Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Software Engineers For Applications
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Brigham Young Idaho.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Boise State, University of Idaho, and Brigham Young Idaho.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider College of Southern Idaho, Idaho State, Northwest Nazarene University, and North Idaho College.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Brigham Young Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University, University of Idaho, and Boise State.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Northwest Nazarene University, University of Idaho, Idaho State, and Boise State.
Excellence
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Idaho State, Northwest Nazarene University, University of Idaho, and North Idaho College.
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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BYU • Rexburg, ID
Studying Information Systems (completion in 2006)
• 11/17/2011
"Although the social experience was not as extensive as I hoped, I was able to make a lot of friends. I also had a lot of time to focus more on my studies and less on parties."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | The IT program is very strong, and because there are virtually no opportunities in the field in Idaho the school goes out of their way to secure opportunities all over the country. The alumni network includes all BYU schools, so it is pretty extensive, although I have not used it, alumni seem to be pretty attached to the school. |
| Program Reputation | 7 | The school is a satellite campus for the big BYU in UT, so it has a separate certification and doesn't carry the same prestige. Employers and colleagues pick up on the slight difference in name, but the reputation seems to be picking up quick. |
| Program Quality | 9 | The program was very technical and hands-on, something usually reserved for the Computer Science majors. Despite the technicality, I was able to study a minor in Business Management, which ends up being a well-rounded skill set. |
| Instruction | 10 | Most teachers are not just academics, but real industry veterans. The classes are also small so there is a lot of focus on each student. |
| How Difficult | 8 | Most classes were quite challenging but there were also some classes that were extremely easy. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The programs are very hands-on | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | There are not a lot of evening classes and no weekend classes. While this works for the typical college student, there was a very low enrollment of working professionals. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | Excellent open laboratories available to students. Tutors and lab assistants were very easy to come by. |
| Social Life | 4 | There's no formal sports program, which may account for a big portion of school spirit. However, since it was a religious institution, most people have a common faith link. Definitely not the best place to socialize, unless you want to get married during your sophomore year. |
| Placement Services | 9 | I was able to secure an excellent work option through the career placement office. They organize trips to different job hubs across the country, that is how I found my job. |
| Alumni Network | I have not been involved in the alumni community and have not had to reach out to it. There is not a very useful website to get in touch with other alumni. |
BYU-Idaho • Rexburg, ID
Studying Computer Science (completion in 2006)
• 3/14/2012
"I had doubts at first, but very glad I went. I loved the atmosphere, staff, and the people I met. The school is out of the way and has a small-town feel, but is close to a larger (though admittedly still small) city, Idaho Falls."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | It was well worth the money. I'd go back if I could. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | I've spoken to employers around the area (Idaho Falls, etc.) and the school has a great reputation, much better than schools like BYU-Provo. In the workplace I've also seen the difference with people who have attended other schools (like Boise State) and wondered if the curriculum wasn't tough enough. |
| Program Quality | 8 | Very small class sizes (think 10-20) with people who worked in industry. Nice quiet computer lab. Great advisor. |
| Instruction | 10 | Design patterns were extremely important to learn. Teachers were from different sectors (government, private) and gave a good variety of knowledge. Was happy to not only have purely academic teachers. |
| How Difficult | 8 | Could have been harder, but wasn't too bad. Work was generally engaging enough -- not boring. At least 50% of CS freshmen dropped out for another major (like IS), so intro classes had some difficulty. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Good mix. Advisors were very accessible. In non-major classes, I felt it was more book learning. In CS classes, we were constantly programming, so more hands-on. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | Never had much problem fitting classes in when needed. I even did a semester of night classes and was able to take the subjects I wanted. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | Decent computer lab and lab for CompE (soldering, etc.). Don't need much more than that. |
| Social Life | 5 | School had some sports teams, but didn't really compete. Everything was internal. |
| Placement Services | 8 | Didn't need to use these. However, I had friends that had luck. They also had job fairs on campus, which was great. |
| Alumni Network | Don't have much experience with it. I've received some letters, but have not followed up. |
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