Idaho LPN Program Costs (2026)
Here's the real cost breakdown at Idaho's most affordable community college LPN programs—including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and uniforms.
| School | Tuition & Fees | Books/Supplies | Total Cost | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Eastern Idaho | $6,900 | $1,500 | $8,400 | 11 months |
| College of Southern Idaho | $8,160 | $990 | $9,150 | 12 months |
| North Idaho College | $4,990 | $2,400 | $7,390 | 11 months |
| College of Western Idaho | $8,400 | $1,600 | $10,000 | 12 months |
| Idaho State University | $17,400 | $3,264 | $20,664 | 12 months |
💡 Idaho Advantage: All schools qualify for Federal Pell Grants ($7,395/year). Plus, WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) students from 15 western states can save 50% on tuition at participating schools. Result: College of Eastern Idaho or North Idaho College for under $3,000 after aid!
How to Pay LESS Than $3,000 Out-of-Pocket
Idaho's financial aid system makes nursing education shockingly affordable. Here's how to stack scholarships and grants to minimize costs.
Federal Pell Grant
- ✅ Covers 107% of CEI tuition ($6,900)
- ✅ Covers 148% of NIC tuition ($4,990)
- ✅ No repayment required—ever
- ✅ Apply via FAFSA by March 1
WUE Scholarship
- ✅ For students from AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY, & Pacific territories
- ✅ Pay 150% of resident rate (vs. 300% out-of-state)
- ✅ Available at ISU, NIC, and some other schools
- ✅ Apply through school admissions office
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
- ✅ For Idaho residents with 3.0+ GPA
- ✅ Stacks with Pell Grant
- ✅ Covers remaining tuition after federal aid
- ✅ Apply at boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarship
Federal Subsidized Loans
- ✅ No interest accrues during program
- ✅ 6-month grace period after graduation
- ✅ Income-driven repayment options
- ✅ Apply via FAFSA
🎯 Real Example: Attend College of Eastern Idaho for $1,005 Total
Total Program Cost:
- Tuition & fees: $6,900
- Books & supplies: $1,500
- Total: $8,400
Financial Aid Package:
- Federal Pell Grant: $7,395
- Your Cost: $1,005
💎 WUE Bonus for Out-of-State Students:
If you're from a WUE state and attend Idaho State University with the WUE discount, you'd pay ~$12,000 instead of $20,664. Add Pell Grant ($7,395), and your cost drops to $4,605—still affordable compared to private schools!
Calculate Your Financial Aid
See exactly how much federal and state aid you qualify for—most students pay less than $3,000 total.
Top 5 Cheapest LPN Schools in Idaho
All programs are Board-approved, offer clinical training, and prepare you for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
College of Eastern Idaho
Why Choose CEI?
- ✅ Lowest total cost in Idaho ($150/credit × 46 credits = $6,900)
- ✅ Eastern Idaho location near Yellowstone & Jackson Hole
- ✅ High NCLEX-PN pass rates (consistently above 85%)
- ✅ Small class sizes (15-20 students per cohort)
- ✅ Clinical partnerships: Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Idaho Falls Community Hospital
- ✅ Federal Pell Grant covers 107% of tuition!
Program Highlights:
North Idaho College
Why Choose NIC?
- ✅ Beautiful Coeur d'Alene location on lake with resort-town lifestyle
- ✅ Strong job market: Kootenai Health (Level II Trauma Center)
- ✅ Affordable tuition: $4,990 resident rate
- ✅ Modern simulation labs with high-fidelity equipment
- ✅ 95%+ job placement rate within 6 months
- ✅ WUE eligible for out-of-state students
Program Details:
College of Southern Idaho
Why Choose CSI?
- ✅ Magic Valley location: central southern Idaho
- ✅ Strong agriculture/food processing healthcare market
- ✅ Affordable cost of living in Twin Falls area
- ✅ Clinical rotations: St. Luke's Magic Valley, Twin Falls clinics
- ✅ Charlene Maher Nursing Scholarship available ($10,000 pool)
- ✅ High NCLEX pass rates
Program Features:
College of Western Idaho
Why Choose CWI?
- ✅ Boise metro area location: Idaho's largest job market
- ✅ Clinical partnerships: St. Luke's Health System, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
- ✅ Tech industry healthcare market (Micron, HP, etc.)
