho, Idaho State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Idaho earn a median salary of $95,670, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Micron Technology, HP, Clearwater Analytics actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $6,158/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Idaho's computer programming schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Computer Programming Programs in Idaho
Program Landscape
Idaho is home to 2 doctoral programs in computer programming, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Idaho, Boise State are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Idaho PhD holders earning a median of $119,588, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Micron Technology, HP, Clearwater Analytics.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Idaho programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer programming degrees in Idaho, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Computer Programming Degree Costs & Tuition in Idaho
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $11,204/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $28,010/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,801/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $67,224 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $16,806 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Programming Students in Idaho
State Aid Programs
Idaho residents pursuing computer programming degrees have access to targeted state financial aid through the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, a need- and merit-based award program administered by the Idaho State Board of Education that provides up to $3,500 per year for eligible students. This scholarship complements federal aid options available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which all students should complete to determine eligibility for Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA is the gateway to federal funding and can be completed at (Federal Student Aid), where borrowers can also explore loan repayment options and income-driven plans post-graduation.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Idaho institutions offering computer programming degrees provide institutional scholarships and financial aid packages. For example, top-ranked programs like Boise State University and the University of Idaho often award merit-based scholarships to qualified applicants, and community colleges such as North Idaho College and College of Western Idaho offer more affordable entry points with lower tuition costs. Students should contact the financial aid offices at their target institutions and explore the (Idaho State Board of Education) website for comprehensive information about the (Idaho Opportunity Scholarship) and other state-specific funding opportunities.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator, Idaho
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree in Idaho. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Programming Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Idaho metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Boise | $105K |
| Idaho Falls | $100K |
| Meridian | $96K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Programming Graduates in Idaho
Find computer programming jobs in Idaho. These major employers across Idaho metro areas are actively hiring computer programming degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Programming Jobs in Boise
IDComputer Programming Jobs in Idaho Falls
IDTransfer Pathways for Computer Programming Degrees in Idaho
State Transfer System
Idaho's General Education Statewide Transfer Policy (Idaho General Education Statewide Transfer Policy) establishes seamless pathways for students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities. This policy ensures that general education credits earned at institutions like North Idaho College and College of Western Idaho, which together awarded 24 associate's degrees in computer programming in 2023, transfer directly to universities including Boise State University, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University. This streamlined transfer system reduces redundancy, saves students time and money, and maintains momentum toward degree completion. Students completing associate's degrees in computer programming or related information technology fields can transfer technical coursework alongside general education credits, accelerating progress toward bachelor's degrees.
How Transfers Work
The two-year-to-four-year transfer pathway is particularly attractive for students seeking affordable entry into higher education. Community college tuition is substantially lower than four-year institution costs, allowing students to complete foundational coursework affordably before transferring. College of Western Idaho offers tuition at $3,400, the lowest in the state, while North Idaho College charges $4,000, compared to four-year public universities averaging $6,084 annually (IPEDS). Many programs develop formal articulation agreements specifying which community college courses count toward bachelor's degree requirements, eliminating uncertainty about credit applicability. Students should confirm transfer credit agreements with specific four-year institutions before enrolling. For pathway flexibility and additional program options, explore Web Development in Idaho and Computer Science in Idaho programs, which may offer additional transfer arrangements and specialization opportunities.
Why Pursue a Computer Programming Degree in Idaho?
Industry & Workforce
Idaho offers a strong and growing landscape for computer programming education, with 12 institutions offering programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Idaho's colleges and universities awarded 459 bachelor's degrees, 35 master's degrees, 24 associate's degrees, and 16 doctoral degrees in computer programming, demonstrating strong institutional investment in this high-demand field. The state's educational pipeline is particularly strong at the bachelor's level, where five institutions deliver comprehensive programming education. Top employers in the state, including Micron Technology, HP Inc., and St. Luke's Health System, actively recruit Idaho-trained computer programmers, creating abundant post-graduation opportunities.
Salary Outlook
Idaho's tech hubs, particularly in the Boise City and Coeur d'Alene metropolitan areas, provide networking and internship opportunities for students. The state's public universities offer exceptional affordability: the average in-state tuition at four-year public institutions is just $6,084 annually, compared to the national landscape (College Scorecard). Leading programs like Boise State University and Brigham Young University-Idaho consistently rank among the nation's best, while remaining affordable. Students interested in related fields should explore Computer Science in Idaho and Software Engineering in Idaho for complementary pathways. The state's commitment to educational access is further demonstrated through the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, which provides need- and merit-based awards up to $3,500 annually for residents, making quality computer programming education accessible to diverse student populations.
Computer Programming Program Availability in Idaho
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Programming Job Market & Salary Data in Idaho
Employment Outlook
Idaho's computer programming job market is experiencing steady growth, with employment opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas across the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Idaho offers competitive opportunities for computer programmers in key tech hubs including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, and Twin Falls. The Boise City metropolitan area serves as the primary technology employment center in the state, attracting talent with its strong job market and growing tech ecosystem. Recent data shows that 12 institutions across Idaho offer computer programming degrees at various levels, producing 459 bachelor's degree completions annually, demonstrating strong academic pipeline alignment with regional employer demands (IPEDS).
Salaries by Metro
The state's major employers in the technology sector provide substantial career opportunities for computer programming graduates. Companies such as Micron Technology, HP Inc., and St. Luke's Health System actively recruit programmers in Idaho's metropolitan regions. Entry-level positions and career advancement opportunities are particularly strong in the Treasure Valley region and Eastern Idaho markets. Students completing computer programming degrees at institutions like Boise State University and the University of Idaho benefit from proximity to these major employers and established internship pipelines. For comprehensive salary information and detailed job outlook data by metropolitan area, prospective students can consult current BLS occupational data to understand earning potential and regional variations.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Programming Programs in Idaho
Online Programs
0 available in Idaho
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Programming Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,900
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $5,000
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
Computer Programming Degree Programs in Idaho: FAQ
What are the best computer programming degree programs in Idaho?
How much do computer programming degree programs cost in Idaho?
What salary can computer programming degree graduates earn in Idaho?
Are there online computer programming degree programs in Idaho?
What companies hire computer programming degree graduates in Idaho?
Is a computer programming degree program worth it in Idaho?
How long do computer programming degree programs take in Idaho?
What financial aid is available for computer programming degree students in Idaho?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Idaho salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.