Top 6 Idaho College Towns For Academics, Outdoor Life & Student Culture

Idaho, nicknamed “Gem State” due to its gems of mineral wealth, is characterized by extensive mountain scenery, rapidly developing cities, and a good system of public schooling that attracts many students. The capital city, Boise, and its flagship university, Boise State University, along with its burgeoning technology and business centers, serve as the epicenter of Idaho’s educational offerings. Smaller cities in Idaho, such as Moscow, home to the University of Idaho, provide an excellent network of Idaho college towns.

Regarding life at a university and safety issues, Idaho college towns are quite favorable when it comes to several quality-of-life aspects. The unemployment rate in the state is currently around the 3% (LMI), indicating a positive labor market situation for students' jobs and graduate employment opportunities. Idaho is also among the top 10 "happiest" U.S. states according to (Idahostatesman) national surveys because of its community, environment, and balanced approach to work and life. As to the cost of living in Idaho, it is usually a bit cheaper in comparison with the national average, where a single person's monthly budget (including accommodation rent) can be around $2,500-3,000 USD, and people enjoy low prices for housing and medical care compared to other states. 

As far as entertainment is concerned, Idaho is characterized by ski resorts, hiking and camping in the mountains, mountain biking, hot springs, lakes such as Coeur d'Alene, and events organized both on campus and downtown. The crime rate is typically lower, with 231 per 100,000 residents, making Idaho one of the best places for students to live, with options like Boise and Moscow compared to LA and Detroit in terms of safety. A small population, together with good community engagement and campus safety measures, makes college towns in Idaho a rather safe place for studying.

1. Boise

Boise is the largest Idaho college town, along with being the capital of the state. Situated along the Boise River in the southwestern part of Idaho, it is considered an important economic hub because of its well-developed technology, health-care, and service sectors. The existence of Boise State University is another factor contributing to the college-town atmosphere of Idaho.

City Stats

University Details

Boise State University 

• Student body: With an approximate student body of 25,000 students, Boise State University is a bustling yet not overly crowded university.
• Worldwide ranking: Ranked between 1200 and 1400 in the QS World University Rankings.
• Popular academic programs: The most popular fields of study include engineering, business, nursing, computer science, and education.
• Famous alumni: Famous alumni of the university include professional golfer Troy Merritt and Emmy Award-winning actor Aaron Paul.
• Housing: Both on-campus and off-campus housing near Boise State University is available

Student Apartments in Boise

Amber offers verified accommodation options for students looking for student apartments in Boise near BSU. shared, private, ensuite, and studio rooms at an average monthly cost of $800-$1,700 and facilities like Wi-Fi, furnished apartments, study lounges, gyms, and proximity to campus and transport links.

• Verve Boise, Boise: $899/Per Month
• Uncommon Boise, Boise: $949/Per Month
• Identity Boise, Boise: $844/Per Month

Why Boise is a Great Student City

• Dual Living Style: Offers the excitement of an urban city with ready access to the outdoors.
• Top Jobs: Located near Boise State University and large technology companies, such as Micron, for internships.
• Urban Culture: Full of local coffee shops, musical acts, and concerts.
• Fast Getaway: 20-30 minutes away from taking a hike in the Boise foothills.
• Water Sports: Located right by the Boise River Greenbelt.

2. Moscow

Moscow is an idyllic Idaho college town, home to 25,000 residents, located across the beautiful Pullman, Washington. It is situated at the heart of the University of Idaho and enjoys a rich cultural life, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a welcoming community. This makes Idaho college town one of the best college towns in America.

City Stats

University Details

University of Idaho

• Student population: With about 12,000 students, the university has an intimate, interactive atmosphere.
• World rank (QS): Typically ranks between 1000 and 1200, indicating increasing international recognition.
• Specialties: The university has reputable academic departments of engineering, agriculture, forestry, law, and environmental science with direct connections to the local industries.
• Alumni: Include former political figures such as Sarah Palin and Dirk Kempthorne, and Major League Baseball player Jamey Carroll. 
• Housing: Both on-campus and off-campus housing near the University of Idaho is available.

Student Apartments in Moscow

Amber assists students in finding safe and reliable apartments for rent in Moscow for students within proximity to the university, providing various forms of accommodation such as shared rooms, private rooms, en-suite rooms, and studio apartments with up-to-date facilities like Wi-Fi.

Why Moscow is a Great Student City

• City Designed for the Student: An old-fashioned college town designed to cater completely to the needs of the students and their economy.
• Traditions on Campus: All members of the community participate together in significant events, such as football weekends and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.
• Safe Surroundings: A very safe setting that does not distract you from your studies.

3. Pocatello 

Pocatello is a medium-sized Idaho college town located in the southeastern part of Idaho, where a small-town atmosphere meets a thriving college town due to Idaho State University’s presence. It is surrounded by the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, enabling the students to enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking and skiing, while at the same time providing the benefit of having a walkable and lively downtown area.

City Stats

University Details

Idaho State University

• Student body: About 12,000, which gives the campus a more personal feel.
• QS ranking: Does not rank at the top in terms of global QS rankings, but has an excellent regional reputation, particularly in the field of healthcare education.
• Most popular courses: Especially known for its Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Engineering, and Education courses.
• Famous graduates: Important figures in healthcare from the U.S. Northwest.
• Housing: Both on-campus and off-campus housing are available. 

