Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Idaho 2025
Boise State University
106 computer science graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Brigham Young University-Idaho
201 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Idaho State University
22 computer science graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Idaho offers 9+ accredited computer science 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 Science Education in Idaho: Overview
Idaho offers 9 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 402 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 science programs in the state are led by Boise State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Idaho State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Idaho Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise State University | Boise, ID | Public | $5,941 | 89% | 67.2 |
| 2 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | Private | $4,656 | — | 64.3 |
| 3 | Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | Public | $5,992 | 87% | 56.5 |
| 4 | University of Idaho | Moscow, ID | Public | $6,540 | 83% | 52.9 |
| 5 | College of Southern Idaho | Twin Falls, ID | Public | $4,560 | 90% | 49.2 |
| 6 | College of Western Idaho | Nampa, ID | Public | $3,400 | — | 44.5 |
| 7 | North Idaho College | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Public | $4,000 | — | 41.1 |
| 8 | Northwest Nazarene University | Nampa, ID | Private | $40,095 | — | 40.8 |
| 9 | Lewis-Clark State College | Lewiston, ID | Public | $7,388 | — | 34.2 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Idaho: Side-by-Side
| School | Boise State | Brigham Young University-... | Idaho State | U of Idaho | College of Southern Idaho |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $5,941 | $4,656 | $5,992 | $6,540 | $4,560 |
| Graduation Rate | 89% | N/A% | 87% | 83% | 90% |
| Annual Graduates | 106 | 201 | 22 | 36 | 2 |
| Acceptance Rate | 84% | 97% | N/A | 79% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 67.2/100 | 64.3/100 | 56.5/100 | 52.9/100 | 49.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Idaho
Idaho offers 6 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Boise State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Idaho State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $66,969 in the Idaho market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Idaho
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Boise State | $5,941 | 89% | 106 | 67.2 |
| #2 Brigham Young University-... | $4,656 | N/A% | 201 | 64.3 |
| #3 Idaho State | $5,992 | 87% | 22 | 56.5 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Idaho
For graduate study, Idaho offers 3 master's-level computer science 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 science master's programs for more options beyond Idaho.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Idaho
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Boise State | $5,941 | 89% | 18 | 53.5 |
| #2 U of Idaho | $6,540 | 83% | 14 | 51.2 |
| #3 Idaho State | $5,992 | 87% | 3 | 51.0 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Idaho
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Idaho are at College of Western Idaho ($3,400/year), North Idaho College ($4,000/year), College of Southern Idaho ($4,560/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Idaho's competitive tech salaries.
At College of Western Idaho, a 4-year degree costs approximately $13,600 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $66,969, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Idaho (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 College of Western Idaho | $3,400 | $13,600 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 North Idaho College | $4,000 | $16,000 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #3 College of Southern Idaho | $4,560 | $18,240 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Idaho
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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 Science Graduates: 106 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 67.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 106 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 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 diverse specializations including Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, AI, and Entrepreneurship with industry partnerships. The program prepares graduates for immediate employment in the computer industry with courses taught by industry experts and provides both bachelor's and graduate certificate options.
Admission Prerequisites
- •computer programming or documented programming experience
- •differential equations and linear algebra (for Computational Sciences certificate)
- •data structures and introductory systems programming (for Cybersecurity certificate)
- •linear algebra and calculus-based statistics (for Data Science certificate)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0 or better in the last 40 hours of undergraduate coursework (for applicants without Masters degree), 3.3 or better in Masters degree program (for applicants with Masters degree)
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $145,080 per year or $69.75 per hour (median salary)
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 Science Graduates: 201 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 64.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 201 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (201 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 curriculum blends technology and engineering courses carefully aligned with the needs of future employers, preparing graduates for well-paying jobs as software engineers or for graduate school.
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,992 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 22 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 56.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 22 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.5 / 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
Idaho State University offers nationally recognized computer science programs with hands-on access to advanced robotics facilities and research opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and data science. Students work with nationally recognized cybersecurity faculty and benefit from practical applications in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •Microbiology
- •Biochemistry
- •Human Anatomy
- •Human Physiology
- •Statistics
- •Abnormal Psychology
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $63,900
- Job Placement: 83%
- Top Employers: Engineering and architectural firms, Machinery manufacturers, Structural metal fabricators, Construction companies
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- recognized by U.S. News and World Report among the best undergraduate programs in the United States
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,540 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 36 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 52.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 36 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 52.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (36 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program offers flexible specialization options in diverse areas from cybersecurity to bioinformatics, culminates with a nationally recognized Senior Capstone Design Program, and provides opportunities to work on real-world software development projects. Students can start at either the Moscow campus or Coeur d'Alene location with seamless transfer options.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- nationally recognized Senior Capstone Design Program
College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,560 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 49.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 2 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (2 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.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Computer Science 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 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in Idaho FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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.