University of Idaho
University of Idaho is a public university in Moscow, ID ranked #883 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 7,363 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 79.1%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.1% first-year retention, and 60.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $13,782, about $3,216 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -22.7%, roughly 108.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $42,602. That's about $1,086 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Idaho Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Idaho graduates 60.9% of students within six years and keeps 75.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Idaho's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,816 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,232 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,380 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,552 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $22,669 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.8% of University of Idaho students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,930 to $18,322 depending on family income. Use University of Idaho's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,256/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,322/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,602
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,602
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,784
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.8%
- Employment Rate 89.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Idaho graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Idaho vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Idaho's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Idaho's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Idaho graduates earn $42,602 median, the -22.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 490-610
- SAT Math 460-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,363
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 75.1%
- Graduation Rate 60.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into University of Idaho
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Idaho requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 79.1%, University of Idaho is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 79.1% acceptance rate, University of Idaho is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 950 and 1200 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Idaho undergraduates. Psychology, General, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Mechanical Engineering draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 5.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.6%
- Mechanical Engineering 4.4%
- Marketing 4.1%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 3.5%
- Sociology 3.3%
See more majors
- Animal Sciences 3.0%
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Enginee 3.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $113,175
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $97,164
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $86,119
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Chemical Engineering $86,046
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $82,097
- 6. Civil Engineering $80,624
- 7. Business/Managerial Economics $75,882
- 8. Applied Mathematics $72,823
- 9. Finance and Financial Management Services $69,037
- 10. Accounting and Related Services $66,809
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $94,349
- 2. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $91,373
- 3. Law (First Professional Degree) $79,268
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $74,776
- 5. Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree) $68,029
- 6. Architecture (Master's Degree) $65,127
- 7. Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Master's Degree) $64,954
- 8. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $64,520
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $62,954
- 10. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $60,531
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $113,175—69% more than Accounting and Related Services ($66,809). Graduate: Accounting and Related Services programs lead with $94,349 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Idaho. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Law (First Professional Degree, 102 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 86 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 82 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 77 graduates)
- Animal Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 57 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (77 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mechanical Engineering
- Marketing
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Animal Sciences
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Civil Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Forestry
- Accounting and Related Services
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Plant Sciences
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Graphic Communications
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Agricultural Public Services
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Mathematics
- Interior Architecture
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Anthropology
- Music
- Physics
- Journalism
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Apparel and Textiles
- Computer Engineering
- Philosophy
- Landscape Architecture
- Geography and Cartography
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Food Science and Technology
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Dance
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Statistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Materials Engineering
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Area Studies
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biotechnology
- Soil Sciences
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Online Master's Degrees (41 programs)▼
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Architecture
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Plant Sciences
- Animal Sciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Anthropology
- Music
- Soil Sciences
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Nuclear Engineering
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Physics
- Landscape Architecture
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Materials Engineering
- Chemistry
- Geography and Cartography
- Food Science and Technology
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Chemical Engineering
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biology, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Online Doctoral Degrees (26 programs)▼
- Civil Engineering
- Physics
- Education, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Plant Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Food Science and Technology
- Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Chemistry
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Soil Sciences
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Political Science and Government
- Nuclear Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Materials Engineering
- History
- Biology, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (12 programs)▼
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Homeland Security
- Social Sciences, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Nuclear Engineering
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Geography and Cartography
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (17 programs)▼
- Geography and Cartography
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Archeology
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Fire Protection
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Graphic Communications
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Accounting and Related Services
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Law
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Education, General
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,363
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 49.9%
- Female Students 50.1%
- Caucasian 74.1%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 10.7%
- Black 1.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 22.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Idaho's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Idaho's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Idaho support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Idaho, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.1% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 22.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Idaho support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Idaho, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Idaho serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #883 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,782 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $42,602 median earnings. The 60.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 75.1% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Idaho's Strengths
Ranked #883 with a B grade, University of Idaho prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Idaho excel at providing affordable education ($13,782 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Idaho's 75.1% retention and 60.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($42,602 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Idaho and $13,782 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 60.9% six-year graduation rate sits 1.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.1% first-year retention is 1.7 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -22.7% return on investment is 108.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,602 run about 2% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,782 is roughly $3,336 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.3% employment rate within three years sits 21.1 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 22.8% trails the national share by 16.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Idaho, a public university in Moscow, ID, secures a B grade in our latest review. It stands at #883 among 6272 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 75.1% retention and 60.9% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -22.7%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,782 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $22,669.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,887 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,784 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 22.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $42,602 six years after entry. This is roughly 2% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 89.3% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -22.7%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
79.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Idaho admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Nearby Schools
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Contact Information
- Address Moscow, ID 83844-2282
- Website www.uidaho.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$372.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate18.5%