Quick Facts
Nationwide, virtual schools are popular and growing rapidly
According to a recent online editorial by Bill Tucker, more than 700,000 K-12 students took virtual courses during the 2005-06 school year-almost double the estimate of students taking online learning courses just three years earlier. Idaho, similarly, has seen exponential growth in the popularity and enrollment in online education. Idaho now has five accredited virtual charter schools, the newest being iSucceed.
Technology Counts 2008
Idaho teens lag on ACT college readiness averages
Idaho is last along with Nevada among neighboring states when it comes to teens being college ready in the four subjects tested on the ACT.
- Washington 34%
- Oregon 28%
- California 27%
- Montana 26%
- Utah 24%
- Wyoming 23%
- Nevada 22%
- Idaho 22%
Report shows more nursing education in Idaho needed
The 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses reported that Idaho ranks 48th in nurses per capita with 628 RNs per 100,000 population, compared to the US average of 825 RNs per 100,000 population. Data from the Idaho Nursing Workforce Center indicate that employers of nurses in Idaho are already seeing negative effects from a shortage of nurses. (Idaho Nursing Workforce Center).
State boosts help for needy college-bound students
According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, Idaho higher education state grant aid per student increased 19% (from $19 to $23) in 10 years and includes a new needs-based scholarship, introduced by Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter and approved by the Idaho Legislature last year. (Read more)
Job Trends
Share of new jobs that will require some postsecondary education. More than two-thirds of jobs will require some post-secondary education. More Information
Click here to view Idaho's "hot jobs."
Community College Return on Investment
Dollars returned to the local economy for each spent on community colleges.
For every dollar invested in higher education, society can expect a very real return: