Colleges and Universities in Eastern Idaho Power the Region

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Colleges and universities in Eastern Idaho work with local businesses to give students valuable work-based learning experiences that better prepare them for the workforce. They also enhance the region’s arts and cultural offerings through exhibits, classes and performances open to the public. 

These colleges and universities in Eastern Idaho – Brigham Young University-Idaho, College of Eastern Idaho, Idaho State University and a University of Idaho satellite campus – welcome students from across the state, the country and the world, who add to the diverse and vibrant fabric of the region. 

Growing in the Right Direction 

After BYU-Idaho became a four-year institution in 2001, the city of Rexburg, where the university is located, nearly doubled with new businesses and residential developments, according to Brett Crandall, public affairs director for BYU-Idaho. 

“There have been a lot of local entrepreneurs and business owners who decided to set up shops and entertainment venues and restaurants and eateries, even food trucks, because there’s a need,” Crandall says. 

In the last 20 years, BYU-Idaho has gone from an annual enrollment of 9,000 students to an annual enrollment of 30,000. 

“As we’ve grown, so have our housing needs,” Crandall says. “We’ve had private developers who wanted to build and help Rexburg grow and also meet the housing needs of our students. We wouldn’t be able to grow the way we have without them.” 

Crandall says that, while the university does not have a sports program, BYU-Idaho makes a significant contribution to the city and the region’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. 

“We bring in a number of big names for performances, whether that’s [talent] for our big annual Christmas events or well-known comedians or singers. Through our Center Stage brand, we produce these cultural events and invite the community and students alike,” he says. 

University of Idaho

Harvesting Innovation 

University of Idaho (U of I) has a rich 70-year history in Idaho Falls and plays an important role in preparing the workforce for in-demand jobs in engineering, cybersecurity and environmental science. Idaho Falls is home to the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), a research and education consortium between U of I, Idaho National Laboratory, Boise State University and Idaho State University (ISU). The center allows students an opportunity to work closely with researchers. 

“The region is fast growing, and because of that, it is important for us to be plugged into the evolving needs of the region with accurate projections of economic growth. We make sure we are in tune with what area employers want and tweak our programs to fit those needs, so our students are sought after and ready to hit the ground running once they earn their degrees,” says Marc Skinner, executive officer at the U of I Idaho Falls Center. 

Skinner says another way U of I contributes to the city and the region is through groundbreaking agricultural research to support the region’s farmers. 

“The Idaho Falls Research and Extension Center supports the agricultural research programs in Eastern Idaho and works with producers and private citizens to stay informed on the most pressing needs in our region. Every county in Eastern Idaho has U of I Extension employees embedded in these communities,” he says. 

Idaho State University

Idaho State University operates its main campus in Pocatello, with another campus in Idaho Falls and others across the state. As a public research university, it manages 275,000 square feet of research space and nearly $30 million in research expenditures. 

In addition, a Career Path Internship program at ISU provides students with opportunities to gain professional experience while in school. About 1,000 paid internships occur every semester. 

Serving as Career Catalysts 

College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) in Idaho Falls places a strong emphasis on career and technical education. 

The college broke ground in 2024 on a new CTE building dubbed FUTURE TECH. The building will house growing CTE programs as well as new programs, such as mechatronics engineering technician, and future programs, such as battery and solar technologies. 

Todd Wightman, communications/ marketing director for College of Eastern Idaho, says this work directly contributes to the region’s quality of life. 

“Changing lives is our mantra. CEI is a place where individuals can transition into high-paying and rewarding jobs that will help our great community be a better place to live and rear their families,” Wightman says. “Well-educated, well-trained workers tend to produce more and earn more money, benefiting themselves, their families and the regional economy. CEI helps to make the Idaho Falls region a more vibrant and livable community for all.” 

Treasure Layne

She Went to College in Eastern Idaho and Stayed

Abby Amis grew up in Seattle and attended Brigham Young University’s Rexburg, Idaho, campus. Though she was nervous, she moved to the town sight unseen but ended up being pleasantly surprised with how much she liked living in a small town. Amis met her husband in college and returned to Seattle, but the couple ultimately ended up returning to Eastern Idaho to put down roots. Read on to learn why she decided to return to her college home for good. 

What was the experience like for you when you tried to find jobs after college? 
We found that there is a lot less competition for jobs here in Eastern Idaho compared to Seattle because the area is growing so much. There are a lot of open positions if you look for them. My husband got a job at the Idaho National Laboratory, which is the main reason we moved back. I found my position at REDI (Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho) within two months of moving back. In Seattle, we weren’t making enough to afford anything substantial, but here we can afford things easily. It was a quick transition for us. There are a lot of opportunities here. 

What are some of the best places to live if you’re a young professional or are growing your family? 
Right now, we live in a townhouse, but buying a house is in our future. You really can’t go wrong anywhere here. We’re coming from Seattle, which has become kind of scary in the city because of the crime. Here, you can leave your car unlocked; it’s kind of one of those Hallmark-movie towns. 

I’ve never felt unsafe here, which is another reason we wanted to come back. I want to raise my family someplace safe when we have kids. Really, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Blackfoot, Iona – they are all safe and offer cute neighborhoods. 

How would you spend your ideal Saturday? 
My husband and I first met and bonded over golf. I golfed in high school, and he picked it up right before COVID. There are a few public courses here in Idaho Falls, and they are awesome. On our ideal Saturday, we would go play in the morning. 

Then, we would go to downtown Idaho Falls. There are so many cute little shops to explore, like Poppy & Pout and The Black Brick Co. 

From there, we’d go to a Spud Kings game, our local junior hockey team, at the Mountain America Center. These games are so much fun, and I was surprised to find how much I loved the game and that we have such a cool event center close by. 

– Rebecca Treon contributed to this article.