- ✅ Modern facilities with state-of-the-art simulation labs
- ✅ Strong alumni network throughout Treasure Valley
- ✅ Excellent job placement (98% within 3 months)
Program Highlights:
Idaho State University
Why Choose ISU?
- ✅ University setting with 4-year degree pathways (LPN → ADN → BSN)
- ✅ WUE eligible: out-of-state students save 50%
- ✅ Veteran-friendly: Veteran to Practical Nurse Track available
- ✅ Clinical rotations: Portneuf Medical Center, Pocatello clinics
- ✅ University resources: career services, tutoring, library access
- ✅ Mee C Woo Nursing Scholarship available ($3,761)
Program Info:
Talk to an Enrollment Advisor
Get personalized guidance on program selection, WUE eligibility, financial aid, and career planning.
LPN Salaries in Idaho
Idaho LPNs earn competitive wages with strong job growth across the state, especially in rural areas and resort communities.
| City | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | With Overtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | $62,500 | $30.05 | $70,562 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $58,900 | $28.32 | $66,962 |
| Idaho Falls | $57,200 | $27.50 | $65,262 |
| Pocatello | $55,800 | $26.83 | $63,862 |
| Twin Falls | $56,400 | $27.12 | $64,462 |
💡 Career Outlook: Idaho's booming population growth (one of the fastest in the US) is driving high demand for healthcare workers. Rural areas and resort towns (Sun Valley, McCall, Sandpoint) offer sign-on bonuses ($2,000-$5,000) and housing assistance. The BLS projects 7% LPN job growth in Idaho through 2032—faster than most occupations.
Idaho LPN Licensing Requirements
After completing your program, you'll take the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for your Idaho nursing license.
Step 1: NCLEX-PN Exam
-
📝
Register with Pearson VUE
Create account at pearsonvue.com/nclex -
💳
Exam Fee: $200
Payable to Pearson VUE at registration -
⏱️
Exam Format:
85-205 questions, up to 5 hours, adaptive testing -
📍
Testing Centers:
Available in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello
Step 2: Idaho State License
-
📄
Apply Online
Submit application at dopl.idaho.gov/bon -
💵
License Fee: $110
Initial license valid for 2 years -
🔍
Background Check Required
Fingerprinting fee $42 -
⏳
Processing Time:
3-4 weeks after passing NCLEX-PN
📞 Idaho Board of Nursing Contact
Address:
550 West State Street
Boise, ID 83702
Contact:
Phone: (208) 577-2476
Email: [email protected]
🌟 Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Advantage: Idaho is an NLC state! Once licensed in ID, you can practice in 41 other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. Perfect for travel nursing or relocating to neighboring states like Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WUE program and am I eligible?
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) allows students from 15 western states/territories to attend participating Idaho schools at 150% of resident tuition instead of 300% out-of-state rates—a 50% savings! Eligible states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, plus Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam. In Idaho, Idaho State University and North Idaho College offer WUE for LPN programs. Apply through the school's admissions office and indicate WUE on your application.
Can I really attend an LPN program for under $1,500 in Idaho?
Yes—with financial aid! At College of Eastern Idaho (total cost $8,400), a Federal Pell Grant ($7,395) covers nearly everything, leaving just $1,005 out-of-pocket. At North Idaho College (total cost $7,390), Pell Grant leaves just $0—you'd actually have a small surplus! Add the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship ($3,500) or work-study earnings, and you can graduate debt-free with money in your pocket.
How long does it take to become an LPN in Idaho?
11-12 months for full-time programs. College of Eastern Idaho and North Idaho College offer 11-month accelerated options. After graduation, you'll take the NCLEX-PN exam (results in 2-3 days) and apply for your Idaho license (3-4 weeks processing). From start to finish: about 12-14 months until you're working as a licensed LPN.
Are there online LPN programs in Idaho?
No fully-online LPN programs exist. Idaho Board of Nursing regulations require hands-on clinical training in hospitals and long-term care facilities. All Idaho LPN programs require in-person attendance for labs and clinical rotations (typically 3-5 days per week). Beware of "100% online LPN" ads—they won't qualify you for Idaho licensure.
Will I find a job after graduating from an LPN program?
Yes—Idaho has excellent job prospects! The state's rapid population growth is driving healthcare demand. Schools report 95-98% job placement rates within 6 months. Top employers include St. Luke's Health System, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Kootenai Health, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, plus hundreds of rural clinics and nursing homes. Rural areas and resort towns offer sign-on bonuses ($2,000-$5,000) and housing assistance.
