Colleges and universities in Nampa, Idaho

Nampa, Idaholifornia is home to several excellent institutions of higher education. From small liberal arts colleges to large public universities, Nampa offers a diverse range of options for students looking to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies.

This local guide provides an overview of the major colleges and universities in Nampa, including information on academics, campus life, admission requirements, and more.

Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is a private Christian liberal arts college located in Nampa. Founded in 1913, NNU has an enrollment of over 2,000 students.

Academics

NNU offers over 60 areas of study across its six schools:

• School of Arts and Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Education
• Pruet School of Christian Studies
• School of Nursing
• School of Graduate Studies

Some of the most popular majors include nursing, education, business, biology, engineering, and Christian ministry. Small class sizes ensure students receive individualized attention from faculty.

Campus Life

There are over 60 student clubs and organizations on campus. Greek life is also popular, with fraternities and sororities holding many events and fundraisers. NNU has NAIA athletic teams called the Crusaders that compete in sports like football, basketball, and track and field.

Admissions

NNU has a selective admission process, accepting around 70% of applicants. Important factors include GPA, test scores, extracurricular involvement, and recommendation letters. Tuition is currently $32,500 per year. Over 90% of students receive financial aid.

Boise State University – Nampa Campus

Boise State University’s Nampa campus offers upper division undergraduate and graduate programs aimed at working professionals and adult learners.

Academics

Degrees offered at the Nampa campus include:

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Technology
• Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Education in Educational Technology
• Master of Social Work

Classes take place in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate students’ work schedules. The campus also has a Writing Center and math tutoring lab.

Campus Life

As a commuter campus, there are fewer activities and events compared to the main Boise State campus. However, students can still participate in campus clubs and intramural sports. The campus also hosts several community events that are open to the public.

Admissions

Admission requirements are the same as for the main Boise State campus. Tuition rates are around $315 per credit for Idaho residents. Boise State also has an online application option for transfer students.

College of Western Idaho

College of Western Idaho (CWI) is a public community college located in Nampa. It was founded in 2007 to help meet the demand for higher education and job training in southwest Idaho.

Academics

CWI offers over 150 associate’s and certificate programs in fields like:

• Business Management
• Computer Information Systems
• Criminal Justice
• Dental Assisting
• Electrical Technology
• Nursing
• Welding Technology

Many students start at CWI and then transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree at another institution. CWI also has partnerships with several Idaho universities for easy transfer.

Campus Life

Since CWI is a commuter school, campus life revolves around student clubs, organizations, and events. There are academic-related clubs like the Horticulture Club as well as hobby groups like the Gaming Guild. CWI has intercollegiate athletic teams including basketball, soccer, wrestling, and more.

Admissions

CWI has an open admissions policy, meaning all applicants with a high school diploma or GED are accepted. Tuition costs around $135 per credit for Idaho residents. Over 50% of students receive financial assistance like grants, loans, scholarships or work-study jobs.

Carrington College

Carrington College has a campus in Nampa that offers career-focused programs in healthcare and other trades.

Academics

Degree and certificate options at Carrington Nampa include:

• Associate degree in Nursing
• Certificate programs for Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technology
• Certificate for Veterinary Assisting

Many programs can be completed in under 2 years. Students gain hands-on experience during clinical rotations and externships.

Campus Life

Carrington Nampa hosts several student organizations focused on community service and networking opportunities within specific career fields. These include the Dental Assisting Club and the Association for Veterinary Technicians.

Admissions

Carrington has a rolling admission policy with six start dates per year. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Carrington also considers work experience and requires an entrance exam for health programs. Tuition varies by program from around $15,000 – $35,000.

Brown Mackie College – Nampa Campus

Brown Mackie College Nampa is a branch of the national for-profit college system focused on career and technical education.

Academics

Brown Mackie Nampa offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in these areas:

• Business Management
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• Healthcare Administration
• Information Technology
• Nursing
• Veterinary Technology

Classes are offered mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends for flexibility. Students also complete an internship in their field of study.

Campus Life

As a commuter campus, there are not a lot of on-campus activities at Brown Mackie Nampa. However, students can participate in SkillsUSA, a career and technical student organization. There are also academic clubs related to specific degree programs.

Admissions

Brown Mackie Nampa operates on a continuous enrollment model, with new start dates every month. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED. No SAT/ACT test scores are required. Tuition is around $493 per credit hour.

Idaho State University – Meridian Health Science Center

Idaho State University’s Meridian campus focuses on health professions programs, including:

Academics

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies
• Master of Occupational Therapy
• Doctor of Audiology
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Speech pathology graduate programs
• Medical lab science bachelor’s degree

The state-of-the-art facilities include a human patient simulation lab, anatomy labs, and ambulatory care clinic. Students complete clinical rotations at major medical centers.

Campus Life

Since mainly graduate students attend the Meridian campus, there are not a lot of on-campus activities and organizations. However, students can access resources and events at ISU’s main campus in Pocatello.

Admissions

Admission to ISU Meridian’s graduate health programs is very competitive, with most programs accepting under 30 students annually. Strong letters of recommendation, healthcare experience, and a 3.0 GPA are recommended. ISU also offers some accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs.

Conclusion

Nampa offers a wide selection of colleges and universities to fit diverse needs. Small private schools like NNU provide a personalized faith-based education. Large public schools like Boise State offer flexible degree options for working professionals.

Community colleges and career colleges allow affordable career training in fields like healthcare and technology. With great options for both undergraduate and graduate studies, Nampa has an institution for every type of student.