Idaho Student Loans, Financial Aid & College Costs
Idaho College Cost Snapshot (2025-26)
Published tuition and cost-of-attendance averages across Idaho institutions.
Top Idaho Colleges by Published Tuition (2025-26)
Tuition and fees only. Click any column header to sort.
| School ↕ | Type ↕ | In-state T&F ↕ | Out-of-state T&F ↕ | Undergrad Enroll. ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Idaho | Public 4-yr | $9,152 | $29,904 | 7,800 |
| Boise State University | Public 4-yr | $8,738 | $25,690 | 21,000 |
| Idaho State University | Public 4-yr | $8,268 | $24,808 | 8,700 |
| Lewis-Clark State College | Public 4-yr | $7,204 | $21,036 | 2,800 |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | Private | $4,856 | $4,856 | 35,000 |
| College of Idaho | Private | $35,940 | $35,940 | 1,100 |
| North Idaho College | Community | $3,900 | $8,300 | 5,300 |
Idaho State-Funded Aid Programs
Administered by the Idaho State Board of Education (OSBE).
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
For ID residents attending eligible ID institutions. Based on need and academic performance.
Idaho Launch
Grants for ID recent high school grads pursuing in-demand career training.
GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship
For ID residents who participated in GEAR UP Idaho throughout high school.
Postsecondary Credit Scholarship (Advanced Opportunities)
Up to $4,125 for dual-credit and CTE programs during high school.
Student Loan Options for Idaho Students
Start with federal aid before considering private loans. Federal borrower protections are stronger and rates are fixed.
Does Idaho have a state student loan program?
No. Idaho does not run a state nonprofit student lender. About a dozen states do — including MEFA (Massachusetts), RISLA (Rhode Island), Minnesota SELF, the Bank of North Dakota DEAL Student Loan, VSAC (Vermont), CHESLA (Connecticut), NJCLASS (New Jersey), ISL Education Lending (Iowa), NHHEAF/Granite State (New Hampshire), FAME (Maine), and Kentucky's Advantage Education Loan. These programs often price below major private banks. Idaho residents should lean on federal loans first, then compare private lenders directly.
The order to follow
- File the FAFSA to unlock federal Pell Grants, Idaho state grants, and Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans.
- Apply scholarships and 529 savings before borrowing a dollar. Every $1,000 in free aid saves roughly $1,400 in total loan cost over 10 years.
- Max federal Direct Loans next. Fixed rates, income-driven repayment, and forgiveness programs aren't available on private loans.
- Compare private student loans only for any remaining gap. Shop at least 3 lenders; cosigner rates typically run 1-3 points lower.
Private Student Loan Lenders We Recommend
If you've exhausted federal aid and still need to borrow, these are the lenders we track for rates and terms.
Credible
One form, prequalified offers from multiple private lenders. Shop rates without multiple hard credit pulls.
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Get A Quote At College Ave →Sallie Mae
Long-established lender with options for undergraduate, graduate, and career training programs.
See Sallie Mae Rates →Advertiser disclosure: The College Investor earns a commission from some of the lenders listed above. Our rankings are independent — compensation does not influence order or editorial recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Idaho students and families.
How much does college cost in Idaho?
Average in-state tuition and fees at Idaho public four-year universities is about $8,500 for 2025-26. Total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses) averages roughly $20,800 on campus for Idaho residents and $28,900 for non-residents.
What is the average student loan debt in Idaho?
Idaho borrowers carry an average federal student loan balance of roughly $29,800. Total outstanding federal student debt for Idaho residents is approximately $6.8 billion.
Does Idaho offer state-funded college grants?
Yes. Idaho administers the Opportunity Scholarship, Idaho Launch (workforce training grants), GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship, Advanced Opportunities (dual-credit), and the Teacher Education Scholarship.
Does Idaho have a state student loan program?
No. Idaho does not operate a state nonprofit student lender. About a dozen states do, including Massachusetts (MEFA), Rhode Island (RISLA), Minnesota (SELF), North Dakota (DEAL), and Kentucky (Advantage Education Loan). Idaho residents should start with federal student loans through the FAFSA and compare private lenders for any remaining gap financing.
Which Idaho colleges have the lowest in-state tuition?
BYU-Idaho is the overall lowest-priced four-year option at $4,856 (private, LDS-affiliated). Among state publics, Lewis-Clark State is lowest at $7,204, followed by Idaho State. U of Idaho is the highest at $9,152.
What scholarships are available for Idaho residents?
Key awards include the Opportunity Scholarship, Idaho Launch, GEAR UP Idaho, Advanced Opportunities, and the Teacher Education Scholarship.
Related Idaho Resources
How We Sourced This Data
- Institutional cost pages at Idaho public universities (2025-26 published rates)
- Education Data Initiative state-level debt and cost tables
- Idaho State Board of Education program pages
- NCES IPEDS data for enrollment and institutional cost profiles
Editor: Clint Proctor Reviewed by: Claire Tak