What's the cost of living like in Idaho for students?
Highly variable—but generally affordable outside Boise. Boise has seen rapid housing cost increases ($1,200-$1,500/month for 1BR), but Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls offer more affordable options ($800-$1,100/month). Many students live with roommates or family to minimize costs during the 11-12 month program. No state income tax in Idaho means you keep more of your paycheck after graduation!
Affordable LPN Programs in Neighboring States
Considering schools outside Idaho? Check out these neighboring state guides:
Montana
Explore affordable MT programs near ID border
Wyoming
Find cheap LPN schools with WyIN Scholarship
Utah
Compare tuition costs at Utah LPN programs
Nevada
Discover low-cost Nevada nursing schools
Oregon
Oregon LPN programs with financial aid options
Washington
Affordable Washington LPN schools near ID border
Your 13-Month Action Plan: HS Diploma to Licensed LPN
Here's your step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed LPN in Idaho—and how to pay under $1,500 out of pocket.
Months 1-2: Research & Prepare
- ✅ Complete FAFSA by March 1 (fafsa.gov)
- ✅ Apply for Idaho Opportunity Scholarship (boardofed.idaho.gov)
- ✅ Check WUE eligibility if from participating western states
- ✅ Request high school transcripts and any college credits
- ✅ Take TEAS test (required by most ID programs)
- ✅ Get CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS)
- ✅ Start immunization records (MMR, Tdap, Hepatitis B, TB test)
- ✅ Apply to 2-3 schools (CEI, NIC, CSI)
Months 3-4: Acceptance & Enrollment
- ✅ Receive acceptance letter (April-May for Fall start)
- ✅ Accept financial aid package (Pell Grant + Idaho Opportunity + WUE)
- ✅ Pay enrollment deposit ($50-$100)
- ✅ Complete criminal background check ($42 fingerprinting fee)
- ✅ Attend orientation and register for classes
- ✅ Purchase textbooks and uniforms (~$1,200—covered by financial aid)
Months 5-15: LPN Program (11 months)
- ✅ Fall Semester (Aug-Dec): Nursing fundamentals, anatomy & physiology, pharmacology, first clinical rotations
- ✅ Spring Semester (Jan-May): Med-surg, pediatrics, maternity, mental health, advanced clinicals
- ✅ Summer (Jun): Final clinical rotations, capstone project, NCLEX-PN review
- ✅ Graduate with Practical Nursing Certificate
Month 16: Licensing & Job Start
- ✅ Register for NCLEX-PN at pearsonvue.com ($200 exam fee)
- ✅ Take NCLEX-PN within 30 days of graduation
- ✅ Apply for Idaho nursing license at dopl.idaho.gov/bon ($110 + $42 background check)
- ✅ Accept job offer (many students hired before license arrives!)
- ✅ Receive your Idaho LPN license (3-4 weeks processing)
Month 17: Start Your Nursing Career!
- 🎉 Begin working as a Licensed Practical Nurse
- 🎉 Earn $59,340/year average salary ($28.53/hour)
- 🎉 Receive sign-on bonus ($2,000-$5,000 in rural areas)
- 🎉 No state income tax—keep more of your paycheck!
- 🎉 Consider LPN-to-ADN bridge program (many employers pay tuition!)
The Bottom Line
Idaho offers some of the most affordable LPN education in America when you factor in federal Pell Grants and state scholarships. With total program costs ranging from $7,390 to $10,000 at community colleges—and as low as $1,005 out-of-pocket with financial aid—Idaho is a hidden gem for aspiring nurses.
No legitimate "6-week LPN programs" or "cheap online certificates" exist. Real programs require 11-12 months of full-time study with hands-on clinical training. But the investment is tiny: $8,400 or under $1,500 with aid, and you're earning $59,340/year within 13 months.
Your ROI is phenomenal: Invest $1,005 (with Pell Grant) and earn $59,000+ annually within 13 months—plus sign-on bonuses ($2,000-$5,000), overtime pay, and no state income tax. That's a 5,800% return on investment in just over a year!
Job security is excellent. Idaho's rapid population growth (one of the fastest in the US) is driving healthcare demand. Schools report 95-98% job placement rates. Rural areas and resort communities offer sign-on bonuses and housing assistance.
👉 Ready to start? Apply to College of Eastern Idaho or North Idaho College today—complete FAFSA, apply for Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, and begin your nursing career by next summer!