Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Idaho 2026
Brigham Young University-Idaho
315 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Boise State University
106 software engineering graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Idaho State University
23 software engineering graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Software Engineers earn a median salary of $132,270 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OEWS 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Software Engineering programs include Brigham Young University-Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Brigham Young University-Idaho offers Software Engineering education at $4,656/year with strong outcomes
- 4.6 accredited Software Engineering programs analyzed in Idaho using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Software Engineering Education in Idaho: Overview
Idaho offers 6 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 503 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 software engineering 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 Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | Private | $4,656 | — | 64.3 |
| 2 | Boise State University | Boise, ID | Public | $5,941 | 89% | 61.9 |
| 3 | Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | Public | $5,992 | 87% | 54.4 |
| 4 | University of Idaho | Moscow, ID | Public | $6,540 | 83% | 51.2 |
| 5 | North Idaho College | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Public | $4,000 | — | 40 |
| 6 | Northwest Nazarene University | Nampa, ID | Private | $40,095 | — | 39.3 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Idaho: Side-by-Side
| School | Brigham Young University-... | Boise State | Idaho State | U of Idaho | North 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 | 315 | 106 | 23 | 44 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 97% | 84% | N/A | 79% | N/A |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 64.3/100 | 61.9/100 | 54.4/100 | 51.2/100 | 40.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Idaho
Idaho offers 5 bachelor's-level software engineering 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 software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Idaho
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Brigham Young University-... | $4,656 | N/A% | 315 | 64.3 |
| #2 Boise State | $5,941 | 89% | 106 | 61.9 |
| #3 Idaho State | $5,992 | 87% | 23 | 54.4 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Idaho
For graduate study, Idaho offers 3 master's-level software engineering 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 software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Idaho.
Top 3 Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Colleges in Idaho
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering 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 Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Schools in Idaho
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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.
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,656 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 315 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 64.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 315 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (315 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Boise State University
Boise, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,941 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 106 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 61.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 106 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.9 / 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.
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,992 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 54.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 23 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (23 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 44 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 51.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 44 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (44 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
North Idaho College
Coeur d'Alene, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 40.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 5 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 40.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (5 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.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Should You Study Software Engineering in Idaho?
- 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
Software Engineering in Idaho FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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.