Idaho, a state known for its vast landscapes and natural beauty, is also home to several private colleges and universities that offer students opportunities for academic and personal growth. Though smaller in number compared to public institutions, Idaho’s private colleges and universities provide intimate learning environments, religious affiliations, and specialized programs. These institutions are dedicated to providing a personalized education, often emphasizing values such as leadership, ethics, and service.
The College of Idaho
The College of Idaho, located in Caldwell, is the state’s oldest private liberal arts college and one of its most respected institutions. The school is known for its rigorous academic programs, commitment to interdisciplinary learning, and strong sense of community.
Overview
- Location: Caldwell, ID
- Founded: 1891
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,100 students
- Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational (originally Presbyterian)
Academic Programs
The College of Idaho offers more than 26 majors and 58 minors, with a strong liberal arts foundation that encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects. The college is particularly known for its innovative “PEAK” curriculum, which allows students to design personalized study plans that encompass four academic areas: Humanities & Fine Arts, Social Sciences & History, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and a Professional Field.
- Popular Majors:
- Biology
- Business
- Political Economy
- Environmental Studies
- Psychology
PEAK Curriculum
The College of Idaho’s PEAK curriculum is designed to prepare students for the complexity of the modern world by encouraging them to pursue multiple disciplines. Students choose one major and three minors from four academic “PEAKs,” ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: The PEAK curriculum encourages students to combine seemingly unrelated fields, allowing them to develop a more holistic understanding of their education and career aspirations.
Student Life
The College of Idaho offers a vibrant campus life, where students are encouraged to take part in various activities, from academics to athletics and service.
- Greek Life: The college has a small but active Greek system, which focuses on service, leadership, and social engagement.
- Clubs and Organizations: Students can join over 50 student organizations, including academic clubs, service organizations, and cultural groups.
- Athletics: NAIA, Cascade Collegiate Conference, with strong programs in football, basketball, and track and field.
Notable Alumni
- Butch Otter: Former Governor of Idaho.
- Ralph Smeed: Libertarian activist and political commentator.
Northwest Nazarene University
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Nampa, Idaho. NNU is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene and emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual growth, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a faith-based perspective.
Overview
- Location: Nampa, ID
- Founded: 1913
- Enrollment: Approximately 2,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: Church of the Nazarene
Academic Programs
NNU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize not only academic rigor but also personal growth, leadership, and service.
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Nursing
- Business
- Engineering
- Education
- Psychology
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Counseling
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Faith-Based Education
NNU integrates faith and learning across all academic programs. The university aims to develop students into thoughtful, engaged citizens who are grounded in Christian values and committed to service.
- Chapel and Worship: NNU requires students to attend chapel services and offers numerous opportunities for worship, spiritual development, and mission work.
Campus Life
NNU offers a close-knit, supportive campus environment where students are encouraged to participate in both academic and extracurricular activities.
- Student Organizations: Students can choose from over 40 clubs, including ministry groups, academic clubs, and cultural organizations.
- Service Opportunities: NNU emphasizes service, both locally and globally, offering mission trips, community outreach projects, and service-learning courses.
- Athletics: NCAA Division II, Great Northwest Athletic Conference, with strong programs in soccer, basketball, and track and field.
Notable Alumni
- Kevin Stitt: Governor of Oklahoma.
- Jerry Jacoby: Christian author and motivational speaker.
Brigham Young University–Idaho
Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU–Idaho), located in Rexburg, is one of the largest private universities in Idaho and is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Known for its strong emphasis on values, education, and leadership, BYU–Idaho provides a wide range of academic programs within a faith-based environment.
Overview
- Location: Rexburg, ID
- Founded: 1888 (as Bannock Stake Academy, became BYU–Idaho in 2001)
- Enrollment: Approximately 40,000 students (including online programs)
- Religious Affiliation: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Academic Programs
BYU–Idaho offers a broad range of undergraduate degrees, with a particular focus on applied learning, leadership, and spiritual growth.
