Finance Programs in Idaho

Finance Schools in Idaho

Total Finance Programs:5
Online Finance Programs:5
Admissions Requirements:Moderate
Average Tuition:$5,115
Average Scholarship Package:$4,076
Average Grant Amount:$5,591
Average Housing Cost:$2,686
Average Gender Ratio:45% Men / 54% Women
Average Student-to-Faculty Ratio:16:1

There are five colleges and universities in Idaho that offer finance programs. Four of those schools offer Associate’s degrees in finance and there are four Bachelor’s programs in finance. There are three Master’s-level programs in Idaho and three doctoral level programs in Idaho.

The three best finance programs in Idaho are at Idaho State University, the University of Idaho, and Boise State University. Idaho State University and Boise State University aren’t as competitive as the University of Idaho, which has a 6% acceptance rate for incoming students.

Idaho is one of the most affordable places for a finance degree. Average tuition is $5,115, and there are many grant and scholarships available for students.

Educational Information:

Students who are looking to pursue an Associate’s degree in finance in Idaho can expect to spend two or two and a half years taking classes full-time. Associate’s degrees in Idaho are made up of 60-70 credits. The majority of these credits are directly related to finance, but students must also take a small selection of general education classes.

Earning a Bachelor’s degree in finance will take most students four or four and a half years. These programs require 120 credits for graduation, but some require up to 155 credits to graduate. The University of Idaho prepares students for a finance career with classes like Investments, Personal Finance, and Corporate Finance. Students come out of the program prepared for a career as a portfolio manager, stockbroker, investment banker, credit analyst, or a career in many other finance specialties.

A graduate program in finance takes most students between two and three years to complete. Idaho State University offers a graduate degree in finance as part of their MBA program. Students can pursue a Master’s degree in finance with or without an undergraduate degree in finance; career experience and grades are bigger factors in being accepted to a Master’s program in finance.

Licensing Information:

Licensing requirements depend on the level of schooling completed, previous professional designations attained, and desired career path. Investment advisors in Idaho have to register with the Idaho Department of Finance Securities Bureau. The majority of applicants must take and pass the Series 65 exam or the Series 66 and Series 7 exams. However, exceptions are made for those who hold certain professional licenses, including Chartered Investment Counselor, Personal Financial Specialist, and Certified Financial Planner.

The Department of Insurance in Idaho registers life insurance producers. Those who sell life insurance and fixed annuities must pass an exam. They must also be fingerprinted before being licensed. After licensure, producers must have 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Variable contracts producers, financial professionals who sell variable annuities, need to obtain a license. This involves taking the Series 6 or 7 exam and then meeting continuing education requirements.

Stockbrokers in Idaho are registered with the Idaho Department of Finance Securities Bureau. They must pass either the Series 63 or 66 exam in addition to either the Series 6 or Series 7 exam. Continuing education requirements include computer-based exams and firm-based updates.

Employment Information:

Many large investment and financial firms have offices and branches in Idaho. Some of the biggest finance employers in Idaho include Northwestern Mutual, Arcadia Investment Advisors, Edward Jones, Heritage Financial Advisors, Springleaf Financial Services, and Westlake Financial.

As of May 2020, finance professionals in Idaho earned the following average salaries:

  • Financial analysts: $81,640
  • Financial managers: $99,270
  • Personal financial advisors: $98,050

Between 2018 and 2028, the number of jobs among the state’s financial analysts is projected to increase by 7.3%.

Between 2018 and 2028, the number of jobs among the state’s financial managers is projected to increase by 9.9%, resulting in about 30 annual job openings during this ten-year period when combined with retirements and natural job turnover.

Between 2018 and 2028, the number of jobs among the state’s personal financial advisors is projected to increase by 5.2%.

May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market trends for financial analysts, financial managers, and personal financial advisors. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2021.

Job growth projections for financial and investment analysts, financial managers, personal financial advisors sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored O*Net database and based on state-specific information (2018-2028)