What Is It Known For?
The College of Western Idaho (CWI), located in Nampa, Idaho, is one of four comprehensive community colleges in the state. It is not part of a larger network and operates independently, governed by a five-member board of trustees elected by voters in Ada and Canyon counties.
Since its founding in 2007, CWI has grown to serve roughly 10,000 scholars annually. The college is known for its commitment to providing accessible, affordable education and workforce training opportunities, with a focus on supporting both academic advancement and career readiness.
Degrees & Certifications
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers a range of programs tailored to both academic and career-focused goals.
- Academic Transfer Degrees include Agricultural Business, Leadership, and Education (AA), Business (AA), and Engineering (AE)
- Career & Technical Education Degrees, such as Automotive Technology (AAS), Cybersecurity (AAS), and Early Childhood Education (AAS)
- Workforce Development Certifications, such as AWS Cloud Foundations (Cert), Emergency Medical Technician (Cert), and Healthcare IT Professional (Cert)
Class Schedules
The College of Western Idaho offers flexible class schedules for various student needs. Courses are available through multiple delivery formats, including in-person, online, hybrid, and remote. This flexibility allows students to choose the learning style that fits their lifestyles and preferences.
Students can opt for traditional 16-week sessions or more accelerated 8-week sessions, giving them the option to complete their coursework at a pace that works for them. Hands-on experiences, such as externships and clinical training, are integral to programs like healthcare and skilled trades.
Is It Legit?
Yes, CWI is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), ensuring that its programs meet high academic and professional standards. Additionally, many of its programs hold specialized accreditations, enhancing their credibility and value in the workforce.
Acceptance Rate
As an open-admissions institution, CWI accepts all applicants who meet its general requirements, making it highly accessible to a diverse range of students.
How Much Does It Cost?
Tuition at the College of Western Idaho varies based on residency status. For Idaho residents, tuition is approximately $140 per credit hour, while non-residents pay around $280. Additional fees for specific programs, courses, and materials may apply. For a more accurate estimate of tuition and potential financial aid, you can use the Net Price Calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Business
- Communication
- Entrepreneurship
- Management
- Marketing
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Social Work
Healthcare
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Animal Veterinary Sciences
- Assistance with Medications
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Mental Health Technician
- Registered Nursing
- Therapy Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Psychology
- Surgical Assistant
- Patient Care Technician
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Electronics Tech
- Collision Repair Technology
- Construction
- Fire Service Technology
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
Technology
- Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing
- Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
- Computer Drafting
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Software Development
Campus Locations
Nampa 5500 E. Opportunity Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
Nampa 6056 Birch Lane, Nampa, ID 83687
Nampa 6002 Birch Lane, Nampa, ID 83687
Nampa 5725 E. Franklin Road, Nampa, ID 83687
Nampa 6042 Birch Lane, Nampa, ID 83687
Nampa 5560 E. Opportunity Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
Nampa 5540 E Opportunity Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
Nampa 5520 E. Opportunity Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
Nampa 2407 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa, ID 83651
Boise 9300 W. Overland Road, Boise, ID 83709
Boise 9100 W. Black Eagle Drive, Boise, ID 83709
Boise 1360 S. Eagle Flight Way, Boise, ID 83709
Boise 1450 S. Eagle Flight Way, Boise, ID 83709
Boise 2444 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83712
Boise 1401 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID 83725
Boise 8000 South Federal Way, Boise, ID 83716
Nampa 300 W Railroad St, Nampa, ID 83687
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) has a mixed reputation, with a 3.9 out of 5-star overall rating from a large number of students. While many praise the college’s value and flexibility, a significant number of reviews highlight frustration with administrative and academic issues.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordability and Value: CWI is consistently praised as an affordable and valuable option, particularly for students looking to complete general education courses before transferring to a four-year university. Many feel it’s a smart financial decision that saves money.
Flexibility and Online Options: The flexibility of online classes is a major draw, allowing students with jobs or families to balance their commitments with their education.
Helpful and Dedicated Instructors (Sometimes): Many students have had great experiences with professors, describing them as dedicated, caring, knowledgeable, and approachable. A recent review on Niche notes that instructors are supportive and responsive.
Welcoming and Supportive Environment: The campus is described as having a relaxing and comfortable environment, with helpful staff and a community feel. The college’s support for students’ academic well-being is also noted.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Communication Issues: This is a key point of frustration for many reviewers. Students describe the administrative staff, particularly in advising and admissions, as unhelpful, unresponsive, and unorganized. Some feel the school has a lack of care for its students.
Inconsistent Teaching Quality: While some instructors are praised, others are criticized for grading based on personal opinion or for a perceived lack of competency. The quality of online courses can also be inconsistent, and some reviews suggest that professors don’t care about a student’s success.
Program and Academic Issues: Some reviews express deep regret over their choice to attend, claiming that the school misrepresented their programs and is more interested in money than in providing a quality education.
Safety Concerns: A few highly negative reviews, though older, raised serious concerns about the security company and staff, including accusations of harassment and threatening behavior that the college allegedly did not address.
Momentum
The momentum for the College of Western Idaho is mixed. While the most recent reviews from the last few months are very positive about the online experience and welcoming campus, these are countered by a few other recent and older reviews that detail a consistent pattern of administrative and academic frustrations. The contrast between positive and negative experiences, particularly regarding staff and teacher quality, suggests that a student’s experience at the college can vary greatly depending on the individual they interact with.