Top Universities in Idaho

Idaho's higher education system centers on three public universities — the University of Idaho, Boise State University, and Idaho State University — and an important private institution in Boise.

University of Idaho (Moscow)
The flagship land-grant research university — founded 1889, the same year Idaho achieved statehood. The University of Idaho in Moscow (the northernmost Palouse prairie) has approximately 12,000 students and is strongest in natural resources, forestry, agriculture, law (the University of Idaho College of Law is Idaho's oldest), engineering, and music (the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, held at UI annually, is one of the nation's most significant collegiate jazz events). The campus's brick architecture and the Palouse Prairie setting are distinctive.

Boise State University
Idaho's largest university by enrollment (28,000+ students) and the fastest-growing — Boise State benefits directly from the Treasure Valley's explosive population growth. BSU is particularly strong in business (College of Business and Economics), health sciences (expanding medical partnerships with St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus health systems), computer science, and engineering. BSU's unique central place as the dominant university in Idaho's most dynamic metro makes it increasingly influential. The Broncos football program (the blue Smurf Turf field) is nationally recognized.

Idaho State University (Pocatello)
A teaching and research university with particular strength in health professions — Idaho State is home to Idaho's only pharmacy school, the College of Pharmacy, and strong programs in physical therapy, health care administration, and allied health. Pocatello's geography (the Gateway to the Northwest, at the junction of I-15 and I-86) reflects the institution's role serving southeast Idaho.

College of Idaho (Caldwell)
A selective private liberal arts college — the oldest college in Idaho (1891) with approximately 1,200 students. Strong programs in biology, business, and the PEAK curriculum (four Pillars of Expertise). Regularly sends a high percentage of graduates to medical and law school.