University of Idaho admits approximately 79.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places University of Idaho in the Open Access category for admission selectivity, with acceptance rates above 75%. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that University of Idaho is slightly more selective than typical institutions in its comparison group, though the difference of 5.5 percentage points represents a modest distinction. This level of accessibility means that most academically qualified students can expect admission, though applicants should still demonstrate genuine interest in their chosen programs and meet minimum academic standards. For students considering University of Idaho, the high acceptance rate allows for confident inclusion on college lists as a likely admission option. However, competitive programs like engineering may have additional requirements or higher standards than the overall institutional admission rate suggests. Students should research specific program requirements and consider University of Idaho as a strong target school that provides both admission accessibility and solid post-graduation outcomes, particularly for Idaho residents and regional students seeking quality public education.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Idaho typically score between 950 and 1,200 on the SAT, with the middle 50% falling in this range. The SAT midpoint of 1,088 indicates that half of enrolled students score above this level and half below. SAT Math scores range from 460 to 590, while SAT Verbal scores span 460 to 610, showing relatively balanced performance across sections. ACT scores range from 20 to 29, with a midpoint of 24. These test score ranges place University of Idaho well above average compared to national standards, ranking in the 89.0th percentile for SAT scores and 92.0th percentile for ACT performance. Compared to peer institutions, University of Idaho's median SAT score of 1,088 falls just 2 points below the peer median of 1,090, indicating similar academic caliber among enrolled students. Students scoring within the 950-1,200 SAT range or 20-29 ACT range are academically competitive for admission. Those scoring below the 25th percentile should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded, particularly if other application components demonstrate academic readiness. The strong test score percentiles combined with accessible admission rates suggest University of Idaho attracts academically capable students while maintaining broad educational access.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Idaho enrolls 22.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating students from lower-income families comprise roughly one in four enrolled students. First-generation college students represent 31.8% of the student body, showing the university serves a significant population of students whose parents did not complete college. Transfer students make up 22.6% of enrollment, reflecting substantial pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests University of Idaho prioritizes educational access while maintaining academic standards, creating opportunities for diverse student populations including those from rural Idaho communities and first-generation families. The Pell share of 22.8% aligns closely with many regional public universities, indicating balanced socioeconomic diversity without heavy concentration in either high-income or low-income populations. First-generation students should note that nearly one-third of enrolled students share their background, providing peer networks and institutional familiarity with first-generation needs. Transfer applicants should recognize the substantial 22.6% transfer enrollment as evidence of successful pathways from community colleges, though they should research specific transfer requirements and credit acceptance policies for their intended programs.
Given University of Idaho's 79.1% acceptance rate, most academically qualified students can expect admission. However, students seeking alternatives or comparing options should consider schools with similar outcomes and different profiles.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
University of Idaho retains 75.1% of freshmen for sophomore year, which compares favorably to the peer median retention rate of 73.2%. The university graduates 60.9% of students within six years, substantially exceeding the peer median completion rate of 49.3%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 54.6%, creating a 6.3 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. While this gap indicates some challenges for lower-income students, the absolute Pell completion rate of 54.6% still exceeds typical completion rates at many regional public institutions. The retention and completion advantages over peer institutions suggest University of Idaho provides effective academic support and campus integration that helps students persist through degree completion. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support systems that promote degree completion, with retention rates above three-quarters and graduation rates approaching two-thirds. Lower-income students should weigh the 6.3 point Pell gap when considering institutional fit, though the overall support environment appears conducive to success across diverse student populations. Prospective students should view these completion metrics as indicators of an academic environment that emphasizes student success and degree attainment.
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