University of Idaho's published cost of attendance reaches $22,669 per year, including $8,816 in-state tuition, $10,380 for room and board, and $1,232 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $29,784, bringing total attendance costs to $41,637.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,738 |
| Tuition and Fees | $28,320 |
| Room and Board | $11,243 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,180 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,907 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,831 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,270 |
| $30–48k | $11,193 |
| $48–75k | $13,374 |
| $75–110k | $17,130 |
| $110k+ | $18,791 |
University of Idaho's published cost of attendance reaches $22,669 per year, including $8,816 in-state tuition, $10,380 for room and board, and $1,232 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $29,784, bringing total attendance costs to $41,637. However, the average student pays just $13,782 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,887 from the sticker price.
This net price positions University of Idaho slightly above the peer median of $14,093, with students paying $311 more annually than typical regional public institutions. The university's financial aid effectively reduces costs for most students, with aid targeting particularly beneficial for lower-income families. Idaho residents benefit from substantial in-state tuition advantages, paying $20,968 less in tuition compared to out-of-state students.
University of Idaho demonstrates effective financial aid targeting through its progressive pricing structure. The $8,887 average reduction from sticker price to net cost indicates robust institutional aid programs that benefit most students.
Low-income students receiving Pell grants pay just $9,930 annually, well below the national average for public institutions. The university's 22.8% Pell share reflects balanced socioeconomic diversity, with aid programs supporting approximately one-quarter of students from lower-income backgrounds.
Financial aid effectiveness appears strongest for families earning under $48,000, who receive the most substantial price reductions. The modest premium above peer median costs suggests University of Idaho balances financial accessibility with revenue needs to maintain academic quality and campus resources.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Idaho graduates carry median debt of $21,982, which compares favorably to the national landscape and peer institutions. Student debt ranges from $7,000 at the 25th percentile to $28,400 at the 75th percentile, indicating substantial variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The median debt level sits $877 below the peer median of $21,105, demonstrating slightly better debt management than typical regional public institutions. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, graduates can expect manageable monthly payments relative to their $54,670 median earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $16,000, resulting in monthly payments around $211. The combination of controlled student borrowing and solid earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Idaho represents solid educational value through its combination of moderate costs, controlled debt levels, and steady earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $129 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking in the 56.6th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates sustainable borrowing levels, with graduates typically able to service debt payments without financial stress. Median earnings of $54,670 exceed the peer median by $4,554, providing return on investment that justifies educational costs.
The university's 67.7th percentile ranking for return on investment reflects above-average performance in converting educational spending into career earnings. For Idaho residents particularly, the combination of in-state tuition rates, moderate aid availability, and engineering program strength creates favorable economics.
