College and University Information (Boise, Caldwell: high school, universities, cost)

[klsartori]

We are planning a move to Boise from Michigan in the spring of 2012 after our son finishes high school. We would like him to atend college in Idaho and avoid out of state tuition. We are planning to look at BSU but I have reservations about that because it seems like a commuter school. We will also look at U of I which looks like a great school with a traditional college experience but so far away from Boise. Any thoughts on these two schools would be appreciated. Also, any other schools I am missing? I know there is a school called Lewis and Clark but I get the feeling that is also more of a commuter school. Nothing against commuter schools, it just isn't what we are looking for. Thanks!

[Bruce9]

Check out the high quality College of Idaho in Caldwell (which is near Boise) and see what kind of aid package they'll give you. I think they have a much higher four-year graduation rate than many public universities, so an education there would likely cost you about the same as a public by the time a student graduates. In addition, a student who graduates in 4 years instead of 5 or 6 not only pays for less time at college, but also starts earning sooner. The College is residential. (Disclosure: they just offered me a job today.)

[klsartori]

Thanks for the information. We will add it to our list.

[2018]

Originally Posted by Bruce9

I think they have a much higher four-year graduation rate than many public universities, so an education there would likely cost you about the same as a public by the time a student graduates. In addition, a student who graduates in 4 years instead of 5 or 6 not only pays for less time at college, but also starts earning sooner.

The grad rates tell you how long it takes most kids to graduate, not how long it will take your kid to graduate. Unless both schools have essentially the same students, I wouldn't jump to conclusions.