Idaho State University
#5 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho- Graduation Rate
- 39% D
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $45,608 C+
- Roughly in line with national averages
- Net Price
- $12,193 B-
- 29% less than the typical college
- Enrollment
- 7,583
Bottom line: A C overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 20.9× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $20.9 over 20 years. Ranked #5 in Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho.
Every $1 spent returns $20.9 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $969,571.
What The Data Says
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A C overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Graduation of 39% — 32% below the national average.
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Every $1 invested returns $20.9 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Why Idaho State University Matters
Idaho State University is a public research university in Pocatello, ID and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a strong research base and an above-average alumni network. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public Research University
- Carnegie Class
- R2 · High Research
- Enrollment
- 7,583
- Setting
- Urban
- Primary Strengths
- Health Professions, Humanities, Business & Marketing, Social Sciences
Why students choose Idaho State University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
This school does not report a competitive admit rate — most qualified applicants are admitted.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $12,193 a year after grants and scholarships — 29% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $45,608 ten years after enrolling — 12% above the typical college, against $20,039 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 1.2% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 65% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.14 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
Idaho State University has a net price of $12,193, making it an accessible option for many students seeking a public education. With an enrollment of 7,583, this university provides a close-knit community and a range of programs tailored to various interests, particularly in health professions, business, and education.
The earnings of graduates ten years after enrollment stand at $45,608. This figure reflects the potential return on investment for students, especially those coming from lower-income backgrounds. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting those with financial need. However, with a graduation rate of only 39%, it’s essential for students to be prepared for the challenges of completing their degree.
Students who thrive at Idaho State University are often those pursuing careers in healthcare, business, or education. The median debt of $20,039 is manageable for many graduates, particularly given the earning potential. The focus on practical programs and support for financial aid makes Idaho State a solid choice for students ready to invest in their future.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Idaho State University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Idaho State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Idaho State University, located in Pocatello, Idaho, enrolls students across a range of programs. The graduation rate is roughly 39%.
- Retention Rate
- 72%
- Full-Time Faculty
- 94%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $8,941
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.48
- First-Gen Students
- 36%
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Idaho State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Idaho State University is $27,720, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $12,193. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $10,593 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $20,039 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $8,610
- Out-of-State
- $27,720
- Avg Net Price
- $12,193
- Median Debt
- $20,039
- Pell Grant Rate
- 28%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 23%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $10,593
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $10,011
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $11,538
- Family Income $110K+
- $16,288
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Idaho State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Idaho State University earn a median of $45,608, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $41,377
- 8 Years
- $43,759
- 10 Years
- $45,608
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.44x
- Earning > $25K
- 60%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (222)
- 16%
- 100% (222)
- 16%
- 100% (222)
- 16%
- 100% (222)
- 16%
How Idaho Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is Idaho State University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Idaho State University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $12,193/year ($48,772 total). Graduates earn $45,608 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,018,343 in total earnings — a net gain of $969,571 (20.9× your investment). The median debt is $20,039, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 39% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $48,772
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,018,343
- Net Return
- $969,571
- ROI Multiple
- 20.9×
- Cost Per Year
- $12,193
- Median Debt
- $20,039
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does Idaho State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Idaho State University is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.20%, in line with strong performers nationally. About 8.9% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 13.5% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $71,500, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 1.20%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 13.5%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 8.9%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $71,500
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Investment Income
- $-72,969
Top Programs
The fields Idaho State University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
- Health Professions 26%
- Humanities 12%
- Business & Marketing 10%
- Social Sciences 5%
- Education 5%
- Mechanic & Repair Tech 4%
- Psychology 4%
- Criminal Justice 4%
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Idaho State University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPetroleum Engineer$135,690 · 2% growthResilient 72
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
- CPurchasing Manager$131,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CAerospace Engineer$130,720 · 6% growthResilient 72
- B+Nurse Practitioner$129,480 · 40% growthResilient 96
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Idaho State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Idaho State University, located in Pocatello, Idaho, enrolls students across a range of programs. The graduation rate is roughly 39%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Idaho State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Idaho State University is $27,720, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $12,193. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $10,593 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $20,039 in federal student loans.
Is Idaho State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Idaho State University earn a median of $45,608, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does Idaho State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Idaho State University is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.20%, in line with strong performers nationally. About 8.9% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 13.5% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $71,500, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is Idaho State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs above average at Idaho State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.14, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (0.02), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 7% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Idaho State University.
- Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TN · Close peer42% grad $44,301 earn 96% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Prairie View A & M UniversityPrairie View, TX · Close peer43% grad $45,411 earn 79% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville, AL · Close peer53% grad $45,235 earn 78% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar size
- Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne, IN · Close peer34% grad $45,872 earn 84% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- University of West GeorgiaCarrollton, GA · Close peer43% grad $49,587 earn 52% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- The University of MontanaMissoula, MT · Close peer47% grad $44,511 earn 96% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is Idaho State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs above average at Idaho State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.14, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (0.02), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 7% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note