UI, LCSC rise in rankings a great sign for Idaho higher ed
Higher education in Idaho is in good hands, and that is a good sign for our younger generations.
On Tuesday, U.S. News & World Report released its annual rankings, and both Lewis-Clark State College and the University of Idaho did well. Actually, they did better than well. They were among the top in the nation.
The University of Idaho was the No. 1 Best Value Public University in the nation, according to the report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings. This is the seventh year in a row U of I has ranked among the nation’s top public universities for value, placing second only to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in rankings released from 2020-24 and this year claiming the top public spot in a ranking led largely by private institutions.
“This ranking reflects what we work hard to deliver every day: an exceptional education that remains within reach for students and families,” University of Idaho President Scott Green said. “Our students pursue research, learn by doing and build connections that prepare them to succeed after graduation, creating value not just for Idaho but nationally as well through the work they go on to do.”
LC State is now ranked No. 6 in the report’s Top Public Schools – Regional Colleges (West) ranking, up two spots from last year. The school ranked No. 8 in 2024 and 2025, No. 9 in 2023, and No. 10 in 2022. LC State offers the lowest tuition among Idaho’s public four-year institutions. Among this year’s top public schools in the West category, LC State is the only school in Idaho or Washington to make the Top 10.
"LC State continues to enhance the incredible value it provides to students, families, communities, and Idaho, and we’re grateful that this ranking captures that progression,” LC State President Cynthia Pemberton said.
In case you were wondering, these rankings matter. They were established to provide information and guidance for prospective students and their families. According to U.S. News & World Report, the rankings are determined by 17 criteria, including: graduation rates, first-year retention rates, graduation rate performance, Pell graduation rates, Pell graduation performance, college grad earnings, borrower debt, peer assessment, financial resources per student, standardized tests, and student-faculty ratio.
We who live in Idaho know it is a great place to call home. A common criticism is that Idaho isn't a place to stay if you want a good education, and that you will have to attend college elsewhere to earn a degree that will land the job you want. But the latest rankings show otherwise. Not only will students learn from the best, but they will also be living in one of this country's best states.