ISU vs. C of I

Comparable Facts

Compare Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID with The College of Idaho in Caldwell, ID on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Idaho State University is larger than C of I based on total student enrollment (13,061 students vs. 1,090 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Idaho State University is located in Pocatello, ID (Small City setting); The College of Idaho is in Caldwell, ID (Small Suburban setting).
• Idaho State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The College of Idaho is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Idaho State University 14:1; The College of Idaho 10:1.

ISU vs. C of I Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or C of I? 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 C of I ($12,174 vs. $21,686).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Idaho State University are 38.3% lower than at The College of Idaho ($7,882 vs. $12,773).
• The College of Idaho is 339.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $29,235 more per year; $37,845.00 vs. $8,610.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.5% higher at C of I than at Idaho State University (about $10,125 more per year; $37,845.00 vs. $27,720.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The College of Idaho than at Idaho State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The College of Idaho students is 215.8% larger than aid received by Idaho State University students ($29,110 vs. $9,217).

ISU vs. C of I Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or C of I? 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 C of I and ISU.

• Idaho State University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsThe College of Idaho 1070/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsThe College of Idaho 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Open admission; C of I - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: C of I Feb 15, 2027.

ISU vs. C of I Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and C of I? 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).

• The College of Idaho's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Idaho State University's (26%).
• Graduates from The College of Idaho earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Idaho State University graduates have a $3,045 lower median loan debt than C of I graduates ($22,950 vs. $25,995).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than C of I graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More C of I graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 47%)

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.