Best Nursing Programs in Idaho (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 165 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Idaho. The fastest listed completion time is 18 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 94.1% first-time pass rate. RNs in Idaho earn $76,610/year on average (BLS).
165
Programs
40
Schools
18 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
94.1%
Avg NCLEX (6)
97
Online / Hybrid
$77K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Idaho nursing programs at a glance
- 165 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Idaho (0 LPN, 4 ADN, 8 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 18 months (MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 100% (College of Western Idaho).
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve Idaho students (3 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Idaho: $76,610 (BLS) · 9.6% projected job growth through 2032.
Idaho nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 165 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 40 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 4 ADN · 8 BSN · 65 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University — 18 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 94.1% average across 6 programs with published data · high: 100% (College of Western Idaho) |
| Delivery formats | 93 online · 4 hybrid · 3 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $76,610/yr (BLS) · 9.6% projected growth through 2032 |
Online Nursing Programs in Idaho
Online and distance-friendly nursing programs for Idaho residents. Partner matches respect your filter; sort the directory by tuition, duration, or school.
Showing 100 of 165 programs from our directory for Idaho.
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How to choose a nursing program in Idaho
Idaho is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (165 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Idaho ($76,610/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 18 months. We track 165 accredited nursing programs in Idaho — including 12 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 12 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.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $76,610 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Idaho
Programs by Degree Type
65
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
8
BSN Programs
4
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Idaho
40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| College of Southern Idaho | 1 | ADN | 97.4% | View |
| College of Western Idaho | 1 | ADN | 100.0% | View |
| North Idaho College | 1 | ADN | 94.3% | View |
| Idaho State University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 90.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Idaho?
There are 165 accredited nursing programs available in Idaho across 40 schools — including 0 LPN, 4 ADN, 8 BSN, 65 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 18 months (MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State 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 $76,610 per year ($37/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 (93 fully online, 4 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 6 programs with data: 94.1%. 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.
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