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University of Idaho

Moscow, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 15,108
  • Tuition Fee From$ 20,586
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength10,791
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

University of Idaho is a public research university located in Moscow, Idaho, United States. It was founded in 1889 by the regional legislature and is the oldest public university in the state of Idaho. The university is situated on a beautiful campus in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest which is spread over 1,585 acres. The campus houses a massive library, residence halls, student organizations, and cafeterias.  

 

The university offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including agriculture, business, engineering, forestry, law, and natural resources. There are over 10,791 students enrolled in the fall semester of last year. Almost 4% of the students of this university comprises of international students. It also has a number of interdisciplinary programs, including environmental science, global studies, and outdoor recreation management.

 

The University of Idaho is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, the Institute for Bioenergy, Bioproducts and Biorefining, and the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources. The university is also home to a number of student organizations and clubs, as well as a number of recreational and athletic facilities. 

 

Overall, the University of Idaho is a comprehensive public university that is committed to providing a high-quality education to its students and conducting cutting-edge research in a variety of fields.

Ranking

In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ranking, the University of Idaho was ranked #170 among national universities and #124 among the best colleges for veterans. Also, the University of Idaho was named a "Military Friendly School" by G.I. Jobs magazine in 2021, indicating that it is committed to providing a supportive environment for military students. The University of Idaho was named a "Best Western College" by The Princeton Review in 2021, based on factors such as academic programs, campus culture, and student satisfaction.

 

Rankings of various known publications:

  • #79 - Top Public Universities in America - Niche 2024
  • #489 - Best Colleges In Nation - College Factual 2024
  • #1 - Best Colleges In Idaho - College Factual 2024

 

Course Wise Rankings:

  • #22 -Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America
  • #32 - Best Colleges for Architecture in America 
  • #73 - Best Colleges for Education in America
  • #74 - Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
  • #152 - Best Colleges for International Relations in America

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2025

#1001 - 1200

-

2023

#801 - 1000

#920

Facilities

The campus is only a very few minutes walk from a bustling town of about 24,000 people. The Recreation and Wellbeing Department at the University of Idaho provides programs, services, facilities, and equipment to augment university student learning.

Among the programs available are fitness, intramural sports, outdoor programs, sports clubs, the Vandal Spirit Squad, and Vandal Health Education. There are over 170 student clubs and organizations on campus. The University of Idaho's fraternity and sorority community is the largest and most dynamic on-campus community. 

 

Housing Facilities

Only those full-time first-year students under the age of 21 are allowed to reside in the residential halls legally recognized by the institution for one academic year. The University has 17 residence halls. Approximately 60% of first-year students live in residence halls. Some of these are Wallace Residence Center, Theophilus tower, McConnel hall, and others. All these on-campus accommodations provide students with a safe and comfortable living environment. The University has made sure that each residence hall is equipped with the required amenities to ensure that students have everything they need for their stay.

 

Library Facilities 

The University of Idaho (UI) has a library system that includes several facilities on its campus, including the Bruce M. Pitman Center Library. The Pitman Center Library is the main library at the University of Idaho and serves as a resource for all academic disciplines. It houses over 1 million volumes, as well as electronic resources, special collections, and research assistance. 

 

The Cafeteria 

The University of Idaho (UI) has several dining options available for students, faculty, and staff on its campus. The primary dining location is the Idaho Commons located in the center of campus, which offers a variety of menu options including a salad bar, grill, deli, and international cuisine. Additionally, UI has several retail dining options located throughout the campus, such as Starbucks, Subway, and convenience stores. UI also offers a meal plan program for students, which allows them to purchase meals at any of the dining locations on campus. Some of the options are also open to the public with some restrictions and open hours.

Notable Alumni

Terrel Howard Bell
Terrel Howard Bell
Former United States Secretary of Education
Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin
Former Governor of Alaska
Jerry Kramer
Jerry Kramer
American former american football player and writer

Courses

Admission

This #1 Best Value Public University in the West has consistently kept its reputation in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Founded in 1889, this university has 11,507 enrolments and has granted more than 1,42,700 degrees. Programmes in food and agriculture, natural resources, art and architecture, business, education, engineering, liberal arts, and law are the most popular among international students. University of Idaho admissions can be processed in one of the ten colleges, like Agricultural and Life Sciences, Art and Architecture, Business and Economics, Education, Health and Human Sciences, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Law, Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, Natural Resources, and Science.

