Idaho vs. OSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Idaho in Moscow, ID with Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oregon State University is larger than Idaho based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 12,286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Idaho is located in Moscow, ID (Rural Fringe setting); Oregon State University is in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting).
• University of Idaho is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Idaho 18:1; Oregon State University 18:1.

Idaho vs. OSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Idaho or OSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Idaho than OSU ($15,111 vs. $22,467).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Idaho are 31.4% lower than at Oregon State University ($11,243 vs. $16,386).
• Oregon State University is 58.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Idaho (about $5,316 more per year; $14,400.00 vs. $9,084.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.9% higher at OSU than at University of Idaho (about $9,870 more per year; $38,190.00 vs. $28,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Idaho than at Oregon State University (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Idaho students is 11.9% larger than aid received by Oregon State University students ($12,568 vs. $11,230).

Idaho vs. OSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Idaho or OSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between OSU and Idaho.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oregon State University (1270) is 160 points higher than at Idaho (1110).
• Incoming OSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Idaho).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 990/1230; Oregon State University 1140/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 20/26; Oregon State University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Idaho - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); OSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman OSU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Idaho (3.47).
• OSU has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Idaho (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Idaho vs. 20.4% at OSU.

Idaho vs. OSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Idaho and OSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Oregon State University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than University of Idaho's (51%).
• Graduates from Oregon State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Idaho graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oregon State University graduates have a $779 lower median loan debt than Idaho graduates ($23,500 vs. $24,279).
• Among borrowers, OSU graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Idaho graduates ($242 vs. $251).
• More OSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Idaho students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 61%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.