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Idaho State University vs The College of Idaho

Idaho State University is a public university in Pocatello, ID, and The College of Idaho is a private college in Caldwell, ID. The College of Idaho is the more selective of the two, admitting about 49% of applicants against 84% at Idaho State University. Idaho State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,193 a year against $19,481 at The College of Idaho. About 63% of students graduate at The College of Idaho, compared with 39% at Idaho State University. Ten years after enrolling, The College of Idaho alumni earn a median of about $48,473, against $45,608 for Idaho State University.

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Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID · Public

The College of Idaho

Caldwell, ID · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Pocatello, ID
Caldwell, ID
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,583
1,041
Acceptance rate
84%
49%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.36–4
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1140
1070–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
23–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,193
$19,481
Full cost / yr
$21,527
$50,542
In-state tuition
$8,610
$37,845
Out-of-state tuition
$27,720
$37,845
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,593
$14,026
$30k - $48k
$10,011
$16,218
$48k - $75k
$11,538
$17,773
$75k - $110k
$14,483
$19,729
Over $110k
$16,288
$23,095
Outcomes
Graduation rate
39%
63%
Freshman retention
72%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,377
$42,097
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,608
$48,473
Median debt at graduation
$20,039
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
25%
First-generation students
36%
27%
International students
3%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Jan 15
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Idaho State University or The College of Idaho harder to get into?
The College of Idaho is harder to get into. It admits about 49% of applicants, compared with 84% at Idaho State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Idaho State University or The College of Idaho?
Idaho State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,193 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,481 at The College of Idaho. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Idaho State University and The College of Idaho?
Before aid, Idaho State University costs about $21,527 a year and The College of Idaho about $50,542. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Idaho State University or The College of Idaho?
Idaho State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,593 there, against about $14,026 at The College of Idaho. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Idaho State University or The College of Idaho?
Idaho State University is the larger of the two, with about 7,583 undergraduates against 1,041 at The College of Idaho.
Does Idaho State University or The College of Idaho have a better graduation rate?
The College of Idaho has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 39% at Idaho State University.
Do graduates of Idaho State University or The College of Idaho earn more?
The College of Idaho alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,473 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,608 for Idaho State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Idaho State University and The College of Idaho require SAT or ACT scores?
Idaho State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The College of Idaho is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Idaho State University and The College of Idaho look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1140 at Idaho State University and 1070–1280 at The College of Idaho. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school