Idaho program guide
Best Nursing Programs in Idaho (2026)
167 accredited nursing programs are open to Idaho students; the fastest listed takes 16 months. Compare programs accepting applications below.
- Programs listed
- 167
- Open to Idaho students
- Fastest listed
- 16 mo
- Shortest completion time
- Lowest tuition
- $13,500
- Total listed tuition
Programs accepting applications
All Nursing Programs in Idaho
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Showing 100 of 167 programs from our directory for Idaho.
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Idaho nursing program market snapshot
MyNursingSchools lists 167 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Idaho. The fastest listed completion time is 16 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 100.0% first-time pass rate. RNs in Idaho earn $89,770/year on average (BLS).
| Programs in directory | 167 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 39 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 4 ADN · 9 BSN · 64 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) – Boise (Meridian) at Grand Canyon University — 16 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 100.0% average across 1 programs with published data · high: 100% (College of Western Idaho) |
| Delivery formats | 92 online · 5 hybrid · 3 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $89,770/yr (BLS) · 9.6% projected growth through 2032 |
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
How to choose a nursing program in Idaho
Idaho is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (167 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Idaho ($89,770/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Idaho is projected to grow 9.6% through 2032 (BLS) — above the 6% national baseline. Choosing a nursing program in Idaho means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Idaho directory, the fastest listed completion time is 16 months. We track 167 accredited nursing programs in Idaho — including 13 entry-level RN pathways. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Idaho is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Montana, Utah, Wyoming.
Key takeaways
- Screen Idaho programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Idaho.
- Idaho is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Idaho lists 13 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in Idaho spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve Idaho students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $89,770 (BLS, May 2024) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Idaho
Programs by Degree Type
64
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
9
BSN Programs
4
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Idaho
4 accredited institutions with a campus in Idaho.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Idaho | 1 | ADN | N/A | View |
| College of Western Idaho | 1 | ADN | 100.0% | View |
| North Idaho College | 1 | ADN | N/A | View |
| Idaho State University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Idaho Residents
35 accredited schools based outside Idaho that enroll Idaho residents online. Confirm clinical-placement arrangements and Idaho Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | 5 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Liberty University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 5 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Idaho?
There are 167 accredited nursing programs available in Idaho across 39 schools — including 0 LPN, 4 ADN, 9 BSN, 64 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Idaho?
Nursing program tuition in Idaho starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Idaho?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Idaho can be completed in 16 months (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) – Boise (Meridian) at Grand Canyon University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Idaho?
Registered nurses in Idaho earn an average of $89,770 per year ($43/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Idaho is projected to grow 9.6% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Idaho?
Yes. There are 97 online and hybrid nursing programs (92 fully online, 5 hybrid) available to Idaho residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Idaho.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Idaho?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, College of Western Idaho leads at 100% first-time pass rate (Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)). Average across 1 programs with data: 100.0%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Idaho?
To practice nursing in Idaho, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Idaho Board of Nursing. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in Idaho?
Yes. Like most states, Idaho is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 9.6% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Idaho?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Idaho vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
Compare nursing programs in Idaho
- Most affordable programs in Idaho
- Online nursing programs in IdahoPrograms delivered primarily online for students who can't relocate.
- No-waitlist nursing schools in IdahoPrograms reporting open seats rather than a waitlist queue.
- Accelerated BSN programs in IdahoSecond-degree tracks for applicants who already hold a bachelor's.
- Fastest programs in Idaho
- ADN programs in IdahoAssociate-degree and community-college routes to RN licensure.
- BSN programs in IdahoFour-year pre-licensure bachelor's degrees for first-time RNs.
