Key takeaways:
- Colleges and universities in Idaho offer comprehensive cybersecurity programs to cater to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.
- The state has experienced significant growth in its technology sector and is home to the only US-based chip manufacturer Micron Technology.
- Idaho’s government actively supports cybersecurity initiatives such as the Cyber Security Task Force and investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, including the education pipeline.
- Cybersecurity professionals in Idaho enjoy promising career prospects as the state’s cybersecurity industry grows.
- When choosing a program, consider factors such as admission requirements, curriculum, accreditations, and experiential learning.
- Leading cybersecurity colleges in Idaho include the University of Idaho, Boise State University, and 2-year community colleges such as the College of Eastern Idaho.
- Idaho offers a supportive environment for cybersecurity students, with access to industry partnerships, research opportunities, and a strong network of professionals.
The need to safeguard our systems in this digitally-driven world increases day by day. Cybercriminals across the world are targeting government and civilian digital infrastructures to make a quick buck. Thus, colleges and universities in Idaho and other states in the US are offering cybersecurity majors to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
When browsing colleges with cybersecurity degrees in Idaho, students are bound to get confused. According to the Digest of Education Statistics by the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 9 colleges and universities in Idaho offering 4-year programs. The ideal college for individuals will vary based on their career goals and ambitions.
In this article, we provide a list of colleges in Idaho, discuss what makes Idaho colleges ideal for cybersecurity education, and tell you how to select a college for a cybersecurity bachelor.
List of colleges and universities in Idaho with an excellent cybersecurity major
The cybersecurity education landscape in Idaho is rich with excellent options, especially for a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. Out of the 9 4-year colleges in Idaho, 5 colleges with cybersecurity degrees are designated Centers of Academic Excellence.
Instead of individually searching for ‘colleges in Idaho fall’, ‘colleges in Nampa, Idaho’, ‘colleges in North Idaho’, and so on, refer to the following list to find the best college in Idaho with a cybersecurity major.
University of Idaho
The University of Idaho’s (U of I) BS in cybersecurity is the ideal choice for aspiring professionals due to its longstanding excellence in the field. As one of the nation’s first centers of academic excellence in cyber defense, U of I offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for the challenges of the modern cybersecurity landscape.
The program equips graduates with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect critical infrastructure and combat cyber threats by focusing on developing practical skills. Additionally, it benefits from strong partnerships with industry leaders, providing students with access to state-of-the-art equipment, labs, and research opportunities.
Moreover, the program boasts a faculty of nationally recognized experts who offer personalized attention and guidance. Coupled with its affordable tuition and excellent reputation, the University of Idaho’s BS in cybersecurity is an ideal choice for students seeking a successful career in this dynamic field.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Moscow, Idaho | 3.4 | 74% | $8,396 (in-state)
$27,632 (out-of-state) |
Brigham Young University-Idaho
The Brigham Young University (BYU) Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program offers aspiring cybersecurity professionals a comprehensive and practical education. The program’s cutting-edge curriculum covers essential topics such as network security, ethical hacking, incident response, and cloud security.
The program ensures graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the field. Additionally, BYU’s experienced faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong industry connections provide students with the necessary skills and networks to succeed in their careers.
As evidenced by the success of graduates like Gavin R., who now works as a cybersecurity engineer at Melaleuca, BYU’s cybersecurity program is an excellent choice for those seeking a rewarding and impactful career in this critical field. It is also one of the most affordable colleges with cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Rexburg, Idaho | 2.0 | 96% | $4,356 |
Idaho State University
Idaho State University’s cybersecurity program is a prime choice for aspiring professionals in the field. As a federally designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense since 1998, the university boasts a strong reputation and commitment to cybersecurity education.
The program offers multiple cybersecurity majors to cater to different interests and career goals, including Industrial Cybersecurity and Computer Science Cybersecurity tracks. Students can earn associate degrees, technical certificates, or bachelor’s degrees, and even benefit from the National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service program.
