What Is It Known For?
The College of Eastern Idaho, founded in 1969, is a community college that serves a large student body. With over 3,700 credit-seeking students and 14,000 in workforce training programs, it offers a wide range of options.
CEI is known for its affordable education, costing about a third of what universities charge. Moreover, students benefit from small classes and personalized attention.
The school also boasts a 98% job placement rate, showing its strong ties to local employers and focus on practical skills.
Degrees & Certifications
The College of Eastern Idaho offers associate degrees and certificates across different fields of study, including:
- Business
- Cybersecurity & Technology
- General Education
- Health Sciences
- Industry & Trades
Class Schedules
The College of Eastern Idaho considers the personal lives of students. That’s why classes are offered at different times throughout the day, evening, and even on weekends.
For those who can’t make it to campus, online courses are also available. Some programs also go beyond the classroom, giving students real-world practice through externships or clinical experiences. These hands-on opportunities let students apply what they’ve learned in actual work settings.
Is It Legit?
Yes, the College of Eastern Idaho is a legitimate institution. It’s recognized by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a respected accrediting body. This accreditation shows that CEI meets high standards for education quality and student support.
Acceptance Rate
The College of Eastern Idaho welcomes all applicants with its open admissions policy. However, some programs may have extra requirements. If you’re interested in a specific program, contact the school directly for more details about the admission process.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at the College of Eastern Idaho depends on your residency status and the number of credits you take.
- In-State Tuition: $140 per credit
- Out-of-State Tuition: $280 per credit
- WUE Tuition: $210 per credit
These are base rates, and your total cost might be higher due to program-specific fees. For a more accurate estimate of your expenses, use the school’s net price calculator or reach out to the college directly. They can give you a better idea of what you’ll actually pay based on your situation.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Bookkeeping
- Entrepreneurship
Criminal Justice & Law
- Legal Studies
- Paralegal
Healthcare
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Phlebotomy
- Practical Nursing
- Registered Nursing
- Surgical Technology
- Welding Technology
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Medical Coding and Billing
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Mechatronics
Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Information Technology
Campus Locations
Idaho Falls 1600 S 25th E Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) has a very strong and positive reputation with an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. The feedback highlights the school’s affordability, practical education, and supportive environment, but also notes some persistent administrative challenges.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordability: A recurring theme is the low cost of tuition compared to other universities, making it an excellent value for the education provided.
Practical and Relevant Education: Many students praise the hands-on and straightforward education they received, especially in technical and trade programs like Energy Systems, Automotive, and Computer Networking. Reviews from the past year indicate that the school prepares students for real-world careers and has strong programs like nursing.
Supportive Staff and Faculty: Reviewers consistently describe the staff and professors as friendly, helpful, and kind. The school is also praised for providing valuable resources, including scholarship opportunities and well-maintained testing centers.
Positive Campus Environment: The campus is noted as being clean and well-kept. The school is also recognized for its community engagement and for being a welcoming and safe environment for students.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Communication Issues: While not as prominent in recent reviews, older feedback points to a long-standing issue with administrative staff, including admissions and advising. Reviewers mention rude behavior, lack of responsiveness, and general disorganization.
Inconsistent Program Quality: Some older reviews expressed frustration with specific programs, citing teacher turnover and a lack of organization. One reviewer called the CNA program a “joke.”
Perceived as a “Money Grab”: Some past reviews claim the college is only interested in tuition payments and sets up students to fail.
Momentum
The momentum for the College of Eastern Idaho is very positive. While there are historical complaints about administrative issues, the most recent reviews from the last year are overwhelmingly positive. They consistently praise the affordability, practical education, and a supportive learning environment, with specific shout-outs to well-regarded programs. This suggests that the school has successfully established itself as a valuable and affordable option for technical and career-focused education.