Classes at the Nampa-based College of Western Idaho (CWI) began in January 2008, filling a void in the metropolitan Boise area. In its first three years, enrollment grew from 1,100 to more than 7,000. CWI has seven campuses, including separate locations for the professional driving and horticology schools. CWI's largest campus was formerly Boise State University's west campus. Other locations are split between suburban Nampa and Boise. The school offers a dozen associate's degrees, plus several professional and technical certifications.
North Idaho College (NIC) in Idaho's panhandle at the north end of Lake Coeur d'Alene has deep roots in northern Idaho. The college began as North Idaho Junior College in 1933 and operated under that name until 1971. In fall 2010, enrollment was more than 6,000 with nearly 5,000 students in four-year college transfer programs. NIC serves a five-county region and offers associate of arts and associate of science degrees in various college transfer programs, and associate of applied science degrees and technical certificates in its professional-technical programs.
The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) began holding classes at Twin Falls High School in 1964. Along with its main campus in Twin Falls, the college offers outreach programs in Boise, Hailey, Burley and Gooding. CSI offers associate's degrees in arts, science and applied science, and professional technical certifications. Some on-campus housing is available. Along with the College of Western Idaho and North Idaho College, it is one of the state's three comprehensive community colleges.
Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls offers a two-year associate's degree in applied science and professional technical certifications. Its programs and degrees are designed for students heading directly into the workforce after finishing their coursework.