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The College of Idaho

Accept Rate
47.22%
Grad Rate
62.1%
Enrollment
1,049
Avg SAT
1166
Tuition
$36,030
Median Salary
$48,473
Overall Grade
C+
C+
Academics
C
Value
B-
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The College of Idaho feels like a tight-knit, supportive community where students are known by name, not just a student ID number. It's a place where collaborative spirit thrives, and you'll often see students working closely with professors and engaging in spirited discussions in the campus's historic buildings.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

47.22%
Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 116675th Pctl
10801270
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2028
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in community service or leadership roles in your application, as the college values engaged students. Since the acceptance rate is moderate, aim for an SAT score above the 1166 average to strengthen your application, and be sure to write a thoughtful, personal essay that shows why you're a good fit for their close community.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1166
40080012001600
School range: 1080โ€“1270

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The College of Idaho offers a strong liberal arts foundation with notable strengths in business, biology, and psychology, often emphasizing hands-on learning and undergraduate research. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from dedicated faculty who are focused on teaching rather than just research.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
30.3%
Biology & Biomedical
16.3%
Psychology
12.1%
Social Sciences
11.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
8%
Visual & Performing Arts
4.5%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3.8%
Education
2.6%
Natural Resources
2.6%
History
2.3%
English & Literature
1.9%
Physical Sciences
1.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

62.1%
Graduation Rate
76.5%
Retention Rate
1,049
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$36,030
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,566
After financial aid
Total Cost
$48,451
Cost of attendance/year
24.1%
Receive Pell Grants
51.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Caldwell

Students in Caldwell enjoy a relaxed, college-town atmosphere with access to local parks, coffee shops, and a growing downtown area with restaurants and live music. Many students also take advantage of the nearby Boise River for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, and occasional trips to the larger city of Boise for more urban entertainment.

Local Rent Check

$1,074 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Caldwell
Explore Caldwell

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$144,120
$0Est. 4 Years: $144,120

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($48,473):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with a low crime rate, and the suburban setting of Caldwell provides a peaceful environment. The college works closely with local law enforcement to ensure student safety.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and small class sizes
  • โœ“ Generous financial aid reducing net cost
  • โœ“ Wide range of majors including unique ones like Parks & Recreation
  • โœ“ Opportunities for undergraduate research and close faculty mentorship

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high before aid is applied
  • โœ— Caldwell is a smaller city, which may feel limiting for some
  • โœ— Graduation rate of 62.1% is below the national average

Notable Alumni

Butch Otter
Former Governor of Idaho and U.S. Congressman
Liz Marchi
Philanthropist and community leader in Idaho
John B. Anderson
Former U.S. Representative and presidential candidate

Frequently Asked Questions

The College of Idaho is known for its strong liberal arts programs, particularly in business, biology, and psychology, as well as its unique environmental studies and parks & recreation majors. It has a history of producing leaders in education, business, and public service, and is recognized for its close-knit community and personalized education.

With an acceptance rate of 47.22%, The College of Idaho is moderately selective. Applicants typically have an average SAT score of 1166, and the admissions committee looks for students with strong academic records, involvement in extracurriculars, and a genuine interest in contributing to the campus community.

Campus life is active and community-oriented, with a variety of student clubs, organizations, and athletic events. The suburban setting offers a peaceful environment, and students often engage in outdoor activities, study groups, and social events, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

Yes, for many students, the investment is worthwhile due to the lower average net price of $20,566 compared to the sticker price, and the strong 10-year median earnings of $48,473. The personalized education, strong alumni network, and career preparation provide good value, especially for those in high-demand fields like business and healthcare.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

St. Luke's Health System Micron Technology Boise State University Idaho State Government Syracuse University
Smart Start Score
57

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 1,081
  • In-State Tuition $36,030
  • Zip Code 83605

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 49.2% โ™€ 50.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $20,566, which is lower than the sticker tuition of $36,030, the college provides significant financial aid, making it more affordable. The 10-year median earnings of $48,473 suggest a solid return on investment for a private college, especially given the strong alumni network and career support.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $36,030
Housing (12 mo) $12,888
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $56,118
With avg financial aid:
$20,566/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.