 

The University of Idaho admission process might be tricky if you’re not well-versed in the entry requirements, necessary qualifications, and other application aspects. To learn more, continue reading our guide!

 

Things To Consider Before Applying

Exploring the prerequisites is crucial before you begin collating documents or applying. In the following sections, learn about the entry requirements, necessary documents, acceptance rate, and more!

 

Entry Requirements

The University of Idaho entry requirements are the most significant aspect of the admission process. You must fulfil each of these to be eligible for enrolment. Some prerequisites may vary depending on the course or programme. In this case, visiting the university’s official website is advisable.

  • A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 for undergraduate applicants
  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 on a scale of 4.0 for transfer applicants (2.8 for College of Engineering)
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for postgraduate applicants
  • Proof of English language proficiency tests
  • Standardised tests, like the SAT and ACT
    - SAT: 990 to 1250
    - ACT: 20 to 27
  • USD 70 application fee
  • Standardised tests, like GMAT and GRE for master’s applicants (may not be mandatory)
  • Personal essay
  • Letters of recommendation
  • All official academic transcripts
  • Proof of finances

 

The results of English language proficiency tests are mandatory for all international students to prove their competency. Here are the accepted scores for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants:

Exam

Minimum Required Score for UG

Minimum Required Score for PG

TOEFL

70

79

IELTS

6.0

6.5

DET

100

-

Michigan English Language Assessment Battery

-

77

SAT evidence-based reading and writing

550

-

U of I American Language & Culture Programme

Level 6/Advanced Pass

Level6/Advanced Pass

US Education Earned Bachelor's or higher


 

Documents

Below is the general list of the University of Idaho documents required for a successful application. Note that this list can vary from course to course.

For Undergraduate Programmes (Bachelor's Degree)

For Postgraduate Programmes (Master's Degree)

Academic Transcripts

Personal Statement

References/Letters of Recommendation

Portfolio (if required)

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Proof of financial stability

Scores of standardised tests

 

Eligibility


The most significant eligibility criterion you must consider is the minimum required GPA. As mentioned above, a minimum of 2.5 - 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 or equivalent is necessary. Any grade more than this will increase your chances of enrolment. Other than this, proof of English competency and the results of standardised tests are mandatory. For instance, a minimum of 6.0 is the basic bar for IELTS.


 

How To Apply At The University Of Idaho?

As an international student, you can apply to the University of Idaho’s undergraduate, postgraduate, or exchange student admission programmes. The Exchange Student Admission programme allows students to visit the university as full-time students for 1 to 2 semesters on an exchange agreement. The generic application process is mentioned below:

 

  1. Visit the university’s official admissions website.
  2. Create a new account using your email ID and by generating a password.
  3. Input your personal and educational details to start an application.
  4. Fill in your educational history, chosen programme, employment history, scores of standardised tests, passport, resume, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.
  5. Once all the details are uploaded, you can review the application, pay and complete it.

 

Deadlines

Generally, the University of Idaho has rolling applications. This means there is no hard deadline for receiving an application and required materials. However, international students must keep enough time for the university to review their I-20 Form, be issued an I-20, register for classes, apply for a U.S. student visa, make travel arrangements, etc. Thus, students are advised to submit the complete application no later than three months before the start of their semester.

The university has given priority submission dates that graduate students must follow to receive full consideration, financial support, or any assistantships. Additionally, they have also given general application deadlines. Look at the below table to find the University of Idaho deadlines:

 

Semester

Priority Submission Dates

General Application Dates for Domestic Students

General Application Dates for International Students

Fall Semester (August to December)

January 15

July 30

May 1

Spring Semester (January to May)

September 1

December 1

October 1

Summer Session (Begins mid-May)

January 15

April 15

March 1


 

Decision Dates

The University of Idaho decision dates aren’t set in stone. However, after receiving a duly completed application form, the university’s admissions team typically takes 2 to 8 weeks to respond. In the following table, a reference timeline of all important dates and required actions is elaborated:

Date

Action

January 01

Complete FAFSA for financial aid

Late March

  • Accept your scholarship and financial aid package
  • Select fall classes, on-campus housing and sign up for New Student Orientation
  • Make reservations for move-in at the start of school.