Additionally, with its hands-on approach, focus on critical infrastructure protection, and emphasis on computer programming, Idaho State University’s degree in cybersecurity provides a solid foundation for a successful career in the dynamic world of cybersecurity.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Pocatello, Idaho | 3.38 | 99% | $8,610 (in-state)
$27,720 (out-of-state) |
Boise State University
The Boise State University’s online cybersecurity degree is an excellent choice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals due to its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on approach. The program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
By offering a 100% online format and flexible start dates, Boise State University caters to the needs of diverse learners, making it accessible to individuals from various backgrounds. Additionally, the program’s industry-aligned partnerships provide students with valuable exposure to real-world tools and technologies, enhancing their career prospects.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Boise, Idaho | 2.25 | 84% | $8,364 (in-state)
$25,701 (out-of-state) |
Why opt for cybersecurity colleges and universities in Idaho? – 5 major reasons
Idaho is nicknamed the ‘Gem State’ as nearly every type of gem has been discovered in the state. As Idaho is rich in scenic beauty, lush mountains, and breathtaking landscapes, the state is also known for its thriving tourism industry. However, in recent years, the state has emerged as an up-and-coming destination for cybersecurity education.
Here are some reasons why students should consider pursuing a degree in cybersecurity from one of the colleges and universities in Idaho.
Growing tech industry
Tourism was once the major earning source for the state of Idaho. However, in recent years the computing and tech sector in the state has been growing. The number of tech companies in the state has grown by 61% in the last decade as per the State of Idaho’s commerce division.
Today, Idaho is home to Micron Technology, the only US-based memory chip manufacturer. The ongoing efforts to bring microchip production to the United States to compete with the international market make Idaho an incredibly important state.
As Idaho’s innovation and technology sector continues to grow and companies such as Micron Technology, and Sun Microsystems headquarter in the state, so do cybersecurity initiatives.
Government initiatives
Even though Idaho is relatively new to the cybersecurity realm, the industry is thriving. The state’s official cybersecurity website provides detailed information on the ongoing cybersecurity efforts in the state. Additionally, it also has numerous resources listed below for aspiring professionals to enable them to build professional competencies.
Free and low-cost tools
A cybersecurity professional is only as good as his technical skill set. Knowledge of industry tools and techniques can enhance a professional’s competencies. Part of the state’s efforts include equipping professionals with the right tools. Thus, it provides a comprehensive list of free and low-cost tools and industry-leading certifications.
Opportunities and publications
Moreover, students can browse through available job openings at government organizations and pursue part-time employment or internships alongside their degrees. They can also access technical publications and resources to stay on top of the latest trends, types of cyber threats, and prevalent cybercrime.
Cybersecurity Task Force
The Cybersecurity Task Force (CTF) created by the State Governor is working towards strengthening the state’s cybersecurity infrastructure through a variety of initiatives. CTF’s goals include strengthening the education pipeline preparing it to meet the growing cybersecurity needs, identifying cybersecurity assets, promoting public-private partnerships, and more.
Need for cybersecurity
In May 2023, a cyberattack left Idaho Falls Community Hospital unable to accept patients by ambulance. Cybercriminals hacked the hospital’s computer systems and locked out doctors, and nurses who had to switch to pen and paper to provide patient care.
In December 2023, the personal data of over 45,000 employees and their families was stolen in a cyberattack on a government-run nuclear research lab in Idaho. Even though the lab’s internal network remained undamaged, stolen employee information is concerning.
More recently, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal government was attacked. Hackers may have stolen important personal information including bank account details, social security numbers, and other personal details.
Career opportunities
According to Wired, many students are leaving bustling metropolitan cities and turning to Boise Idaho, especially for tech jobs. The city presents abundant job opportunities, cheap housing despite being the state capital, and a friendly environment.
