Skip to main content
$3,390Tuition
1,396Students
35%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,057Earnings
#5 in IdahoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About College of Eastern Idaho

The College of Eastern Idaho serves as the primary community college for Idaho's eastern region, drawing 1,396 students to its Idaho Falls campus. This institution balances workforce training with academic transfer pathways, preparing students for both immediate employment and four-year university transfer. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in both technical programs and general education courses.

Students here get strong value for their education investment. The average net price sits at $8,728, while graduates earn a median of $42,057 ten years after leaving. Students typically graduate with just $12,000 in debt and manageable monthly loan payments of $127. This represents one of the strongest return-on-investment profiles among Idaho's higher education options. The 94.5% employment rate demonstrates the college's effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 65.9%, reflecting the college's strength in health sciences and education programs. The Falcons compete in athletics while maintaining focus on practical career preparation. With only 35.3% of students completing programs within six years, this institution works best for students with clear career goals and strong self-direction.

Academics & Faculty

College of Eastern Idaho serves as a bridge between high school and four-year universities for most of its 1,396 students. The community college balances workforce training programs with academic transfer courses, preparing students for immediate employment or continued education. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention from instructors who often bring industry experience to the classroom. The 35.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including work and family obligations that extend their academic timeline. Strong programs include healthcare training, skilled trades, and general education courses that transfer seamlessly to Idaho's four-year institutions. Faculty focus on practical skills alongside academic foundations.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
43.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
35.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,057

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,318
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $34,704
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $31,851
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $31,314
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $27,488

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

College of Eastern Idaho sits in Idaho Falls, a city of 65,000 people about four hours north of Salt Lake City. With 1,396 students spread across a compact campus, you'll see familiar faces but won't feel crowded. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important since 65.90% of students are women often returning to school or starting new careers.

Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack a good coat for the snowy months from December through March. Nearly 99% of students come from Idaho, creating a tight-knit community feel. Most students commute from around eastern Idaho rather than living on campus, giving the college a practical, no-nonsense atmosphere. The Falcons don't have major athletics, so weekends revolve around studying, working part-time jobs, or enjoying Idaho Falls' outdoor recreation. Students often head to nearby Yellowstone National Park or hit the Snake River for fishing. The focus stays on getting skills quickly and affordably, with many balancing family and work responsibilities alongside their studies.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
13°–30°F
July Avg
53°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
14.3"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

The College of Eastern Idaho draws overwhelmingly from within state borders, with nearly all students calling Idaho home. This reflects the school's role as a regional workforce pipeline for eastern Idaho communities. Women make up about two-thirds of the student body, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare, education, and social services training. The student population is predominantly white with a significant Hispanic presence. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year degrees.
Men
34.1%
Women
65.9%
White
71.3%
Black
0.7%
Hispanic
20.0%
Asian
0.4%
In-State Students
98.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.8%

Location

Idaho Falls sits in southeastern Idaho, about 230 miles north of Salt Lake City. The city of 65,000 serves as a regional center for eastern Idaho's agricultural and energy sectors. Students at College of Eastern Idaho benefit from the area's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, just 100 miles northeast, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Snake River runs through the city, creating the namesake waterfalls downtown. Idaho Falls operates as more of a working city than a college town, with Idaho National Laboratory employing thousands in nuclear research nearby. The surrounding region features vast potato farms and ranching operations that drive the local economy. Students considering colleges in Idaho may also compare College of Eastern Idaho with similar schools in the region.
Address
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404-5788

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,057
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,133
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,100
Loan Repayment Rate
49.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at College of Eastern Idaho?

As a community college, College of Eastern Idaho maintains an open admission policy for most programs. The school serves 1,396 students with 98.65% coming from in-state, making it highly accessible to local Idaho residents seeking workforce training or academic transfer opportunities.

How much does College of Eastern Idaho cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,728 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,390. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,879 net price, while the median debt load of $12,000 keeps borrowing manageable for this community college focused on affordable education.

What academic programs is College of Eastern Idaho known for?

The college offers both workforce training and academic transfer programs designed for eastern Idaho's job market. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention whether they're pursuing technical certificates or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.

What are employment outcomes like for College of Eastern Idaho graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.5% employment rate, earning a median of $42,057 ten years after enrollment. The college's focus on practical workforce training helps explain why so many students find jobs quickly in Idaho's growing economy.

Where is College of Eastern Idaho located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Idaho Falls, a small city setting that provides urban amenities while maintaining an affordable cost of living. Women make up 65.90% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in healthcare and education fields popular with female students.

Does College of Eastern Idaho offer good value for the money?

With monthly loan payments averaging just $127 and 35.30% of students completing programs within six years, the college provides solid value for career-focused education. Only 26.79% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating many families can afford the low tuition without significant financial aid.