About College of Western Idaho
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,563 after aid, making this one of Idaho's most affordable college options. Even out-of-state students face tuition of only $7,344. Graduates earn a median of $43,926 five years after completing their programs, while carrying manageable debt of $9,720. With monthly loan payments averaging $103, the financial burden stays light for most graduates. The employment rate of 89.3% shows that CWI delivers on its workforce preparation mission.
The student body is 94.45% in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up 57.19% of enrollment, reflecting strong participation in the college's health sciences and business programs. Only 22.86% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the college serves a mix of working adults and traditional students seeking affordable skills training.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 42.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 26.8%
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,943 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $51,482 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $41,789 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,025 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,461 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $38,829 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $34,908 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $32,213 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,133 |
Campus Life
Most students commute since this is a two-year college without traditional dormitories. The student body is 57% female and nearly 95% in-state, creating a local community feel. Hispanic students make up 21% of enrollment, reflecting the area's agricultural workforce. Students often work part-time jobs around their class schedules, with 89% employed after completing programs.
Weekends tend to be quiet on campus as students scatter back to their communities across southwestern Idaho. Many students are older than traditional college age, balancing family and work responsibilities. The Otters compete in intramural sports rather than major athletics. Boise offers entertainment options like professional hockey games and hiking trails for students willing to make the drive.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–38°F
- July Avg
- 57°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 10.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- -768.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.8%
- Women
- 57.2%
- White
- 63.8%
- Black
- 2.1%
- Hispanic
- 21.4%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 94.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.9%
Location
- Address
- Nampa, Idaho 83687
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,926
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 33.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $103/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,720
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at College of Western Idaho?
College of Western Idaho maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their high school GPA or test scores. The school enrolls 5,898 students and serves as an accessible entry point into higher education for Idaho residents. About 94% of students come from in-state, reflecting its role as a local educational resource.
How much does College of Western Idaho cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,697 annually at College of Western Idaho. In-state tuition runs just $3,336, making it one of the most affordable options in Idaho. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,563 net price, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $11,657.
What academic programs is College of Western Idaho known for?
College of Western Idaho focuses heavily on workforce training programs that prepare students for immediate employment in growing industries. The student-faculty ratio of 19:1 allows for hands-on learning in technical fields. The school operates on a semester system and emphasizes practical skills that match local employer needs.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at College of Western Idaho?
College of Western Idaho graduates achieve an 89.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. However, the six-year graduation rate sits at 26.8%, which reflects the community college model where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median of $43,926 five years after completion.
Where is College of Western Idaho located and what is campus life like?
College of Western Idaho sits in Nampa, Idaho, in a rural-fringe setting that combines small-town accessibility with proximity to Boise. The student body of 5,898 is 57% women and 64% white, with a significant Hispanic population at 21%. The school's mascot is the Otters, reflecting Idaho's natural outdoor culture.
How affordable is student debt at College of Western Idaho?
College of Western Idaho keeps student debt remarkably low, with graduates carrying a median debt of just $9,720. Monthly loan payments average only $103, making repayment manageable on typical graduate salaries. Only 25% of students take federal loans, and the loan repayment rate stands at 33%, reflecting the school's commitment to affordable education.
