Idaho vs. UW

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Idaho in Moscow, ID with University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Idaho is larger than UW based on total student enrollment (12,286 students vs. 10,813 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Idaho is located in Moscow, ID (Rural Fringe setting); University of Wyoming is in Laramie, WY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Idaho is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wyoming is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Idaho 18:1; University of Wyoming 13:1.

Idaho vs. UW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Idaho or UW? 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 University of Wyoming than Idaho ($14,872 vs. $15,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Idaho are 18% lower than at University of Wyoming ($11,243 vs. $13,710).
• University of Idaho is 16.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW (about $1,316 more per year; $9,084.00 vs. $7,768.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at Idaho than at University of Wyoming (about $4,142 more per year; $28,320.00 vs. $24,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Idaho than at University of Wyoming (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Idaho students is 23.1% larger than aid received by University of Wyoming students ($12,568 vs. $10,212).

Idaho vs. UW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Idaho or UW? 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 UW and Idaho.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Wyoming (1140) is 30 points higher than at Idaho (1110).
• Incoming UW students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Idaho).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 990/1230; University of Wyoming 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 20/26; University of Wyoming 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Idaho - Test optional; UW - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UW Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UW students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Idaho (3.47).
• UW has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than Idaho (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Idaho vs. 23.8% at UW.

Idaho vs. UW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Idaho and UW? 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).

• University of Wyoming's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than University of Idaho's (51%).
• Graduates from University of Wyoming earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Idaho graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,400 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wyoming graduates have a $5,779 lower median loan debt than Idaho graduates ($18,500 vs. $24,279).
• Among borrowers, UW graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Idaho graduates ($191 vs. $251).
• More UW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Idaho students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 61%)

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.