Exploring Programs and Admissions at the College of Eastern Idaho

The College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) stands as a beacon of opportunity, offering a diverse array of academic programs and workforce training designed to meet the evolving needs of its students and the community. As the newest community college in Idaho, CEI is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for success in their chosen fields. This article delves into the various programs offered at CEI, the admissions process, and other essential information for prospective students.

Academic Programs at CEI

CEI's program finder simplifies the search for both academic programs and workforce training. The college offers a wide array of classes to meet your educational needs. With so many options to choose from, we are confident that you won’t be disappointed. From workforce training to learning new skills for a side hustle, CEI is more than just degrees.

Associate of Arts (AA) Degrees

An Associate of Arts (AA) Degree comprises sixty credit hours of instruction. Thirty-six of those credit hours must come from the general education requirements from the six “Ways of Knowing”(WOK) outlined by the State of Idaho. The remaining twenty-four (24) credit hours will be chosen from the pathway of the student’s choice. In the AA Degree, of those twenty-four credit hours, a greater emphasis will be put on social sciences and humanities.

For example, an Associate of Arts (AA) in Education propels students on a journey to inspire and guide future generations. College of Eastern Idaho’s Associate of Arts in Business Degree comprises sixty credit hours of instruction. Thirty-six of those credit hours must come from the general education requirements from the six “Ways of Knowing” (WOK) outlined by the State of Idaho. The remaining twenty-four credits hours will be chosen from business elective classes. This degree is the first milestone to a 4-year business degree. Have you always been drawn to art? Do you have a passion for writing? Do you ever wonder why human cultures act and look the way they do? Do you have a passion for education?

Associate of Science (AS) Degrees

An Associate of Science (AS) Degree comprises sixty credit hours of instruction. Thirty-six of those credit hours must come from the general education requirements from the six “Ways of Knowing” (WOK) outlined by the State of Idaho. The remaining twenty-four credit hours will be chosen from the pathway of the student’s choice. In the AS Degree, of those twenty-four credit hours, a greater emphasis will be put on science and mathematics. CEI's Associate of Engineering is built for students who know where they’re headed-and want to get there faster. The future is now! And an Associate of Science (AS) degree from CEI will help you join and shape that future.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree requires the successful completion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and General Education coursework. The AAS degree requires students to complete at least sixty credit hours, which includes a minimum of fifteen General Education credits, and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. This degree is designed primarily for students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation.

Technical Certificates

CEI offers several technical certificates designed for students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation:

Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC): Requires successful completion of at least fifty-two credits in an approved career-technical program and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. The ATC contains a recognizable core of related instruction or general education with identified outcomes in the areas of communication, computation, and human relations. The completion timeline for the ATC varies.
Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC): Requires successful completion of at least thirty credits in an approved career-technical program and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. The ITC contains a recognizable core of related instruction or general education with identified outcomes in the areas of communication, computation, and human relations. The completion timeline for the ITC varies.
Basic Technical Certificate (BTC): Requires the successful completion at least eight credit hours of Career and Technical Education coursework and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies.

Automotive Technology Program

The AT program is designed to give students the knowledge and practical hands-on experience to meet the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification standards.

Workforce Training Programs

Organizations need experts in today’s technological world to create unique content that allows their businesses to remain competitive and grow. In 2024, enrollment in the programs, which include electrical, plumbing and HVAC certifications, was 422. The school stated that one of the reasons for the increase in students and its successful programs “is the quality of its instructors, working professionals who actively serve in their trades. Many own their own businesses or bring years of filed experience to the classroom. Josiah Bell, program manager at CEI, has also been working to establish partnerships with various industries to help bolster apprenticeships for its students stepping into the workforce. Apprenticeships have traditionally started in the fall at CEI, but last year it developed a second cohort for first-year students in electrical and HVAC.

Admission Requirements and Process

CEI admits students year-round. We strongly recommend you complete your application at least two weeks prior to the start of your desired semester. Students can contact CEI Admission Counselors or visit cei.edu/admissions for more information on admission requirements.

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General Admission

College of Eastern Idaho is an open access community college. Students applying to get accepted to CEI do not need to defer admissions. A high school student can earn college credit through dual credit classes or active enrollment at CEI through our Early College path.

Application Process

Students wishing to attend CEI will need to complete SOAR (Student Orientation Advising & Registration) before being eligible to register for classes. SOAR is an opportunity for incoming students to learn more about CEI and their program of choice and complete their first-semester advising and registration. SOAR is currently only available online via Canvas in an easy-to-use format. This setup is designed to help students learn how to use their personalized online portal and navigate their classes during their time at CEI.

Placement Exams

The majority of our programs do not require placement scores to be admitted to CEI, but some of our programs do require additional admission items. Certain programs require further testing for admission. Submit placement scores such as math, English, or digital literacy if required by the program. CEI uses the ALEKS for math placement and the Accuplacer NEXT for English placement. Placement exams must start at least 3 hours before closing time. Unofficial transcripts (in-progress) may be used for placement into English and math classes.

