AAMU vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama A & M University in Normal, AL with Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Idaho State University is larger than AAMU based on total student enrollment (13,061 students vs. 7,295 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama A & M University is located in Normal, AL (Midsize City setting); Idaho State University is in Pocatello, ID (Small City setting).
• Alabama A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Idaho State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama A & M University 19:1; Idaho State University 14:1.

AAMU vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AAMU or ISU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Idaho State University than AAMU ($12,174 vs. $17,152).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Idaho State University are 30.9% lower than at Alabama A & M University ($7,882 vs. $11,402).
• Alabama A & M University is 16.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $1,414 more per year; $10,024.00 vs. $8,610.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.8% higher at ISU than at Alabama A & M University (about $9,086 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $18,634.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Idaho State University than at Alabama A & M University (91% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama A & M University students is 39.4% larger than aid received by Idaho State University students ($12,844 vs. $9,217).

AAMU vs. ISU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AAMU or ISU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between ISU and AAMU.

• Idaho State University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 810/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AAMU - Test optional; ISU - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at AAMU (3.02).

AAMU vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AAMU and ISU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Alabama A & M University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Idaho State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Idaho State University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than AAMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Idaho State University graduates have a $12,050 lower median loan debt than AAMU graduates ($22,950 vs. $35,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AAMU graduates ($237 vs. $361).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AAMU students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.