
Idaho State University, located in Pocatello, Idaho, was originally founded in 1901 by the state senate and was known as the Academy of Idaho. Within 10 years the school had reached over 300 students, requiring the purchase of new land and the construction of new buildings to keep pace with demand. By 1915 the school was renamed Idaho Technical Institute to better reflect its growing role. The end of World War I brought increased enrollment to the school, primarily through veterans seeking educational opportunities. The school was renamed in 1927 to University of Idaho – Southern Branch, then again twenty years later to Idaho State College, at which point it became a four year institutions. 1963 gave the school its final name, Idaho State University, better demonstrating the schools new role as a four year university. Since its change to a university ISU has increased its facilities, program offerings, and has grown to service nearly 16,000 students annually.
Academics
Idaho State University provides a large number of programs, majors, and minors that allow students to ear an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree allowing students to choose a path and major that best suits their long term career goals. Associate degree programs take approximately two years to complete and provide training in a given are for workforce development. Bachelor degree programs take four years to complete through a mixture of lower and upper division courses related to the major along with general education courses. Bachelor degrees may be augmented through the addition of a minor degree, requiring the passing of additional courses related to the minor's field of study. Graduate programs are also available, requiring a separate set of prerequisites including having earned a bachelor's (or master's) degree, an excellent academic record and acceptable GRE scores. Graduate programs confer a master's or doctoral degree and typically take between one to two years to complete.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to enroll at Idaho State University must submit a completed application and have the prerequisite number of high school credits in English, mathematics, science and social studies. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 and have a math and English score of at least 12 on the ACT or a math score of 270 and writing score of 370 on the SAT. Review of transcripts, scores, essays and the application will determine whether or not a student will be admitted and Students notifications regarding admissions will be mailed out once the process is complete. If an applicant is admitted they will be provided the information necessary to begin their education. Some programs of study will have additional requirements, including additional math courses, auditions, or more specific high school requirements. Associate degree and non-degree courses will have easier admissions guidelines, and graduate programs will have their own requirements regarding admissions.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. Financial aid must be applied for each academic year prior to posted aid deadlines. Students requiring financial assistance must complete and submit a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), either online or through physical form. Once submitted the information provided will be given to the school in the form of a student aid report (SAR) which will be used to develop a financial aid packet. Recently implemented federal regulations may require that students be randomly selected to give additional financial information to compare to the FAFSA and ensure its accuracy. Scholarships are also available from third parties and require a separate application to be considered for. Scholarships may be awarded for various reasons including cultural, academic, or need. Students may go online or visit the financial aid office to discover scholarships they may qualify for.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admission details below may give you an idea of the applicants Idaho State University accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- Life Experience Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Idaho State University has a total student population of about 13,000. The enrollment breakdown by academic level is 12% enrolling as graduate students and 86% as undergraduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $13,200. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $50 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition range estimates:
- State Residents: $5,100-$6,100
- Out-of-State: $19,000-$22,200
- Part-time students are charged:
- In-State: $340-$410 per unit
- Out-of-State: $560-$670 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 74% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 67% | $5,920 |
Receiving Student Loans | 47% | $5,965 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Idaho State University may provide services including:- Distance learning
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Assistance to find work
- Day care
Graduation Rates
Idaho State University has an overall graduation rate which is close to 34%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 9% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 0.5% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 14% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
Campus: Idaho State University
- Clinical Audiology (Au.D.) Program
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Dietetics Program
- Massage Therapy & Bodywork Program
- Music Program
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- Occupational Therapy (OT) Program
- Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) Program
- Graduate Level Public Health (Outside School of Public Health) Program
- Radiology Technician Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
- Theatre Program
Campus: ISU -- Boise Center
- Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) Program
- * Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (since 1939)
Intercollegiate Athletics
Idaho State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-AA classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Basketball (Big Sky Conference)
- Track and Field (Big Sky Conference)
- Football (Big Sky Conference)
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Idaho State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, D, M)
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (B)
- Microbiology (B, M)
- Ecology (B)
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Zoology
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, M)