- Popular Majors:
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Education
- Mechanical Engineering
Learning Model and Religious Education
BYU–Idaho’s unique learning model emphasizes small class sizes, active learning, and student collaboration. Additionally, religious education is a central part of the curriculum.
- Religious Studies: All students are required to take courses in LDS scripture and theology as part of their general education.
- Internships and Applied Learning: BYU–Idaho integrates internships, field experiences, and student-led projects into the curriculum to provide students with practical, hands-on learning.
Campus Life
BYU–Idaho offers a deeply religious and community-oriented campus life, where students are encouraged to live according to the principles of the LDS Church.
- Honor Code: All students at BYU–Idaho must adhere to an Honor Code, which includes guidelines on dress, behavior, and religious observance.
- Service Opportunities: Students are actively involved in service activities, both on and off-campus, including participation in LDS-sponsored missions.
- Athletics and Recreation: BYU–Idaho does not have NCAA athletic teams, but it offers a wide range of intramural sports and recreational activities for students.
Notable Alumni
- David Archuleta: Singer and former American Idol finalist.
- Russell M. Nelson: President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
New Saint Andrews College
New Saint Andrews College is a small, private Christian liberal arts college located in Moscow, Idaho. The college is rooted in classical Christian education and emphasizes the integration of faith and learning in all aspects of life. Known for its rigorous academic programs, New Saint Andrews aims to develop students who are grounded in biblical truth and capable of engaging the world critically and thoughtfully.
Overview
- Location: Moscow, ID
- Founded: 1994
- Enrollment: Approximately 200 students
- Religious Affiliation: Christian (Reformed tradition)
Academic Programs
New Saint Andrews offers a single undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Culture, with a curriculum based on classical education principles.
- Areas of Study:
- Theology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Rhetoric
- History
Classical Christian Education
The curriculum at New Saint Andrews is designed around the classical trivium—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—aiming to develop students who are eloquent, knowledgeable, and capable of critical thinking.
- Integrated Curriculum: Students explore the great works of Western civilization through a Christian lens, engaging with texts from Homer and Plato to Augustine and Calvin.
- Faith and Learning: Every aspect of the curriculum is deeply rooted in Christian theology, with a focus on biblical literacy and the application of faith to all areas of life.
Student Life
New Saint Andrews fosters a small, close-knit community where students are deeply involved in academic life and spiritual formation.
- Service and Ministry: The college encourages students to be active in their local churches and communities, promoting a life of service and discipleship.
- Extracurricular Activities: While there are no intercollegiate sports teams, students can participate in a variety of cultural and intellectual clubs, including debates, arts groups, and student-led organizations.
Notable Alumni
- Douglas Wilson: Theologian, pastor, and author.
- Toby Sumpter: Pastor and author.
The Ambrose School (Affiliate of New Saint Andrews College)
The Ambrose School is a private K-12 classical Christian school located in Meridian, Idaho, which also offers college-level programs in partnership with New Saint Andrews College. The Ambrose School follows a classical education model and seeks to instill a love of learning, strong character, and biblical wisdom in its students. It is widely respected for its commitment to classical Christian education and its rigorous academic standards.
Overview
- Location: Meridian, ID
- Founded: 1995
- Enrollment: Approximately 450 students (K-12, with some dual-enrollment students in partnership with New Saint Andrews College)
- Religious Affiliation: Christian (Reformed tradition)
Classical Education
The Ambrose School focuses on classical education principles, using the trivium to build a foundation in grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
- College-Level Courses: High school students at The Ambrose School have the opportunity to take dual-enrollment courses through New Saint Andrews College, earning college credit while completing their K-12 education.
Student Life
Students at The Ambrose School engage in a vibrant community where academics, faith, and character development are central to daily life.
- Clubs and Extracurriculars: Students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including debate, theatre, and music.
- Service and Leadership: The school emphasizes servant leadership, encouraging students to get involved in church and community service projects.