May

Confirm enrollment

June

  • Submit final high school transcripts
  • Verify your University Housing

July

  • Order textbooks online.
  • Watch for your university billing in the mail and on MyUI.

August

Pay all university fees before the first day of class

August 14 to 18

New Student Orientation

August 19

Fall classes begin

 

The University Of Idaho Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for each university, course, programme and year differ significantly. Despite that, we can list a few standard selection criteria that you can look out for:

 

  • Academic Entry Requirements: It is crucial to fulfil all the entry requirements and ensure you don’t fall short on even one aspect.
  • Minimum required grades: Acquiring the minimum required GPA between 2.30 and 3.0 is extremely crucial as the university’s Admissions Team reviews students’ GPAs first and foremost. Secondly, you must have the required scores on standardised tests,  like English proficiency exams, ACT, SAT, etc.
  • Portfolio Review: You must show consistent academic progress in your application.
  • Personal Statement: Writing a compelling personal statement of purpose that elaborates on your unique characteristics, achievements, and why you deserve a spot in the university’s student community is crucial. 
  • Interviews: The Admissions Team may take interviews for several health-related programmes. Students must prepare well for these interviews by attending workshops, practicing, and scheduling a mock interview with the Pre-Health Professions Programme.

 

University Of Idaho Acceptance Rate

The University of Idaho acceptance rate is 74%. This implies that this institute’s admissions team is mildly selective during enrolment. In the previous academic cycle, the acceptance rate of the University of Idaho was 73.85%. In the past few academic years, the admission percentage has remained consistent. Scoring more than average in the standardised tests, acquiring the minimum required GPA, and fulfilling all entry requirements can get you a seat at this institute.

 

Fees:

The estimated University of Idaho fees consist of academic tuition, housing, meals, books, supplies, insurance and other personal expenses. The following table summarises these fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, and law students. Note that these are estimated figures and actual fees may vary depending on the academic year, semester, course, etc.

Particulars

International Students (UG)

International Invitation to Idaho (UG)

International Students (PG)

 

International Law Students

Full-time Student Fees/Tuition

USD 28,352

USD 12,386

USD 30,084

USD 45,468

Housing and Meals

USD 10,380

USD 10,380

USD 10,380

USD 10,380

Books & Supplies (estimated)

USD 1,232

USD 1,232

USD 1,232

USD 1,232

Required Insurance

USD 2,160

USD 2,160

USD 2,160

USD 2,160

Personal Expenses (estimated)

USD 2,280

USD 2,280

USD 5,159

USD 5,159

Total Costs

USD 44,404

USD 28,438

USD 49,015

USD 64,399

 

Scholarship

International students can refer to the below table for more information on financial aid.

 

Name Of The Scholarship

Eligibility

Grant

Davies Otto Fellow Sciences Scholarship

For students of Engineering and Applied Physics

$4,000 - $20,000

George and Gerald Bitters Endowed Scholarship

Students from South Milwaukee or Cudahy High School having min. 2.0 GPA (73-76%)

$1,000 - $3,000 per year

Esports Scholarships

Students with excellent Esport performance

$2,500

S-STEM Scholarship

Students of Pre-Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science and Biochemistry

$5,000

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services! 

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the University of Idaho. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations in Moscow, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

The city of Moscow, USA is located in the Southeast region of the state of Nebraska. The city was founded in 1856 and has a population of around 2,500 people. Moscow is home to two major tourist attractions: The Calhoun County Courthouse and Black Oak Heliport. The cost of living in Moscow, USA is significantly lower than in other major cities across the United States. The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in this city is around $500 per month, while the average cost of groceries is less than $200 per month. The city is served by the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport and operates as a hub for several airlines. 

 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$861

On-Campus Accommodation

$894

Transportation

$75

Food Cost

$540

Entertainment

$56

Groceries

$48

Clothes

$153

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$2,053

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$2,086

Annual Cost of Living

$25,032