BYU-Idaho admits 97.0% of applicants, meaning nearly all students who apply receive an offer of admission. This places the university firmly within the Open Access category, where institutions accept more than 75% of applicants. The peer median admission rate of 69.4% indicates that BYU-Idaho is more accessible than typical four-year institutions, with admission standards focused on basic academic preparedness rather than competitive selection. This level of accessibility means that most students meeting minimum requirements can expect admission, though specific program requirements may vary. Students should view BYU-Idaho as a highly accessible option that prioritizes educational opportunity over exclusivity. The university's open access approach aligns with its mission to serve diverse student populations, including the substantial transfer student community that comprises 56.4% of enrollment. For students building college lists, BYU-Idaho represents a reliable admission option that combines accessibility with solid post-graduation outcomes. The sections below provide academic profile information to help students assess their preparedness for success at this institution.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at BYU-Idaho typically demonstrate solid academic preparation despite the university's open admission approach. SAT scores range from 980 to 1,200, with the middle 50% of enrolled students falling in this range and a median of 1,123. SAT Math scores span 480 to 590, while SAT Verbal scores range from 500 to 610. ACT scores range from 20 to 26 with a median of 23. These test scores rank at the 91st percentile nationally, indicating that despite highly accessible admission, enrolled students demonstrate strong academic preparation. The peer median SAT of 1,378 shows that BYU-Idaho students score 255 points lower than typical private nonprofit peers, reflecting the institution's focus on access rather than academic exclusivity. However, the combination of open admission with solid test score performance suggests the university attracts academically prepared students who prioritize affordability and specific program offerings over institutional prestige. Students scoring below the 25th percentile ranges should not view this as disqualifying, as the university's open access mission emphasizes opportunity over standardized test performance. Prospective students should consider whether their academic preparation aligns with these ranges when planning for academic success, while recognizing that test scores represent just one aspect of college readiness.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
BYU-Idaho enrolls a distinctive student population characterized by significant transfer enrollment and modest representation of traditional underserved groups. Transfer students comprise 56.4% of enrollment, making BYU-Idaho one of the most transfer-friendly institutions in our analysis. This substantial transfer population reflects the university's role in providing pathways for students beginning at community colleges or seeking to change institutions. The university enrolls 24.9% Pell-eligible students and 24.3% first-generation students, indicating moderate representation of students from lower-income and non-college families. While these shares are below levels seen at many public institutions, they demonstrate the university's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds within its primarily religious community. The combination of high transfer acceptance and moderate socioeconomic diversity suggests BYU-Idaho prioritizes educational opportunity and second-chance pathways for students seeking affordable, value-focused higher education. Transfer applicants should note the university's welcoming approach to students changing institutions, while traditional students should understand they will join a community where many peers have prior college experience. First-generation students should consider the 24.3% share when assessing peer support and institutional familiarity.
Given BYU-Idaho's 97% acceptance rate, admission is highly accessible for most applicants meeting basic requirements. The alternatives below offer different geographic, cost, or outcome advantages.
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Student success patterns at BYU-Idaho reflect the challenges and opportunities of serving diverse student populations with varied academic preparation. The retention rate of 69.6% falls below the peer median of 81.3%, indicating that approximately 30% of first-year students do not return for their sophomore year. The six-year graduation rate of 55.1% compares to a peer median of 63.5%, showing completion rates below typical private nonprofit institutions. Pell-eligible students graduate at 48.5%, creating a 6.6 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap suggests that lower-income students face additional challenges in degree completion, though the university serves a meaningful share of these students. The substantial transfer population and open admission approach contribute to these completion patterns, as the institution serves students with varied academic backgrounds and preparation levels. Students who gain admission should expect an environment where persistence and engagement are crucial for success. Lower-income students should carefully consider the completion gap when weighing this institution against alternatives, while recognizing that nearly half of Pell-eligible students do successfully complete their degrees. The university's substantial transfer enrollment suggests flexibility in academic pathways but also indicates the importance of strong academic planning and support utilization.
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