Top 3 Data Science Programs in Idaho 2025
Boise State University
106 data science graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Brigham Young University-Idaho
94 data science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Idaho State University
25 data science graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Idaho offers 6+ accredited data 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)
Data Science Education in Idaho: Overview
Idaho offers 6 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 286 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 data 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 Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise State University | Boise, ID | Public | $5,941 | 89% | 77.3 |
| 2 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | Private | $4,656 | — | 62.1 |
| 3 | Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | Public | $5,992 | 87% | 61.9 |
| 4 | University of Idaho | Moscow, ID | Public | $6,540 | 83% | 61.2 |
| 5 | Northwest Nazarene University | Nampa, ID | Private | $40,095 | — | 43.8 |
| 6 | North Idaho College | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Public | $4,000 | — | 43.2 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Idaho: Side-by-Side
| School | Boise State | Brigham Young University-... | Idaho State | U of Idaho | Northwest Nazarene |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $5,941 | $4,656 | $5,992 | $6,540 | $40,095 |
| Graduation Rate | 89% | N/A% | 87% | 83% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 106 | 94 | 25 | 46 | 10 |
| Acceptance Rate | 84% | 97% | N/A | 79% | 63% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 77.3/100 | 62.1/100 | 61.9/100 | 61.2/100 | 43.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Idaho
Idaho offers 5 bachelor's-level data 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 data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in Idaho
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Boise State | $5,941 | 89% | 106 | 77.3 |
| #2 Brigham Young University-... | $4,656 | N/A% | 94 | 62.1 |
| #3 Idaho State | $5,992 | 87% | 25 | 61.9 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Idaho
For graduate study, Idaho offers 3 master's-level data science 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 data science master's programs for more options beyond Idaho.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Idaho
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Idaho | $6,540 | 83% | 20 | 53.8 |
| #2 Boise State | $5,941 | 89% | 18 | 53.5 |
| #3 Idaho State | $5,992 | 87% | 3 | 51.0 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Idaho
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science 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 Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science 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 Data Science Schools in Idaho
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 106 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 77.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 106 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 77.3 / 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.
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,656 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 94 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 62.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 94 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (94 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,992 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 25 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 61.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 25 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (25 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,540 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 46 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 61.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 46 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (46 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $40,095 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 63%
- • Ranking Score: 43.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 10 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (63% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
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Data Analyst
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Business Intelligence Analyst
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Machine Learning Engineer
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Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2051Quantitative Analyst opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Data 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 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Data Science in Idaho FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data 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.