Nursing Schools in Idaho

Idaho’s nursing education offers a mix of programs across 12 schools located in 15 cities, serving students who want to enter healthcare in both rural and urban parts of the state. The diversity of these schools means you can find programs close to home whether you live in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, or smaller communities. This geographical spread is important because Idaho’s healthcare needs vary widely between its more populated areas and its many rural regions where nursing shortages are common.

Idaho nursing students can expect solid preparation for licensure. The state’s average NCLEX pass rate sits at about 89.5%, with recent trends showing steady improvement from the low end around 86.9% toward 93.1%. These rates align reasonably well with the national average, but Idaho programs vary, so it’s worth reviewing pass rates carefully when choosing a school. The state’s membership in the Nurse Licensure Compact lets you obtain one multistate nursing license, which means you can work in Idaho and other compact states without applying for new licenses. This can be especially helpful if you want the option to work outside Idaho in the future or in border towns that serve patients from neighboring states.

Nursing salaries in Idaho are competitive when weighed against the state’s cost of living, which is lower than the national average. Registered nurses earn an average of $83,090 per year, but that varies depending on experience, location, and employer; the range is roughly $62,210 up to $105,300. Licensed Practical Nurses usually see salaries near $54,600. Advanced practice nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, earn considerably more. NPs average $124,550 and CRNAs $178,600, reflecting Idaho’s need for more specialized nursing roles, especially in underserved areas. The state employs about 14,060 RNs, concentrated mainly around larger medical centers such as Saint Alphonsus Health System and St. Luke’s Health System, which are the largest healthcare employers offering many job opportunities for graduates.

Costs for nursing programs in Idaho vary based on the type of degree and institution. LPN programs generally run between $3,000 and $10,000, often found at community colleges or technical schools, making them an affordable entry point. ADN programs, which can be completed at many community colleges, usually fall between $10,000 and $20,000. BSN programs, offered by universities and private colleges, tend to cost more, spanning roughly $20,000 to $40,000. Community colleges provide lower tuition costs but sometimes fewer clinical placement options compared to private schools, which charge higher tuition but may offer more specialized tracks and access to larger hospitals.

Idaho faces challenges typical for a mostly rural state. While urban areas provide growing jobs and resources for nurses, rural communities still wrestle with healthcare shortages and fewer educational options nearby. Those willing to train in larger cities may find wider program choices and higher NCLEX pass rates, while those in rural zones can benefit from flexible program types including accelerated or part-time study.

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Idaho

These are the highest-performing nursing schools in Idaho for 2025, ranked by their students' success on the NCLEX-RN exam. If you're choosing where to study, these programs have proven track records of preparing graduates to pass on their first attempt. See how we calculate rankings.