Head-to-head · 2026
Idaho State University vs Northwest Nazarene University
Compare average net price ($12,193 at Idaho State University; $29,580 at Northwest Nazarene University), ROI score (9.35 vs 4.37), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($45,608 vs $51,719), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Idaho State University; 64.7% at Northwest Nazarene University) 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 | Northwest Nazarene University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.35 ✓ | 4.37 |
| Avg net price | $12,193 ✓ | $29,580 |
| 4-year avg net price | $48,772 ✓ | $118,320 |
| In-state tuition | $8,610 | $40,794 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $27,720 | $40,794 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $45,608 | $51,719 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 64.7% |
| Graduation rate | 39.4% | 70.8% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 72% | 77.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,039 ✓ | $23,750 |
| Enrollment | 7,583 | 1,024 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1130 |
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 | Northwest Nazarene University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,593 ✓ | $28,732 |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,011 ✓ | $30,626 |
| Family income $48–75k | $11,538 ✓ | $35,166 |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,483 ✓ | $33,413 |
| Family income $110k+ | $16,288 ✓ | $34,800 |
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 | Northwest Nazarene University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 6.3% | 15.2% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4% | 10.3% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 1% | 11.3% |
| Social Work | 1.9% | 10.1% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 8.9% | 3% |
| Biology, General | 2.1% | 3.7% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | 1.4% | 4.4% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 2.4% | 2.5% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Idaho State University reports the lower average net price by $17,387 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $69,548 difference over four years ($48,772 vs $118,320).
Northwest Nazarene University reports $6,111 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($51,719 vs $45,608). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 72% at Idaho State University and 77.4% at Northwest Nazarene University. Median federal debt among completers is $20,039 vs $23,750, 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 Northwest Nazarene University, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Idaho State University is cheaper — average net price $12,193 per year vs $29,580 at Northwest Nazarene University. The annual difference of $17,387 adds up to about $69,548 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Northwest Nazarene University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $51,719 vs $45,608 at Idaho State University. The gap in the federal data is $6,111. 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.