The Best Accounting Programs in Idaho for 2026
The best accounting programs in Idaho are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 5 business programs in Idaho on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor of accounting actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 5 ranked programs in Idaho runs from $6,104 to $40,024 a year, a $33,920 spread for the same credential.
The College of Idaho tops the list with an 82.4 Hakia Score on a 63% graduation rate, at $36,750 a year in-state. Across all 5 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 58%, ranging from 39% to 71%. The national median pay in the field is $87,660 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Idaho
- The College of Idaho ranks first among Idaho's business programs with an 82.4 Hakia Score and a 63% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 5 ranked Idaho programs spans $6,104 to $40,024 a year, a $33,920 gap for the same bachelor of accounting.
- The 5 ranked Idaho programs graduate 58% of students on average, from 39% to 71%.
- 3 of the 5 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Idaho residents.
- 1 of the 5 offers a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $87,660 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Idaho program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 5 accredited programs in Idaho reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 5 Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Idaho, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The College of IdahoCaldwell, ID | Nonprofit | $36,750 | 63% | 49% | 82.4 |
| 2 | Northwest Nazarene UniversityNampa, ID | Nonprofit | $40,024 | 71% | 65% | 78.4 |
| 3 | Boise State UniversityBoise, ID · online option | Public | $6,119 | 60% | 87% | 76.4 |
| 4 | University of IdahoMoscow, ID | Public | $6,756 | 57% | 76% | 75.8 |
| 5 | Idaho State UniversityPocatello, ID | Public | $6,104 | 39% | NR | 68.4 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
How the Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Idaho Compare
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
The Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Idaho, School by School
The College of Idaho
Caldwell, ID · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 63%
- Admit rate
- 49%
- In-state
- $36,750
- Out-of-state
- $36,750
The College of Idaho graduates 63% of its students, above the 58% average across this ranking, on an 82.4 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 82.4, #1 of 5
- 63% graduation rate
- $36,750 tuition
- Most selective program here
Based in Caldwell, ID, The College of Idaho is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #1 of the 5 ranked here, earning an 82.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 76.3 group average. The program graduates 63% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. The College of Idaho admits 49% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 39% to 71%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,090 students.
On cost, The College of Idaho charges $36,750 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $147,000 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,104 at Idaho State University to $40,024 at Northwest Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 2x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 71%
- Admit rate
- 65%
- In-state
- $40,024
- Out-of-state
- $40,024
Northwest Nazarene University graduates 71% of its students, above the 58% average across this ranking, on a 78.4 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 78.4, #2 of 5
- 71% graduation rate
- $40,024 tuition
- Top graduation rate on this list
Based in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #2 of the 5 ranked here, earning a 78.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 76.3 group average, in the middle third of the 5 ranked programs, 4 points behind top-ranked College of Idaho. The program graduates 71% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. Northwest Nazarene University admits 65% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 49% rate at College of Idaho, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 39% to 71%.
On cost, Northwest Nazarene University charges $40,024 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $160,096 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,104 at Idaho State University to $40,024 at Northwest Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Boise State University
Boise, ID · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 60%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $6,119
- Out-of-state
- $24,859
At $6,119 a year in-state, Boise State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 76.4 Hakia Score on a 60% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 76.4, #3 of 5
- 60% graduation rate
- $6,119 in-state vs $24,859 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
Boise State University is a public institution in Boise, ID. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #3 of the 5 analyzed here with a 76.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 76.3 group average, in the middle third of the 5 ranked programs, 6 points behind top-ranked College of Idaho. The program graduates 60% of its students, above the 58% average across the ranked schools. Boise State University admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 49% rate at College of Idaho, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 39% to 71%.
On cost, Boise State University charges $6,119 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $24,859 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $24,476 in tuition for residents, against $99,436 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,104 at Idaho State University to $40,024 at Northwest Nazarene University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID · Public
- Grad rate
- 57%
- Admit rate
- 76%
- In-state
- $6,756
- Out-of-state
- $25,992
University of Idaho ranks #4 of the 5 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 75.8 Hakia Score and a 57% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 75.8, #4 of 5
- 57% graduation rate
- $6,756 in-state vs $25,992 out-of-state
- Admits just 76% of applicants
Based in Moscow, ID, University of Idaho is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #4 of the 5 ranked here, earning a 75.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 76.3 group average, in the lower third of the 5 ranked programs, 6.6 points behind top-ranked College of Idaho. The program graduates 57% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. University of Idaho admits 76% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 49% rate at College of Idaho, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 39% to 71%.
On cost, University of Idaho charges $6,756 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $25,992 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $27,024 in tuition for residents, against $103,968 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,104 at Idaho State University to $40,024 at Northwest Nazarene University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 5 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID · Public
- Grad rate
- 39%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $6,104
- Out-of-state
- $25,214
At $6,104 a year in-state, Idaho State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 68.4 Hakia Score on a 39% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.4, #5 of 5
- 39% graduation rate
- $6,104 in-state vs $25,214 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Pocatello, ID, Idaho State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #5 of the 5 ranked here, earning a 68.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 76.3 group average, in the lower third of the 5 ranked programs. The program graduates 39% of its students, below the 58% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 39% to 71%. The university enrolls 13,061 students overall.
On cost, Idaho State University charges $6,104 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $25,214 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $24,416 in tuition for residents, against $100,856 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,104 at Idaho State University to $40,024 at Northwest Nazarene University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for ID residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 14x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
What a Bachelor of Accounting Costs in Idaho
In-state tuition among the 5 ranked accounting programs in Idaho runs from $6,104 to $40,024 a year. Idaho State University anchors the low end at $6,104, while Northwest Nazarene University sits at the top at $40,024. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $24,416 in tuition at the low end against roughly $160,096 at the high end for the same bachelor of accounting. Against the national median of $87,660 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes an accounting degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Accounting Options in Idaho
1 of the 5 ranked Idaho programs offers a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online accounting degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Accounting Careers and Pay After an Idaho Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $87,660 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $6,104 or $40,024 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Idaho program compete in that same national pay structure.
Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Idaho: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best accounting bachelor's degree in Idaho?
By Hakia Score, The College of Idaho ranks first among the 5 accounting programs in Idaho we analyzed, with an 82.4 score and a 63% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does an accounting bachelor's degree cost in Idaho?
In-state tuition among the ranked Idaho programs runs from $6,104 to $40,024 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online accounting bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $87,660 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Idaho-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
How We Rank Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Idaho
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.