Head-to-head · 2026
Idaho State University vs North Idaho College
Compare average net price ($12,193 at Idaho State University; $10,575 at North Idaho College), ROI score (9.35 vs 9.48), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($45,608 vs $40,081), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Idaho State University; Open / not reported at North Idaho College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Idaho State University | North Idaho College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.35 | 9.48 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,193 | $10,575 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $48,772 | $42,300 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $8,610 | $3,396 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $27,720 | $8,736 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $45,608 ✓ | $40,081 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 39.4% ✓ | 37.5% |
| Retention rate | 72% ✓ | 63.3% |
| Median debt | $20,039 | $9,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,583 | 2,619 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Idaho State University | North Idaho College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,593 | $7,775 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,011 | $9,741 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $11,538 | $10,577 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,483 ✓ | $14,496 |
| Family income $110k+ | $16,288 | $15,845 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Idaho State University | North Idaho College |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 8.9% | 54.8% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 6.3% | 5.4% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4% | 3% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | 5.1% | 0.4% |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | 3.1% | 1.9% |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | 2.9% | 1.9% |
| Social Work | 1.9% | 2.1% |
| Psychology, General | 2.8% | 1.1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
North Idaho College reports the lower average net price by $1,618 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $6,472 difference over four years ($42,300 vs $48,772).
Idaho State University reports $5,527 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($45,608 vs $40,081). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 72% at Idaho State University and 63.3% at North Idaho College. Median federal debt among completers is $20,039 vs $9,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Idaho State University vs North Idaho College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
North Idaho College is cheaper — average net price $10,575 per year vs $12,193 at Idaho State University. The annual difference of $1,618 adds up to about $6,472 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Idaho State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $45,608 vs $40,081 at North Idaho College. The gap in the federal data is $5,527. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.