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The University of Idaho (U of I) is a public academic institution located in Moscow, Idaho. Founded in 1889, it is the state’s primary research university, as well as the lead school in the Idaho Space Grant Consortium.


Overview of University of Idaho (U of I)


The university is dedicated to shaping the future through innovative thinking, community engagement, and transformative education. As a land-grant research institution, University of Idaho (U of I) seeks to enhance the scientific, economic, social, legal, and cultural assets in the state and develop solutions for complex problems facing society as a whole.

The total student population at the University of Idaho is 11,303, with 8,631 of those enrolled working towards undergraduate degrees. The institution employs 652 full-time and 133 part-time faculty members, most of whom provide instructional support. Approximately 146 perform research and public service. The overall student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1, which is about average for schools in the United States. The university also maintains 578 graduate assistant positions, 278 of which are instructional and 300 which are research oriented.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting Town: Distant
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 16:1
Graduation Rate 59%
Year Founded 1889

Student Enrollment


Total Students11,303

Undergraduate
8,631
Graduate
2,672

Undergraduate Student

Male 4,143
4,143
Female 4,488
4,488

Graduate Student

Male 1,283
1,283
Female 1,389
1,389

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U of I Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS9,814

Male 4,666
Female 5,148

ACCEPTANCE7,949

Male 3,686
Female 4,273

Acceptance Rate81%

Male 79%
Female 83%

Enrollment 1,669

Male 811
Female 855
Admissions
Application Fee $60
High School GPA Required
High School Rank N/A
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Recommended
Recommendations N/A
SAT/ACT Considered But Not Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline Rolling
Common Application Accepted Yes

U of I Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The cost of attending the University of Idaho will vary depending on several factors, including enrollment status and residency. As of 2022, undergraduate resident students attending full-time can expect to pay approximately $8,396 in tuition and fees per academic year. Non-residents, however, will be charged at a higher rate. The cost of attendance for out-of-state, undergraduate students is $27,632 per academic year.

It is also worth noting that the University of Idaho does offer a Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) scholarship to qualifying students from all states participating in the WUE program, regardless of grade point average (GPA). Participating states include, but are not limited to, Alaska, Arizona, California, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Students from these states pay 150% of the in-state tuition rate, which is $11,486 per academic year. Those who receive a personal invitation to attend the University of Idaho are also eligible for this discounted rate.

Tuition rates are different for graduate students. Residents pay $9,968 per academic year, while non-residents are billed $29,204 per academic year. There is no full-time graduate rate.

In addition to tuition and fees, students at the University of Idaho must anticipate expenses related to housing, meals, transportation, and study materials. The institution does offer opportunities to live on campus, as well as meal plans, but rates vary depending on student selections. Those enrolled can expect to spend approximately $9,898 on housing and meals each academic year, as well as $1,232 on books and supplies. The school also estimates students will need about $1,200 for transportation and $2,120 for miscellaneous and personal expenses.

Students may also be eligible for scholarships, grants, federal work study, or loans to help offset the expense education. During the 2020-2021 academic year, 99% of students entering postsecondary education for the first time at the University of Idaho received some form of financial assistance. Of those, 44% required some amount of financial assistance from student loans.

Average net price 2020-2021
Net Price $15,435
Average Total Aid $12,208
Students Receiving Financial Aid 99%
Room & Board $9,610

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $8,340
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $27,576
  • Books and Supplies - $1,232
  • Room & Board - $9,610
  • Other - $3,072

Academics


The University of Idaho allows students to immerse themselves in hands-on research beyond the classroom, developing the critical thinking skills, discipline, and knowledge base that employers covet. In fact, two out of three undergraduates participate in hands-on research while enrolled. Professors are nationally-recognized and teach students to ask big questions, as well as find the answer that make a difference. Educational offerings transform lives through engaged and self-reflection.

Students can choose from more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the following colleges and schools:

  • Agricultural and Life Sciences
  • Art and Architecture
  • Business and Economics
  • Education, Health, and Human Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Graduate Studies
  • Law
  • Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
  • Natural Resources
  • Science

According to data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), University of Idaho had a first-year undergraduate retention rate of 75% for full-time students and 42% for part-time students in fall 2021. Notably, the rates for those attending full-time are well above the national average of 68%. Overall, this indicates that the mass majority of students enrolled at the university were happy enough with their experiences to return to the institution for a second year.

The overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time students who began their studies in fall 2015 was 59%, with a 22% transfer-out rate. Graduation rates indicate how frequently students complete their degrees or certificate programs within 150% of standard time, which is approximately six years. Most students strive to graduate within four years, however. Of those who started their education in 2015, 38% were able to graduate within this timeframe. However, those who transfer out often attend a new school and graduate there, which means that the school may have prepared as many as 80% of their students for graduation.

The University of Idaho is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Many of the institution’s programs are also independently accredited by national organizations.

Student Population Total


Student Population 11,303

Undergraduate
8,631
Graduate
2,672
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business majors 207 Total Graduates / 13%
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 65 Graduates
Accounting 38 Graduates
Finance, General 37 Graduates
Business Administration and Management, General 30 Graduates
Business/Managerial Economics 18 Graduates
All Engineering Majors 194 Total Graduates / 12%
Mechanical Engineering 72 Graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 42 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 28 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 19 Graduates
Biological/Biosystems Engineering 16 Graduates
All Social Sciences Majors 144 Total Graduates / 9%
Sociology, General 56 Graduates
International Relations and Affairs 25 Graduates
Political Science and Government, General 25 Graduates
Criminology 13 Graduates
Anthropology, General 9 Graduates
Natural Resources and Conservation 118 Total Graduates / 7%
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management 30 Graduates
Forestry, General 27 Graduates
Environmental Science 26 Graduates
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management 12 Graduates
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General 10 Graduates
All Education Majors 109 Total Graduates / 7%
Elementary Education and Teaching 46 Graduates
Secondary Education and Teaching 39 Graduates
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 8 Graduates
Music Teacher Education 7 Graduates
Agricultural Teacher Education 4 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 53%

Outcome & Salary


The University of Idaho conducted an alumni survey in 2018 to help improve the way graduates are connected to the institution and each other. Of those who responded, 97% rated their decision to attend the school as good or great. Additionally, 68% said they promote the university regularly or all the time.

Alumni also have access to many great career services employer tools, including participation in Handshake, a free online job and internship management system. The University of Idaho also hosts several career fairs, on-campus interviewing opportunities, and networking events.

According to PayScale, graduates from the University of Idaho earn an average base salary of $73,000 per year.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $57,800
College Grads Average Salary $72,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $107,900
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $720,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,799,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $61,740
10 Year Projected ROI $658,260
20 Year Projected ROI $1,737,260
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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