The College of Idaho: 45.5% Acceptance Rate

45.5%Acceptance

$36,030Tuition

1,049Students

64%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,473Earnings

#3 in IdahoPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About The College of Idaho

The College of Idaho requires every student to complete its signature PEAK curriculum, four interdisciplinary courses that connect different fields of study. This liberal arts approach shapes the experience for all 1,049 students on the suburban Caldwell campus. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. With a 45.5% acceptance rate, the school attracts serious students who average 1155 on the SAT.

Students pay an average of $20,566 after financial aid, less than the $36,030 sticker price. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $48,473 annually. Graduates typically carry $24,500 in debt with monthly payments of $260. The school's 96.2% employment rate shows strong career outcomes. About 28% of students receive institutional grants averaging $23,878.

Nearly two-thirds of students come from Idaho, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Coyotes compete in 19 varsity sports with 520 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total over $3.3 million annually. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term for intensive study or internships. With 659 housing spots available, most students live on campus during their college years.

Academics & Faculty

The College of Idaho operates as a liberal arts college where every student must complete the signature PEAK curriculum, four interdisciplinary courses that connect different fields of study. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and provide individualized attention throughout their academic journey. The school's 62% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenge of its rigorous liberal arts approach, though 64% complete degrees within six years. Students explore connections between disciplines rather than staying locked in academic silos. The college emphasizes critical thinking and writing across all majors. Small class sizes mean students actively participate in discussions rather than sitting passively in lecture halls.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 63.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 62.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 64.1%
Retention Rate: 76.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,473
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$31,890
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$26,933
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Social Sciences, Other.	Bachelor	$24,035
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$23,649
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$22,192

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Campus Life

Daily life at The College of Idaho revolves around a close-knit campus where the 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. With only 1,049 students total, you'll recognize faces walking between classes on the tree-lined campus in suburban Caldwell. About 63% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 659 students, creating a residential college atmosphere where dorm life extends well into the social scene.

Caldwell sits 30 minutes west of Boise, giving students access to Idaho's capital for internships and weekend adventures while maintaining that small-town college feel. Idaho winters require a good coat and boots, while summers bring sunshine perfect for outdoor activities. The Coyotes compete in 19 varsity sports with 520 total athletes, meaning nearly half the student body participates in athletics. The unique Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term where students dive deep into single courses or study abroad. With 96.2% of graduates employed, the campus maintains a pre-professional energy balanced with liberal arts exploration through the required PEAK curriculum.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 659 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Burglary	4	1	0
Stalking	4	0	0
Fondling	2	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	0
Rape	1	1	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–38°F
July Avg: 59°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The College of Idaho draws primarily local students, with nearly two-thirds coming from within Idaho. The student body reflects the region's demographics, with a notable Hispanic population of 17% alongside a white majority. The roughly even gender split stems from the college's broad liberal arts focus rather than programs that typically skew male or female. Nearly one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class Idaho families seeking an affordable private education. This mix creates a tight-knit community rooted in regional values but exposed to diverse perspectives through the required PEAK curriculum.

Men: 49.2%
Women: 50.8%
White: 54.8%
Black: 1.8%
Hispanic: 17.0%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 64.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.1%

Location

Caldwell sits in southwestern Idaho's Treasure Valley, about 25 miles west of Boise. The 64% in-state enrollment reflects the college's strong regional draw in this suburban area of roughly 60,000 residents. Students find themselves in classic small-town Idaho, surrounded by agricultural land and with easy access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Boise Foothills. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students flexibility during the January term to pursue internships or travel, often taking advantage of the region's proximity to both urban opportunities in Boise and wilderness areas. The setting offers a quieter alternative to bigger college towns while maintaining access to Idaho's capital city. Students considering colleges in Idaho may also compare The College of Idaho with similar schools in the region.

Address: Caldwell, Idaho 83605-4432

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,473
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,796
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 71.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $260/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The College of Idaho?

The College of Idaho accepts 45.52% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need an SAT score around 1155 or ACT score of 26 to be competitive. The small liberal arts college draws primarily from Idaho, with 64% of students coming from in-state.

How much does The College of Idaho cost after financial aid?

The average net price at The College of Idaho is $20,566, lower than the sticker price of $49,165. About 28% of students receive institutional grants averaging $23,878. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,367 on average.

What is The College of Idaho known for academically?

The College of Idaho requires all students to complete its signature PEAK curriculum, featuring four interdisciplinary courses that connect different fields of study. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and just 1,049 students, the college emphasizes personalized attention. The school operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system.

What are the career outcomes for The College of Idaho graduates?

The College of Idaho graduates earn a median salary of $48,473 ten years after graduation, with a 96.2% employment rate. About 64% of students graduate within six years, and 72% successfully repay their student loans. Graduates typically leave with $24,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $260.

Where is The College of Idaho located and what is campus life like?

The College of Idaho sits in Caldwell, a midsize suburb that provides a close-knit community feel. Campus housing accommodates 659 students out of the 1,049 total enrollment. The Coyotes field 19 varsity sports with 520 total athletes, creating a strong athletic presence for such a small college.

Does The College of Idaho have a diverse student body?

The College of Idaho enrolls 55% white students and 17% Hispanic students, with women making up 51% of the student body. About 24% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. The 76% retention rate suggests most students feel connected to the campus community despite the college's small size.