Head-to-head · 2026
Idaho State University vs University of Idaho
Compare average net price ($12,193 at Idaho State University; $14,831 at University of Idaho), ROI score (9.35 vs 9.22), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($45,608 vs $54,670), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Idaho State University; 75.5% at University of Idaho) 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 | University of Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.35 ✓ | 9.22 |
| Avg net price | $12,193 ✓ | $14,831 |
| 4-year avg net price | $48,772 ✓ | $59,324 |
| In-state tuition | $8,610 | $9,084 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $27,720 | $28,320 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $45,608 | $54,670 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 75.5% |
| Graduation rate | 39.4% | 57.3% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 72% | 75.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,039 ✓ | $21,982 |
| Enrollment | 7,583 | 7,747 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1116 |
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 | University of Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,593 ✓ | $11,270 |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,011 ✓ | $11,193 |
| Family income $48–75k | $11,538 ✓ | $13,374 |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,483 ✓ | $17,130 |
| Family income $110k+ | $16,288 ✓ | $18,791 |
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 | University of Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 8.9% | 1% |
| Psychology, General | 2.8% | 5.5% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | 5.1% | 1.3% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4% | 2.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 1.7% | 3.5% |
| Marketing | 1.2% | 3.4% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 2.4% | 1.9% |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | 2.1% | 1.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Idaho State University reports the lower average net price by $2,638 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $10,552 difference over four years ($48,772 vs $59,324).
University of Idaho reports $9,062 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($54,670 vs $45,608). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 72% at Idaho State University and 75.6% at University of Idaho. Median federal debt among completers is $20,039 vs $21,982, 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 University of Idaho, 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 $14,831 at University of Idaho. The annual difference of $2,638 adds up to about $10,552 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Idaho reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $54,670 vs $45,608 at Idaho State University. The gap in the federal data is $9,062. 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.