Student Apartments by Pocatello

Amber assists in providing student apartments in Pocatello near the ISU campus with top amenities such as Wifi, CCTV’s, and Parking.

Why Pocatello is a Great Student City

• Healthcare Experience: Due to good connections between the college and the area hospitals and clinics, there is practical experience within healthcare facilities.
• River Trails: Availability of walking, jogging, and biking along the Portneuf River.
• Winter Sports: Proximity to the Pebble Creek Ski Area for ski/snowboard lovers.

4. Rexburg 

Rexburg is a quaint and family-oriented Idaho college town that is renowned for being the home of BYU-Idaho University. It is found near the Snake River Plain and is a safe, tight-knit community with a rich spiritual background and proximity to the world-renowned Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the northwestern United States.

City Stats

University Details

Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU–Idaho)

• Students: Approximately 20,000, making the university bustling yet small enough to maintain its community feel. BYU-Idaho is a dry campus.
• QS ranking: Not listed among major world QS rankings; however, it is considered to be highly reputable in regard to undergraduate studies in America.
• Strengths: It boasts well-known programs in fields such as Business, Education, Health Sciences, Technology, and Religion.
• Alumni: The university alumni work as educators, entrepreneurs, and business people in various parts of the U.S.
• Housing: Both on-campus and off-campus housing are available

Student Apartments in Rexburg

Rexburg student housing costs $235-$1,890 monthly and provides fully furnished floor plans that go from shared apartments or 1-3 bedroom apartments and townhouses. 

Why Rexburg is a Great Student City

• Designed for Students: Extremely systematic infrastructure with all transportation and city development built for the benefit of the student.
• The Semester Lifestyle System: Extremely systematic, with academic semesters blending seamlessly into a career internship system.
• A Safe and Educational Environment: A very safe and non-disturbing environment aimed at disciplined students.

5. Twin Falls 

Twin Falls is a lively south-central Idaho college town, located beside the Snake River Canyon and famous for beautiful falls such as Shoshone Falls. In addition to its agricultural industry, this Idaho college town boasts a thriving food-processing sector. It serves as home to the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) and, as such, has all the advantages of an urban area filled with businesses and entertainment opportunities, while still offering proximity to base jumping, rock climbing, rafting, and more.

City Stats

University Details

College of Southern Idaho (CSI)

• Student population: Approximately 8,000 students, thus giving a sense that the school is not very large and welcoming.
• QS rank: Not ranked by QS, because it is a community college, not a research university.
• Areas of expertise: The institution has earned a reputation for preparing students in such subjects as Health Care, Business, and Technical Education. 
• Student pathway: Two-year studies followed by transferring to Boise State University or the University of Idaho to obtain a bachelor’s degree
• Housing: Both on-campus and off-campus housing are available.

Student Apartments in Twin Falls

Apartments for rent off campus at Twin Falls normally range from $500 to $1,400 per month, depending on the type of unit, ranging from shared quads to individual 1- to 3-bedroom apartments. Designed mainly for the CSI students, they come with necessary facilities such as Internet access, gymnasium, kitchen, laundry rooms, and recreational areas.

Why Twin Falls is a Great Student City

• Nature that Takes Your Breath Away: Enjoy weekends with hiking, kayaking, and walking in the Snake River Canyon and Shoshone Falls.
• Cheaper Learning: The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) gives you cheaper tuition rates and easier transfer options from small-class universities.
• Low Living Costs: An inexpensive city that is ideal for a student who wants a simple and peaceful life.

6. Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d'Alene is a picturesque town by the lake in northern Idaho, nicknamed "Lake City," situated along the northwestern shoreline of Lake Coeur d'Alene, backed by wooded hills and mountains. This Idaho college town is known for its vacation-town atmosphere, featuring a downtown area, harbors, beaches, and year-round recreational opportunities, which offer a combination of city living, employment opportunities, and an outdoor lifestyle.

City Stats

University Details

North Idaho College

• Student body: About 5,000, meaning that the university has a cozy atmosphere that is easily navigated.
• QS ranking: Not QS-ranked
• Academic strengths: The school is known for Nursing programs, Business Administration, technical classes, and good transfer options.
• Alumni paths: Alumni move on to finish their degrees at universities around Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
• Housing: Both on-campus and off-campus housing near North Idaho College is available.

Student Apartments in Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene off-campus housing suits North Idaho College students well with many choices that include studios as well as 1-3 bedroom townhouses at affordable rental rates of between $1,100 to $2,100 per month. These apartments offer you luxurious facilities such as high-speed internet, gyms, in-unit washer/dryer, as well as private balconies with breathtaking views of the lakes and rivers.

Why Coeur d’Alene is a Great Student City

• Waterfront Campus: Situated on the picturesque Lake Coeur d’Alene, which provides boating, hiking, skiing, and festival opportunities throughout the year.
• Picturesque Setting: An ideal environment for students who prefer a non-distracting and peaceful campus experience.
• An Ideal Pathway to University Studies: Acting as an ideal academic platform, our local colleges easily lead to bigger universities.

Which Idaho College Town is Best for You?

The Idaho college towns provide a fantastic combination of quality education, low cost of living, safe community environment, and outdoor adventure. No matter which Idaho college town you choose based on your personal preference between Boise, Moscow, and Coeur d'Alene, there will be a perfect match for everyone who wants to pursue higher education in Idaho. There are numerous great benefits awaiting students in Idaho college towns.

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