College of Western Idaho | Tuition Fees | Admissions
1. General Information
Reviews
Reviews for the College of Western Idaho often highlight its strong commitment to offering affordable, high-quality education to students who are seeking accessible pathways into professional careers, technical fields, or university transfer programs. Many students appreciate the supportive learning environment, noting that instructors are approachable and genuinely interested in student success. The personalized class sizes and hands-on instruction allow learners to feel more connected to their academic progress. Another commonly praised aspect is the flexibility of schedules, which includes morning, evening, weekend, and online classes, enabling students who work full-time or support families to pursue their education without disruption.
Additionally, the College of Western Idaho receives recognition for its modern facilities, updated technology labs, and opportunities for students to engage in real-world training. However, like any institution, reviews sometimes mention challenges such as administrative delays or limited course availability during peak semesters. Overall, the College of Western Idaho maintains a strong reputation for being student-centered, affordable, and responsive to community workforce needs, making it a preferred choice for thousands of learners across Idaho.
Contact Informations
Address: Nampa, Idaho, United States
Phone Number: +1 (No direct link provided; contact information is generalized for privacy)
Email Address: General admissions email available through institutional contact channels, not listed as a link here.
School Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2007 |
| Motto | Empowering the community through education |
| Institution Type | Public community college |
| Campus Locations | Multiple campuses across the Treasure Valley |
| Accreditation | Regional accreditation through appropriate higher-education authorities |
College of Western Idaho Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position |
|---|---|
| National Community College Ranking | Mid-range ranking among U.S. community colleges |
| State Ranking | One of the leading community colleges in Idaho |
| Workforce Training Reputation | Highly regarded |
| Transfer Success | Strong performance among community colleges |
2. College of Western Idaho Academics
College of Western Idaho Faculties / Departments
- Business
- Arts and Humanities
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- Public Safety Programs
- Trades and Technical Education
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- General Education and Transfer Pathways
Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Nursing
- Cybersecurity
- Software Development
- Welding and Fabrication
- Business Management
- Accounting
- Early Childhood Education
- Criminal Justice
- Veterinary Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Paramedic and Fire Service
- Agriculture Technology
- HVAC and Building Maintenance Technologies
Online Courses / Online Learning
The College of Western Idaho offers a variety of online learning opportunities designed for students who require scheduling flexibility or prefer remote education. Online courses range from short-term certifications to transferable general education credits in subjects like English, math, psychology, computer applications, and business. These online classes are structured to mirror in-person academic quality, including interaction with faculty, discussion boards, multimedia materials, and digital assignments. Many students value this mode of learning because it allows them to progress academically while managing personal responsibilities, jobs, or geographic challenges. Online learning at the College of Western Idaho is supported through student services such as tutoring, advising, digital library access, and virtual office hours, making remote education accessible and engaging. Although not every program is fully online, a significant portion of coursework can be completed remotely, especially for transfer-oriented degrees and general education requirements.
Degrees / Summer School
Degrees include Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and a variety of certificates. Summer school is available and typically includes condensed courses for accelerated progress.
Average Test Scores
| Test Type | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not required for admission |
| ACT | Not required for admission |
| ACCUPLACER | Used for placement; varies by program |
| GED Admission | Accepted for general enrollment |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention and graduation rates at the College of Western Idaho vary by program. Career-focused programs tend to show strong completion rates due to hands-on training and workforce alignment, while transfer programs depend on student goals and timelines.
3. College of Western Idaho Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
GPA requirements are generally open-admissions based, meaning most students are accepted regardless of GPA, though selective programs like nursing require higher GPAs. SAT and ACT are not required.
College of Western Idaho Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| General Admission | Open-admission institution |
| Selective Programs | Competitive, varies by program |
Application Requirements
Application requirements at the College of Western Idaho are intentionally simple to make education widely accessible. Students typically need to submit a completed application form, proof of residency when applicable, and documentation such as high school transcripts or GED certification. Placement testing may be required for certain subjects to determine appropriate course levels. For selective or technical programs, additional requirements may include background checks, immunization records, prerequisite coursework, or program-specific interviews. International students may be asked to provide proof of English proficiency and financial documentation. Overall, the application process is crafted to be clear, supportive, and inclusive for students from all backgrounds seeking educational access.
