Founded in 1901, Idaho State University. is a Public college. Located in Idaho, which is a city setting in Idaho, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 10,966 full time undergraduate students, and 1,950 full time graduate students.
The Idaho State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 582 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Idaho State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
100%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
ACT Range
Admissions at ISU are considered , with ,26% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
59% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 28% were in the top quarter, and 10% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Idaho State University.
10%
“We”re apathetic”
48%
“We know about current events and vote”
42%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
33%
“Sometimes, but not often”
41%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
61%
“I feel extremely safe”
17%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
45%
“We bought the gear”
38%
“We live for the big game”
10%
“It”s not really our thing”
16%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
61%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
12%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
60%
“They keep regular office hours”
36%
“They”re always available”
6%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
49%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
43%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
2%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
83 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
67 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
102 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
109 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
109 Students rated class size 4 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
109 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
110 Students rated local services 4 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
108 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.
Idaho State University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Idaho State University?
50 Students rated Idaho State University
Crew - 02/20/2025
Idaho State University is the bog standard. Its essentially a given that if you live in Pocatello (a boring town) you will go to ISU (a boring school). Our sports teams are underwhelming, our education is midling (sans the nursing program), and the campus is about as beautiful as a Soviet Bloc. But its cheap.
Keira - 11/25/2024
They are very interactive with their students and give them plenty of student activities and clubs to participate in. When I took a tour there, I had a meeting with an admissions advisor which really helped solidify ISU as my first choice for college. My admissions advisor is a very wonderful person and is willing to answer any questions I may have. My tour was amazing as it was a personal tour, which I have never seen done at any other college tour I've been to. It was really helpful because I was able to have my questions be answered and not have to be pressed on time by doing so. As well my tour guide was great!! She's contacted me answering any questions I may have had that she was aware of the answer during the tour. ISU also gets back to you in a very timely manner.
Allyssa - 11/19/2024
I strongly believe Idaho State University is an overall incredible college. It’s affordable, inclusive, and safe. For me personally it’s close to home so I enjoy it even more. There’s so many resources and opportunities for housing, jobs, and shopping. A very lively community and fun time being a Bengal!
Danielle - 03/07/2023
Idaho State University has honestly helped me out so much, as a student that has been out of school for many years. The university offers a course called The Start Program, the program is to re-introduce potential students that are going back to, or starting college. The course helps introduce what college life is going to be like in Math, English, Technology, and College Success.
Kelsey - 09/02/2021
I love idaho state it has great academics and a great campus life. I love going to classes and spending time on campus when I can. There are plenty of opportunities to unite with fellow students and to engage in activities. They really encourage you to take part in all that you can while you are there and care about their students.
Carsyn - 04/30/2020
It is a fantastic university, and my choice of school. I look forward to my time participating in the music ensembles and watching the athletic events. Additionally, the professors are really easy to contact, and always answer questions promptly. Go Bengals!
Payden - 01/10/2020
It is a really good school and I would recommend it to anyone that wants to go to college. The school is very easy to get around and there programs are very good. The town that it is in is very friendly and clean. They welcome you with open arms and they also very helpful
Hannah - 11/12/2019
I love it here. I always dreamed of going somewhere bigger and more popular, UCLA being my dream school, but I don't regret coming here at all. The campus is beautiful and there are so many opportunities around it. Student life is easy when you love living it.
Abigail - 10/17/2019
I love attending school here. Everyone is extremely helpful and willing to answer any questions you may have. I have made really great friends in the short time I've been here as well. They also offer amazing activities. I have been more involved than I ever thought I would be.
Cristal - 09/23/2019
Idaho State University is a great school, and the faculty and students are friendly and helpful. Professors will be able to help you with your assignments, and will expect you to read and study daily. The university is known for their great teachings and knowledge in the medical field. Idaho State University is a great place to attend and be able to get your certificate in any major.
tim - 06/16/2019
I am very pleased with the college and they have so many people ready to help a first time student like myself. The professors are all very helpful in walking me through where I need to be to get the most out of the course I am taking. I have not been in school for over twenty years, It has been a challenge but i am grateful for all the faculty that has made the transition easy for me.
Jenna - 06/05/2019
Idaho State University overall is a pretty good school. Its location in Pocatello is really the biggest drawback. They have a satellite campus over in Meridian that is much better. Due to Boise State University’s awesome athletics, ours is often overlooked. Our sports aren’t bad. What’s great about ISU is that I believe in a few years, it will be known as an impressive school for the medical degrees it offers.
Overall, I would say ISU is a good school.
Raquel - 05/06/2019
It's great! I enjoying going even though it's a little way from home. I am going to transfer to a technical college to get my associates then I'm going to transfer back to finish and get my bachelors in nursing. It's a great school and I'm only transferring so I don't have to pay rent.
Kaj - 04/17/2019
It is the only public school in Idaho that has the major that I am seeking, and I'm glad I'm taking pre-pharmacy because otherwise I would have missed a real opportunity. I love ISU and have met some very good friend during just my first year, and have been making strong connections to the faculty.
