Head-to-head · 2026
The College of Idaho vs University of Idaho
Compare average net price ($19,481 at The College of Idaho; $14,831 at University of Idaho), ROI score (6.22 vs 9.22), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($48,473 vs $54,670), and admissions selectivity (49.1% acceptance at The College of Idaho; 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 | The College of Idaho | University of Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.22 | 9.22 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $19,481 | $14,831 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $77,924 | $59,324 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $37,845 | $9,084 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $37,845 | $28,320 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $48,473 | $54,670 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 49.1% | 75.5% |
| Graduation rate | 62.5% ✓ | 57.3% |
| Retention rate | 81.9% ✓ | 75.6% |
| Median debt | $24,500 | $21,982 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,041 | 7,747 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1180 | 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 | The College of Idaho | University of Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $14,026 | $11,270 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $16,218 | $11,193 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $17,773 | $13,374 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $19,729 | $17,130 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,095 | $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 | The College of Idaho | University of Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 17.1% | 2.1% |
| Psychology, General | 10.3% | 5.5% |
| Biology, General | 14.4% | 0.8% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 10.3% | 0.8% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 4.8% | 3.5% |
| Marketing | 3.8% | 3.4% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | 2.7% | 3% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | 4.8% | 0.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Idaho reports the lower average net price by $4,650 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $18,600 difference over four years ($59,324 vs $77,924).
University of Idaho reports $6,197 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($54,670 vs $48,473). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 81.9% at The College of Idaho and 75.6% at University of Idaho. Median federal debt among completers is $24,500 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
The College of Idaho vs University of Idaho, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Idaho is cheaper — average net price $14,831 per year vs $19,481 at The College of Idaho. The annual difference of $4,650 adds up to about $18,600 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Idaho reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $54,670 vs $48,473 at The College of Idaho. The gap in the federal data is $6,197. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
The College of Idaho is more selective at 49.1% acceptance vs 75.5% at University of Idaho.
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.