Home to the state capital of Boise - which consistently ranks among the most livable and moved-to cities in America - there's many reasons to live, work and study in Idaho. Pros of living in The Gem State include abundant access to all types of outdoor recreation (including my personal favorite - natural hot springs), a strong and fast-growing job market, relatively affordable housing, and a very low crime rate. Idaho also boasts some top-notch institutions for higher learning. The best computer science schools in Idaho include the University of Idaho in Moscow, Boise State University in Boise, and Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID.
This page will explore Idaho's best schools for computer science and engineering, as well as the top online computer schools for Idahoans. We'll also look at career outcomes for computer science grads in Idaho, including the highest paying cities and technology careers in-state.
Best CS Schools in Idaho
Research and compare the top-ranked computer science colleges in Idaho.
University of Idaho
U of I was ranked the Best Value in the West by U.S. News & World Report for the 2022 - 2023 school year; the only higher ranking public university on this list of the nation's best values in higher education was UNC Chapel Hill in North Carolina. Benefits of studying computer science at University of Idaho include a deeply practical approach to CS curricula, first-rate instructors, and programs and electives on the cutting edge of STEM disciplines.
- Featured CS degrees:
- B.S. Computer Science
- B.S. Cybersecurity
- Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
- M.S. Computer Science
- M.S. Cybersecurity
- Ph.D. Computer Science
- Graduate Certificate in Secure & Dependable Computing Systems
- View all programs at U of I
- Campus Location:
- University of Idaho Computer Science Dept. | 875 Perimeter Drive | Moscow, ID 83844
Boise State University
Located in the vibrant city of Boise alongside the Boise River, BSU features state-of-the-art research facilities, a culturally and geographically diverse student body, and a commitment to innovation in the fields of engineering, digital arts and computing. Comp-Sci students at Boise State can choose from undergraduate and graduate CS programs in marketable domains like cybersecurity, machine learning, entrepreneurship, and data science.
- Computer science degree programs:
- B.S. Computer Science w/ majors in Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, Machine Learning or Secondary Education
- Post-Baccalaureate in Computer Science
- Accelerated CS Bachelor's + CS Master's
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Doctoral Degree in Computing
- CS Graduate Certificates
- View all programs at BSU
- Campus Location:
- Boise State University | 1910 University Drive | Boise, ID 83725
Top-Paying Computer Science Careers in Idaho
For those who remain in-state after graduation, here's what you can earn in Idaho's highest paying computer science roles.
| CS Career Path | Average Salary in ID |
|---|---|
| Computer & Info Systems Manager | $116,270 |
| Information Security Analyst | $99,290 |
| Data Scientist | $99,240 |
| Software Developer | $98,560 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $97,430 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $91,200 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional Pay for CS Professionals in Idaho
These cities and metropolitan areas in Idaho pay the highest salaries to computer science professionals.
| Location in Idaho | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Falls, ID | $50.55 | $105,140 |
| Boise City, ID | $38.11 | $79,260 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $37.37 | $77,720 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $36.18 | $75,260 |
| Twin Falls, ID | $35.82 | $74,510 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
IT and education insiders answer common questions from prospective computer science students at Idaho universities.
Does University of Idaho have a good computer science program?
Yes, the University of Idaho in Moscow is the top-ranked computer science school in Idaho.
Is Boise State good for computer science and engineering?
Yes, BSU has a solid computer science and engineering program, placing it just behind U of I as the 2nd ranked computer school in Idaho.
What is the cheapest computer school in Idaho?
Brigham Young University is the most affordable computer science school in Idaho, with a tuition cost of $4,416, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Online Computer Schools in Idaho
These accredited online computer schools are currently accepting Idaho residents.
