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73.9%Acceptance
$8,816Tuition
7,363Students
61%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$54,670Earnings
#1 in IdahoPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Idaho

The University of Idaho builds engineers and agricultural scientists in the small town of Moscow, where 7,363 students pursue degrees at this public research university. The Vandals are particularly known for their strong engineering and agriculture programs, which have produced notable graduates including former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and NFL Hall of Fame player Jerry Kramer. With a 74% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1120, Idaho attracts solid students who want a full university experience without cutthroat competition.

Students pay an average net price of $13,782 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $54,670 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $21,982. The monthly loan payment of $233 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. About 23% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation college students.

Idaho competes in Division I athletics as part of the Big Sky Conference, with 323 student-athletes across 12 varsity sports. The 61% four-year graduation rate suggests students need extra time to finish, but the 95% employment rate shows strong job market outcomes for those who complete their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Idaho operates as a public research university with particularly strong reputations in engineering and agriculture. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though students need to be proactive about seeking help. The 61% four-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish their degrees. Engineering programs here are well-regarded regionally, especially for students interested in natural resources and environmental work. Agriculture remains a flagship area, reflecting Idaho's farming heritage. The research university designation means undergraduates can get involved in faculty projects. Students who thrive here tend to be self-directed and comfortable in a mid-sized academic environment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
85.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
61.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
60.9%
Retention Rate
75.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$54,670
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Master $86,424
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $84,653
Computer Science. Bachelor $74,576
Civil Engineering. Master $68,499
Chemical Engineering. Bachelor $68,499
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $67,101
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $59,982
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $59,640
Accounting and Related Services. Master $57,860
Civil Engineering. Bachelor $57,860

View all 224 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life at Idaho centers around a close-knit community where 34% of students live on campus among the rolling hills of the Palouse. Moscow sits three hours north of Boise in farming country, where winters require heavy coats and snow boots while springs bring perfect hiking weather. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know your name.

Weekends revolve around Vandal football games at the historic Kibbie Dome, the only indoor football stadium in the FBS. Students ski at nearby Schweitzer Mountain or explore the outdoor recreation that defines Idaho culture. The 75% retention rate reflects a campus where students find their place through Greek life, outdoor clubs, or the strong engineering and agriculture programs that built the university's reputation. With 68% of students from Idaho, there's a genuine small-town feel where everyone waves on campus walks. The $13,782 average net price makes this college town accessible, and the 95% employment rate shows Idaho prepares students for careers in the rural West.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
2,498 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1889

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 7 6 2 0
Stalking 4 4 1 0
Domestic Violence 4 4 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 0 1 0
Burglary 3 2 1 0
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 1
Fondling 2 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
22°–37°F
July Avg
45°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
27.8"
Annual Snowfall
50.9"

Student Demographics

The University of Idaho draws primarily from within the state, reflecting its role as Idaho's flagship public research university. About two-thirds of students are Idaho natives who see the school as their top in-state option for engineering and agriculture programs. The nearly even gender split reflects the university's blend of traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering alongside diverse liberal arts offerings. With over one in five students receiving Pell Grants, Idaho serves working-class families seeking affordable access to quality higher education. The Vandals attract students who want a traditional college experience without leaving home.
Men
49.9%
Women
50.1%
White
74.1%
Black
1.3%
Hispanic
10.7%
Asian
1.6%
In-State Students
68.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
22.8%

Location

Moscow sits in northern Idaho near the Washington border, about 90 miles south of Spokane. This classic college town of around 25,000 residents revolves around university life in the rolling Palouse hills. The campus enrollment of 7,363 students makes up nearly a third of the city's population. Students enjoy four distinct seasons with access to outdoor recreation in the nearby forests and farmland. The Palouse region is known for its wheat fields and agricultural heritage, which connects directly to the university's strong farming and engineering programs. The town maintains a small-community feel while offering the cultural benefits of a university setting. Students considering colleges in Idaho may also compare University of Idaho with similar schools in the region.
Address
Moscow, Idaho 83844-2282
University of Idaho Administration Building
University of Idaho Administration Building
Adm
Adm
University of Idaho Administration Building - north side
University of Idaho Administration Building - north side

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$54,670
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,204
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,500
Loan Repayment Rate
61.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$233/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,982

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Idaho?

University of Idaho accepts 73.85% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990 and 1250 on the SAT. This land-grant university in Moscow welcomes students who show promise in agriculture, engineering, and other practical fields.

How much does University of Idaho cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,782 after aid at University of Idaho. In-state tuition runs $8,816 while out-of-state students pay $29,784. The school keeps costs manageable for a research university, with graduates carrying a median debt of $21,982.

What academic programs is University of Idaho known for?

University of Idaho built its reputation on strong engineering and agriculture programs that serve the state's rural economy. The student-faculty ratio of 17:1 provides decent access to professors across 12 NCAA Division I sports programs. This research university has trained leaders like former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

What are the graduation rates at University of Idaho?

University of Idaho graduates 61% of students in four years and 60.90% within six years. The 75.13% retention rate shows most freshmen stick around for sophomore year. Graduates earn a median of $54,670 ten years after graduation, reflecting the practical nature of many programs.

Where is University of Idaho located and what is campus life like?

University of Idaho sits in Moscow, a small college town near the Washington border with 7,363 students. The campus houses 2,498 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community. Nearly 69% of students come from Idaho, giving the Vandals a strong local identity in Big Sky Conference athletics.

Does University of Idaho have a rivalry with other schools?

University of Idaho's biggest rival is Boise State University, creating intense competition between the state's major universities. The Vandals compete in 12 varsity sports with 323 total athletes receiving $5.7 million in athletic scholarships. This rivalry extends beyond sports into academics and state pride, especially in football matchups.