Skip to content

Idaho State University vs University of Idaho

Idaho State University is a public university in Pocatello, ID. University of Idaho is a public university in Moscow, ID. University of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants and Idaho State University about 84%, making University of Idaho the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,193 a year at Idaho State University after aid, and about $14,831 at University of Idaho. About 59% of students graduate at University of Idaho, compared with 39% at Idaho State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Idaho alumni earn a median of about $54,670, against $45,608 for Idaho State University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID · Public

University of Idaho

Moscow, ID · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Pocatello, ID
Moscow, ID
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,583
7,747
Acceptance rate
84%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1140
990–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,193
$14,831
Full cost / yr
$21,527
$23,738
In-state tuition
$8,610
$9,084
Out-of-state tuition
$27,720
$28,320
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,593
$11,270
$30k - $48k
$10,011
$11,193
$48k - $75k
$11,538
$13,374
$75k - $110k
$14,483
$17,130
Over $110k
$16,288
$18,791
Outcomes
Graduation rate
39%
59%
Freshman retention
72%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,377
$42,602
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,608
$54,670
Median debt at graduation
$20,039
$21,982
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
23%
First-generation students
36%
32%
International students
3%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Jan 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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 University of Idaho harder to get into?
University of Idaho is harder to get into. It admits about 76% 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 University of Idaho?
Idaho State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,193 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,831 at University 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 University of Idaho?
Before aid, Idaho State University costs about $21,527 a year and University of Idaho about $23,738. 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 University of Idaho?
Idaho State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,593 there, against about $11,270 at University 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 University of Idaho?
University of Idaho is the larger of the two, with about 7,747 undergraduates against 7,583 at Idaho State University.
Does Idaho State University or University of Idaho have a better graduation rate?
University of Idaho has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 39% at Idaho State University.
Do graduates of Idaho State University or University of Idaho earn more?
University of Idaho alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,670 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 University of Idaho require SAT or ACT scores?
Idaho State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Idaho considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Idaho State University and University of Idaho look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1140 at Idaho State University and 990–1230 at University of Idaho. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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