Enrollment / Application Process
Application Process (List):
- Submit online or in-person application
- Provide transcripts or GED documentation
- Complete placement testing, if needed
- Meet with an academic advisor
- Register for courses
- Attend orientation as required
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Mid-August |
| Spring Semester | Early January |
| Summer Session | Late May |
| Program-Specific Deadlines | Varies by department |
Essay Prompt
Most programs do not require an essay, though selective programs may request personal statements.
College of Western Idaho Scholarships
Scholarships include merit-based, need-based, workforce development grants, and program-specific awards.
College of Western Idaho Tuition Fees
| Category | Cost per Credit |
|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | Moderate, affordable rate |
| Out-of-State Tuition | Higher rate |
| Technical Programs | Varies by equipment and materials |
| Additional Fees | Course-specific materials and lab fees |
4. Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The College of Western Idaho serves a diverse student population representing a mix of traditional students, working adults, career changers, and first-generation college attendees. Gender distribution is generally balanced across programs, though some fields—such as nursing or automotive technology—may reflect common industry trends. Students range widely in age, from recent high school graduates to adults returning to education later in life. Ethnic diversity continues to grow as the surrounding Treasure Valley becomes increasingly multicultural, contributing to a rich learning environment where perspectives from different cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds coexist. The College of Western Idaho takes pride in its open-door mission, welcoming students from all walks of life into pathways that support academic mobility and professional development.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The college provides extensive support services to low-income students through grants, financial aid assistance, and workforce scholarships. Students with disabilities receive accommodations through disability support services.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Approximately 30,000 (credit and noncredit) |
| International Students | Small but active population |
| Adult Learners | Significant enrollment |
| First-Generation Students | High representation |
University Diversity
The College of Western Idaho emphasizes diversity as an essential part of its learning community, fostering an inclusive environment where students from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds feel supported and empowered. Diversity at the college is reflected in classroom dynamics, student organizations, community partnerships, and academic programs that encourage cultural awareness. The institution strives to create equitable opportunities by removing barriers to education, whether financial, academic, or personal. Programs designed for underrepresented groups, flexibility in scheduling, and open-access policies contribute to a student population that mirrors the evolving demographics of Idaho’s Treasure Valley region. This inclusive approach not only broadens student perspectives but also prepares graduates to engage effectively in diverse professional environments.
Average Earnings
Graduates of the College of Western Idaho experience varied earnings depending on their chosen field of study, level of certification, and local job market demand. Technical programs such as welding, cybersecurity, and nursing tend to offer strong entry-level salaries due to high workforce needs and industry partnerships. Transfer students who complete associate degrees often pursue bachelor’s degrees, which further increase their earning potential long-term. The college focuses on aligning its programs with local employer demand so that students transition smoothly into stable careers with competitive pay. Workforce development pathways also support students in building practical skills, certifications, and hands-on experience that enhance employability and improve salary prospects across multiple industries in Idaho.
Graduation Rate
Graduation rates vary by program, with technical and workforce programs often showing strong completion due to structured pathways.
5. College of Western Idaho Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Teachers and staff at the College of Western Idaho come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, contributing expertise across both technical and academic fields. Faculty members are known for their student-focused teaching approach, blending traditional instruction with hands-on training that prepares students for real-world application. Staff members support students through advising, career counseling, tutoring, and campus services.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty expertise ranges from healthcare and emergency services to business, engineering, agriculture, information technology, and public safety. Many faculty members have direct industry experience, which adds practical value to technical programs and workforce training.
6. College of Western Idaho Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Campus life at the College of Western Idaho includes modern learning facilities, labs, workshops, and centers designed for hands-on training. While the college does not offer traditional on-campus housing, many students live in nearby apartments or shared housing. Student activities include clubs, events, leadership organizations, and community engagement opportunities.
Transportation
Transportation options include public transit, nearby bus routes, campus-accessible parking, and commuter-friendly facilities. Students often drive, carpool, or use regional transportation services.
Job Openings
Job openings at the College of Western Idaho include faculty roles, administrative positions, technical staff, and support services. Openings change frequently based on institutional needs and program expansions.