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Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: Boise State, Idaho State, Brigham Young University-...
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
Machine Learning degree programs available: 1 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
1 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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning programs
We rank 11 accredited machine learning 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 Machine Learning Degree Programs in Idaho Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Idaho
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Idaho by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Machine Learning Programs in Idaho
Program Landscape
Idaho offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in machine learning, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include 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 $4,000/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 machine learning schools in Idaho, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in Idaho.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Idaho
Program Landscape
Idaho ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 5 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Boise State, Idaho State, Brigham Young University-..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Idaho machine learning 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 machine learning degrees in Idaho, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Idaho
Program Landscape
Idaho offers 3 master's degree programs in machine learning, 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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in Idaho
Program Landscape
Idaho is home to 2 doctoral programs in machine learning, 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 machine learning 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.
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Students in Idaho
State Aid Programs
Idaho residents pursuing machine learning degrees have access to targeted state financial aid programs designed to make higher education more affordable. The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship provides need- and merit-based awards up to $3,500 per year for eligible Idaho residents, offering meaningful support regardless of financial background (Idaho State Board of Education). This scholarship complements federal financial aid available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens doors to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities for students nationwide (Federal Student Aid).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state scholarships, Idaho's public four-year institutions offer competitive tuition rates that make machine learning education accessible. With average public in-state tuition at $6,084, Idaho undercuts many neighboring states, and many institutions provide institutional scholarships based on academic merit and program-specific criteria (IPEDS). Students should explore institution-specific aid packages at top programs like Boise State University and University of Idaho, which consistently rank among the nation's best for machine learning education. The College Scorecard provides transparent data on aid availability, loan default rates, and long-term financial outcomes across Idaho's machine learning programs, helping students make informed decisions about affordability and return on investment.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Idaho
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
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.
$147,619
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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Graduates in Idaho
Find machine learning jobs in Idaho. These major employers across Idaho metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Boise
IDMachine Learning Jobs in Idaho Falls
IDTransfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Idaho
State Transfer System
Idaho's strong transfer system facilitates seamless movement between community colleges and four-year universities for machine learning students. The Idaho General Education Statewide Transfer Policy ensures that general education credits earned at any public Idaho institution transfer without loss of credits to other public institutions. This policy is critical for students starting at one of Idaho's 5 two-year institutions, including College of Southern Idaho, College of Western Idaho, and North Idaho College, and transferring to one of the state's 13 four-year institutions for bachelor's completion. Students pursuing associate's degrees in machine learning or computer science can complete foundational coursework in algebra, calculus, discrete mathematics, and introductory programming at community colleges, saving significant tuition costs. College of Western Idaho charges just $3,400 in tuition, while College of Southern Idaho charges $4,560, making community college entry highly accessible.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students moving from community colleges to bachelor's programs at Boise State University ($5,941 tuition), University of Idaho ($6,540 tuition), or Idaho State University ($5,992 tuition) benefit from articulation agreements that guarantee credit transfer and often allow students to graduate on schedule. The transfer process is straightforward through the Idaho State Board of Education system, and students should work with advisors at their community college to align coursework with their target bachelor's program. Many students completing associate's degrees then pursue bachelor's degrees and potentially master's degrees at institutions like Boise State or University of Idaho. For additional transfer information and related pathways, explore degree options in Computer Science in Idaho, Data Science in Idaho, and Artificial Intelligence in Idaho, which follow similar transfer-friendly structures.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Idaho?
Industry & Workforce
Idaho offers a strong and growing pipeline for machine learning education across multiple degree levels. According to IPEDS data, the state hosts 12 institutions offering machine learning programs, with 271 bachelor's completions, 35 master's completions, and 16 doctoral completions in 2023. This diverse educational ecosystem means students can pursue credentials from associate's through doctoral levels without leaving the state. Boise State University leads the way with 130 completions, followed by Brigham Young University-Idaho with 94 completions and University of Idaho with 59 completions. The concentration of quality programs in Idaho's major tech hubs. Boise, Meridian, and the Treasure Valley region, positions graduates directly in employment markets dominated by major employers like Micron Technology, HP Inc., and St. Luke's Health System.
Salary Outlook
Affordability stands as a major advantage for Idaho students pursuing machine learning degrees. Public four-year institutions in Idaho charge an average in-state tuition of just $6,084, compared to out-of-state rates of $20,994. Top-ranked programs like Brigham Young University-Idaho offer tuition at $4,656, making it one of the most affordable programs nationally. Idaho residents also benefit from the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, which provides need- and merit-based awards up to $3,500 per year. For students interested in adjacent fields, Idaho's strong tech ecosystem supports related degree paths in Artificial Intelligence in Idaho, Data Science in Idaho, and Computer Science in Idaho.
Machine Learning Program Availability in Idaho
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Idaho
Employment Outlook
Idaho's machine learning job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a strong tech sector and diverse employer base across the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations remain among the fastest-growing fields in Idaho. The state's three major metropolitan areas. Boise City, Idaho Falls, and Coeur d'Alene, represent the primary hubs for machine learning employment opportunities. Boise, in particular, is a tech-forward city within the Treasure Valley region, attracting companies seeking talent in artificial intelligence, data science, and related fields. The presence of major employers like Micron Technology, HP Inc., and St. Luke's Health System creates sustained demand for machine learning professionals across manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Salaries by Metro
Machine learning graduates from Idaho institutions are well-positioned to enter this growing market. With 271 bachelor's degree completions and 35 master's degree completions annually across the state's 12 institutions offering machine learning programs, Idaho produces a consistent pipeline of qualified professionals (IPEDS). The state's affordable public tuition, averaging $6,084 annually for in-state students at four-year public institutions, makes Idaho schools attractive for those seeking cost-effective education. Career pathways are further supported by the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, which provides need- and merit-based awards up to $3,500/year for Idaho residents. For national context, explore best machine learning bachelor's programs nationwide and affordable machine learning programs to understand how Idaho's offerings compare nationally.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Idaho
Online Programs
0 available in Idaho
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $11,100
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,900
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Idaho: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Idaho?
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Idaho?
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in Idaho?
Are there online machine learning degree programs in Idaho?
What companies hire machine learning degree graduates in Idaho?
Is a machine learning degree program worth it in Idaho?
How long do machine learning degree programs take in Idaho?
What financial aid is available for machine learning 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.