College of Western Idaho

Imagine a thriving hub of education that emerged to meet a critical need in Idaho's largest metropolitan area. That's the College of Western Idaho (CWI), a public community college that sprang to life in a region previously lacking such an institution. Born from the collective vision of Canyon and Ada county voters, CWI quickly established itself as an indispensable resource for accessible and high-quality higher education.

The story of CWI begins in 2007 when voters championed its creation. Bolstered by a generous $10 million donation from the Albertson Foundation, the college rapidly took shape, welcoming its first students in January 2009. The growth was immediate and remarkable; starting with over 1,100 students, enrollment surged to more than 3,600 by Fall 2009. This early expansion was further enriched when professional-technical programs from Boise State University's Selland College of Applied Technology transitioned to CWI, broadening its academic offerings and impact.

Academically, CWI quickly established its credibility, gaining candidacy status for accreditation in 2012 and achieving full initial accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in 2016. Today, under the leadership of its third president, Gordon Jones, CWI proudly serves a vibrant community of 10,326 students. It stands as a testament to responsive education, continuously evolving to provide vital academic and vocational pathways for students seeking to advance their careers and enrich their lives in Western Idaho.