Jenna - 04/01/2019
Idaho State University (ISU) was meant to be a small town where I could find myself and truly have “the college experience.” Not only did ISU exceed my expectations in the beauty of the campus, the love of the outdoors and the amazing faculty and staff, it exceeded my expectations in the family and friends I would find here. ISU is a small campus, in a small town that most people have never heard of, and that is a shame. Through my involvement on campus, I was able to build professional and personal relationships with faculty, staff, and my peers. For two years, I worked for the Student Activities Board on campus, to which I was promoted as a leader. Due to this, I was approached by student government for expansion opportunities in student involvement, was part of the foundation starting a school pride club on campus, and involved in numerous advertisements for the university. Idaho State University is a supportive campus, where the professors truly are there for the students to help us succeed. In my major courses, I was one of 12 to 15 students. This allows the professors to truly get to know their students and makes them more approachable. As a student who frequently asked for additional help, it was a great feeling when the professor knew who I was when I walked in the door. Every single one of my major courses professors wanted to help me succeed, and went out of their way to ensure our understanding of materials. I would not change my experience at ISU for the world. Idaho is typically known for its potatoes, but we are actually considered the “gem” state, and Idaho State University is the hidden gem of Idaho.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Idaho State University is 100%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Administrative laws, these deal with decisions by ministers, public bodies and civil servents and how they can be challenged. Obligation, is the duty one is bound to perform or suffer for not performing. Be objective, independent of anyone's individual point of view. Test and prove often to show the long-term ownership of yourself.
I focused really hard on my grades in high school and didn't have much time for friends. I was married by the time I went to college so I didn't really associate much with my classmates there.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
the only thing i dont like about this school is the weather. the weather here is so unpredictable, its rediculous. it hardly rains, its windy all the time and a very dry cold atmosphere.
The type of person that should attend Idaho State University should be a relax, calm, easy going person. If you don't care how things are run or how many problems you run into then ISU is that place for you. If you want to learn with good teachers then ISU is also the place to be because of the wonderful professors that are working at Idaho State University.
the people and the faculty. everyone here is willing to help each other and study work and other activities. the faculty is very conserned with you as an individual and helping you any way they can. everything that you need is really close to campus. theres a huge variety of things for students to do. its an all around great learning enviroment.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
I really liked the campus and how most of the buildings on campus are spread out but are still close together so that you can walk everywhere on campus, which is what i do. I am not sure what is so unique about my school, i really liked everything about the school and the minute i was on a tour of the campus i knew that this was the school for me to go to. I love attending ISU and would never choose another school to go too.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
Seriously what I wish I would have known is that ISU is really after the dollar. Advisors tell you anything you want to hear to get you to enroll and stay enrolled. Then they keep encouraging you to apply to a program, only to find out that because you don't work at a certain facility you aren't going to get into their program. Now you've spent all types of money, and that's why I'm transferring to a junior college and will get my BSN at a totally differen school.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
I think the most frustrating and unavoidable thing about my school is the financial situation. Having to cut classes in order to stay afloat and raising the tuition is unavoidable but still quite frustrating. Other than that, everything else here seems great!
ISU is not small but is not too big either.. You get to meet a lot of people along the way but at the same time you it is easy to be in a small group of close friends. This school is very good academically level, all teachers are really engaged in your personal development as a person and as a professional, but that is not it. It's installations for sports are very nice and in very good state. It is located in Pocatello, Idaho, close to many places you can visit like lava hot springs, Salt lake, Idaho falls, Boise etc.
There are so many classes that differ in their type of teaching. There are some classes with a big number of students (around 80) or some other classes that are about 25 students per room. However you will always be sure that no matter what the number of students is, the teacher will always be interested on helping with any question or problems you can have. They will always be available during their office hours or you can always catch them after class.
My major is nutrition and dietetics, and I am really happy with the academic level of ISU, it is a great way to start my undergraduate degree.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
I think that the stereotypes of students at my school is conservatives. The people that 'seem' to go to Idaho State University are usually from rural areas of surrounding states, disregarding some students of athletics and possibly academics, overall the stereotype is majority conservative. I don't think that this stereotype is accurate. I know that for one it doesn't apply to me, or many other students' that I know. I believe the overall array of students is simply just students. People who are trying to further their education and better their lives. Stereotypes should'nt play a role in students' lives. The student's reasoning for wanting a education should be all that matters.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
The most popular groups are some of the international groups like Japanese club, Nepalese club, etc. People usually lock their door rooms when they leave but in case you forget to lock it there will be no problem at all. it has happened to me and it is a really safe place so there is no chance to get stolen. Volleyball, Football and Basketball games are huge, a lot of people are involved and really like to go and support our bengals.
people usually party on weekends. But if you do not like it you can always go out with some friends and have a really nice dinner at any close restaurant from campus. I usually hang put with my teammates.
The Mass Communication Department is the best in the state of Idaho. And the school is very affordable. I am going to graduate with very little loans thanks to Pell Grants and Scholarships.
Don't get me wrong, they are challenging, but they don't stress you in into the emergency room. I have great professors and they try hard to keep the information up to date and interesting. They love the subject matter and they want to pass that on to us. The professors are always available to help you and if they aren't other professors want to know because ISU wants each student to suceed.
Sometimes students feel like they get overloaded but we have access to career counseling, personal counseling, academic advising and health services right there on campus. These people are amazing and they are there to help you.
I am not part of the Greek scene at ISU. However, I wanted to compliment the female Greek scene, Alpha Xi Delta and Sigma Sigma Sigma, at ISU for a few reasons. I feel like some schools Greek organizations are all about partying and being very exclusive. From the interviews (for news articles) I've done, I feel like this group of students is very open and inclusive. They also have big hearts and always seem to be doing something charitable. They always have a philanthropy event each year.
ISU is not the biggest sports school, I can not lie. However, the local support for our football team is growing greatly. I work for the sports crew at ISU (we do video work for the web-casts and big board) and I really feel like the sports scene is slowly growing. Our football team doesn't have the best record, but I like our new coach. I met him this past semester and he is just a lovable guy. Our female basketball team goes pretty far sometimes and they just have some good stuff going for them right now. I could say the same thing about our volleyball team. As far as sports that are actually just 'clubs'--check out are Rugby team, they are good!
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
85% of students attending Idaho State University receive some sort of financial aid.
43% were awarded federal grants.49%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