Additional Requirements

In addition to submitting a homeschool transcript, homeschooled students are required to provide supplemental documentation to verify identity and academic records. Some institutions of higher learning may use a third (3rd ) party (e.g., National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment) to send transcripts. Admissions accepts ONLY official transcripts. Students may be selected to provide verification of identity as part of the college’s institutional policies. This process may require the student to appear in person with a valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) and, if applicable, additional documentation.

Conditional Admission

A conditional admission status occurs when a student has been admitted, but the transcript submitted has classes still in-progress. Upon submission, Admissions will review the student’s official transcript with final grades, and the student will be assigned a final admission status. Admission under conditional status may remain in effect for no longer than one semester. Current high school students will be conditionally accepted. Upon graduation from high school, official transcripts from all institutions will be required. These transcripts will be reviewed and transfer credits processed upon official admittance to CEI.

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Program-Specific Admission

Students who are admitted to CEI to complete prerequisites required for their selected program may have to complete an additional application process to be admitted into program-specific courses. Information will be communicated to applicants regarding their acceptance status into their selected program and any additional steps they must take. Students may also refer to the program description section of the catalog for information regarding program specific entry requirements.

Competitive Admission

Career Technical Education programs have limited seating. Students who apply to these programs will undergo a competitive admissions process. The competitive admissions process is determined by the head of each program. These criteria must be met in order to be eligible for selection. Students who apply to these programs are put on a waitlist. Admissions for waitlisted programs are based on first-come-first-served system unless otherwise established by the head of each program. A competitive program is when an applicant submits program specific requirements and a committee selects students for admission.

Deferral and Readmission

Students may be allowed to defer admission into a program for one academic semester. Students not matriculating will be removed from the waitlist. If the student returns to College of Eastern Idaho after an absence of two full years, they must re-apply for admission.

International Students

Applicants with student visas are not eligible for admission to some programs. To review a program’s admission policy for international students, refer to the program requirements, or contact the admissions office. International students can be accepted to CEI, and are allowed to take courses as non-degree seeking students. International students will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate.

Additional Information for Students

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program

College of Eastern Idaho is a participant in the Western Undergraduate Exchange program (WUE). This program provides financial relief to out-of-state students attending CEI and enrolled in qualifying degrees. Students must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA. Students attending CEI are required to maintain good academic standing. Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to qualify for WUE. Students placed on academic probation will not qualify for WUE while on probation. CEI does not have a minimum credit limit per semester for WUE students.

Students Under Sixteen

Students under sixteen(16) years of age that have completed high school early will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis by the Dean of Student Affairs.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Non-degree seeking students can earn a maximum of 20 credits total.

Resources and Support

Whether you are struggling academically or personally, CEI has many resources for all students. We are here to help you on your path to success. At CEI, getting your GED and improving your English and technology skills is easier than ever. Our academic advisors are waiting to assist you. If you would like to see more, schedule a tour.

Scholarship Opportunities

NOW - The deadline for the CEI Scholarship application is March 1st.

Nursing Program Information

For specific program entrance requirements, see the individual program option application checklists linked below. These checklists are intended to assist you in completing the online nursing application.

First-Time NCLEX Pass rates: 2025Pending202498.89%202396.84%202289.53%202192.31%202092.31%201992.68% (NCLEX is the licensing exam for all graduates of ANY RN program nationwide. Graduates must pass the NCLEX in order to be registered as, and work as, RNs. Graduates must pass the NCLEX in order to be registered as, and work as, RNs.)
Program Completion Rate in 100% Timeframe: 202592.8%202494.2%202384.7%202284.6%202188.9% (This number only includes students who graduate from the program in the intended timeframe of the program option. This means 4 semesters for full-time students, 6 semesters for Alternative Schedule students, and 3 semesters for Bridge students. Sometimes students complete the program, but take longer than the intended timeframe of the program option. Reasons for this include failure of one course (needing to retake it) or being given permission to temporarily withdraw from a program and re-enter it later for medical, family, or other reasons. As such, the actual completion rate is often higher.)
Job Placement Rate: 2025Pending202498%202392%202298%2021 93%202094% (Reported employment by respondents who report employment as RNs within 12 months of graduation.)

Refund Policy

For refunds requested within ten (10) calendar days commencing on the date listed as the Start Date in the ed2go Student Center, one hundred percent (100%) of the tuition amount shall be refunded, provided no more than fifty percent (50%) of the program has been completed and all course materials are returned in as-new condition to ed2go at the Student’s expense. Ed2go’s refund policy shall be superseded by a partner school or third-party funding source’s policy only if that policy is more stringent, such as one that does not allow for refunds or one that allows fewer days in which to request the refund. Exception: The above refund policy shall not apply to all programs. Some programs are non-refundable once the Student has received a start date for the program.

Course Level Learning Outcomes (CLLOs)

Course Level Learning Outcomes (CLLOs) are specific, measurable statements that describe the knowledge, skills and abilities individual students should possess and be able to demonstrate upon completion of a course.

Non-Discrimination Policy

CEI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs or activities.

Advanced Opportunities Program

The Advanced Opportunities program is an opportunity for students to participate in challenging and rigorous coursework.

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