- Human Resources Development (B, M)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Finance (B)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Commerce (A, B)
- Administrative Assistant (A, B, C)
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Data Entry Technology (C)
- Executive Assistant
Communication Technology
- Prepress , Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design (B)
Communications and Journalism
- Media Studies (B)
- Communications (B)
- Organizational Communication (M)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer and Information Systems Security (B)
- Computer (B)
- Computer Networking (A, B, C)
- Information Science (B)
- Computer Programming
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications
- Web Design
Construction Trades
- Electrician (A, B)
- Building Construction Technology (A, B)
- Carpentry
- Lineworker
Education
- Physical Education (B, M)
- Elementary Education (B, M)
- Early Childhood Education (A, B, C)
- Guidance Counselor (M)
- Secondary Education (B, M)
- Adult Literacy Tutor and Instructor (M)
- Educational and Instructional Media Design (D, M)
- Business Teacher Education (B)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (D)
- Educational Administration (C, M)
- Biology Teacher Education (B)
- History Teacher Education (B)
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education (B, D)
- Music Teacher Education (B)
- Social Science Teacher Education (B)
- Art Teacher Education (B)
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Education (B)
- Spanish Language Teacher Education (B)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (B)
- Chemistry Teacher Education (B)
- Physics Teacher Education (B)
- Speech Teacher Education (B)
- Education
- Education, Teaching Individuals with Hearing Impairments
- Elementary Special Education Programs
- Health Teacher Education
- Drama and Dance Teacher Education
- Earth Science Teacher Education
- Teacher and Professional Development
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, M)
- Nuclear Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B)
- Systems Engineering (M)
- Engineering Science (D)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (M)
Engineering Technology
- Energy Management (A, B)
- Instrumentation Technology (A, B)
- Survey Technology (B)
- Cad Drafting (A)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Laser and Optical Technology (C)
- Mechanical Technology Technician (A, B)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A)
- Computer Software Technology (B)
- Nuclear Engineering Technology (B)
- Electromechanical Engineering and Technology
- Robotics Technology
English Language and Literature
- English (B, C, D, M)
- Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies (M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- United States Studies
- Regional Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care (C)
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Spanish Language and Literature (B)
- Sign Language Interpretation and Translation (A, B)
- German Language and Literature (B)
- French Language and Literature
- Native American Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
- Sign Language
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A, B, M)
- Pharmacy (D)
- Physician Assistant (M)
- Speech and Language Pathology (M)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Audiology and Speech Pathology (B)
- Medical Technology (B, M)
- Physical Therapy (D)
- Dental Hygienist (B, M)
- Health Services (B)
- Dietetics (B)
- Radiology Technician (B)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A, B)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A, B)
- Healthcare Administration (B)
- Medical Assistant (A)
- Mental Health Counseling (C, M)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Occupational Therapy (M)
- Massage Therapy (A, C)
- Audiology, Hearing Sciences (D)
- EMT & Paramedic (A)
- Marriage and Family Therapy (M)
- Public Health Education and Promotion (B, M)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (D)
- Public Health (M)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences (D, M)
- Athletic Training (M)
- Dental Laboratory Technology
- Medical Transcription
- Pharmacy Administration, Policy and Regulatory Affairs
- Pharmaceutics and Drug Design
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
History
- History (B)
- Public and Applied History and Archival Administration (M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- International and Global Studies (B)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (B)
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A, B)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (A, B)
- Liberal Arts (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Statistics (B)
- Math (A, B, D)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Diesel Mechanic (A, B, C)
- Aircraft Powerplant Technology (A, B, C)
- Aircraft Mechanic (C)
- Auto Body (A, C)
- Business Machine Repair
- Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology
Natural Resources and Conservation
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cosmetology (C)
- Nail Technician (C)
- Culinary Arts (A, B, C)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B)
Physical Sciences
- Geology (B, M)
- Physics (A, B, D, M)
- Chemistry (B, M)
- Geological and Earth Sciences, Geosciences (B, C, M)
Precision Production
- Welding (A, C)
- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) (A, C)
- Machinist
Psychology
- Psychology (B, M)
- School Psychology (C)
- Clinical Psychology (D)
- Educational Psychology
Public Administration and Social Services
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
- Criminal Justice (A)
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting (A, B)
- Fire Science (A)
Social Sciences
- Political Science (B, D, M)
- Anthropology (B, M)
- Sociology (B, M)
- Economics (B)
- International Relations
Visual and Performing Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Art Studies (B, M)
- Music (B)
- Music Performance (B)
- Dance (B)
- Film Studies
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Idaho State University.
- Utah State University in Logan, UT (85 miles away)
- Weber State University in Ogden, UT (119 miles away)
- The University of Montana - Western in Dillon, MT (162 miles away)
- Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT (182 miles away)
- Utah Valley University in Orem, UT (184 miles away)
Also, you can compare schools by looking through our list of colleges & universities:
- Browse through our complete list of colleges in Idaho
- Get a list of all state universities in Idaho