Wired also reports that Handshake, a site where college students search for jobs, saw a 116% annual increase in applications for job positions in Boise. That is the second-highest increase in applications across the United States.
If you are thinking of applying to cybersecurity positions in Boise, Idaho, here are the expected salary ranges as per Robert Half’s Salary Guide.
| Job title | Average pay |
| Cloud Computing Analyst | $103,463 |
| Network/Cloud Architect | $150,188 |
| Applications Architect | $147,295 |
| Site Reliability Engineer | $121,040 |
| Chief Information Security Officer | $196,468 |
Projected job growth
According to CyberSeek’s cybersecurity heatmap, Idaho is an up-and-coming tech state. There are over 3,100 job openings in the state as of October 2024 and a supply and demand ratio of 73%. The national supply and demand ratio is at 85%, which indicates that Idaho has a steadier supply of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Additionally, in the last 14 years, demand for cybersecurity professionals in Idaho has grown by 92% which is 24% than the national average. During this time frame, the state’s cybersecurity workforce has increased by 80%, bridging the gap between demand and supply.
How to choose cybersecurity colleges and universities in Idaho?
If you are thinking of pursuing a degree in cybersecurity at the undergraduate level, make sure to visit All Bachelor Degrees’ in-depth guide on cybersecurity bachelor degrees. The resource will help acquaint you with cybersecurity majors and give you an idea of what to expect from a degree in cybersecurity.
Here are a few factors you should consider when selecting a college.
Admission requirements
Typical admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity include submission of a high school diploma, minimum GPA requirements, Standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and essay of interest.
However, entry requirements for Idaho colleges may vary by college, program type, and mode of delivery. Make sure you check the requirements of individual colleges and universities in Idaho before filling out college applications for Idaho to determine eligibility.
Program curriculum
A degree in cybersecurity at the undergraduate level typically features general compulsory courses, concentration-specific courses, and a choice of elective courses. Additionally, some programs also allow students to choose a specialization in the final year of study.
The specializations, and choice of electives determine the niche a cybersecurity graduate can avail job opportunities in. If you want to become a Cloud Architect, a strong focus on cloud computing and security is ideal. If you want to become a cybersecurity engineer, you should pursue a cybersecurity engineering degree.
Accreditations and awards
Accreditations are indicators that a program meets the highest standards of educational excellence. The most common accreditations for cybersecurity include ABET accreditation. Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is a non-governmental accreditation organization. The best college in Idaho will likely be accredited by ABET and other organizations.
Moreover, you should look for colleges and universities in Idaho that have been awarded the designation ‘Centers of Academic Excellence’ by the National Security Agency. Other accreditation boards include the Department of Defense and ANSI National Accreditation Board.
Experiential learning opportunities
Lastly, and most importantly, ensure your shortlisted colleges in Idaho have tech labs and industry collaborations. These ensure that students have access to internship and part-time job opportunities. Additionally, students may also be able to participate in ongoing research in the cybersecurity field.
Building professional experience is an essential part of a degree in cybersecurity. Whether you are looking for ‘colleges in Idaho Falls’, ‘colleges in Nampa Idaho’, or ‘colleges in North Idaho’, ensure your college of choice provides ample experiential learning opportunities.
Research colleges by state
Before you fill out your college application for Idaho, read up on what cybersecurity colleges in other states are offering. It will help you draw a comparison and aid in finding the best college in Idaho for cybersecurity education. Here are a few states you can explore:
Pursue cybersecurity excellence at colleges and universities in Idaho today!
Colleges and universities in Idaho offer an unparalleled support network for cybersecurity students. The cybersecurity infrastructure in the state has a lot to offer students, including official partnerships to job placement programs, research and learning opportunities, and more.
Students looking for shorter degrees in cybersecurity can explore 2-year colleges such as the College of Eastern Idaho and the College of Western Idaho. Join the budding cybersecurity field in Idaho today to reap the benefits of being part of a well-paying field for a lifetime.