Idaho vs. Washington State

Comparable Facts

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

Washington State University is larger than Idaho based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 12,286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Idaho is located in Moscow, ID (Rural Fringe setting); Washington State University is in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Idaho is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Idaho 18:1; Washington State University 15:1.

Idaho vs. Washington State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Idaho or Washington State? 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 Washington State ($15,111 vs. $18,171).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Idaho are 17.5% lower than at Washington State University ($11,243 vs. $13,622).
• Washington State University is 47.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Idaho (about $4,307 more per year; $13,391.00 vs. $9,084.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at Washington State than at University of Idaho (about $1,630 more per year; $29,950.00 vs. $28,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Idaho than at Washington State University (96% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Idaho students is 15.5% larger than aid received by Washington State University students ($12,568 vs. $10,886).

Idaho vs. Washington State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Idaho or Washington State? 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 Washington State and Idaho.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington State University (1120) is 10 points higher than at Idaho (1110).
• Incoming Idaho students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Washington State (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 990/1230; Washington State University 1020/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 20/26; Washington State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Idaho - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Washington State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington State students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Idaho (3.47).
• Washington State has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than Idaho (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Idaho vs. 19.7% at Washington State.

Idaho vs. Washington State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Idaho and Washington State? 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).

• Washington State University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than University of Idaho's (51%).
• Graduates from Washington State University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Idaho graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $3,850 lower median loan debt than Idaho graduates ($20,429 vs. $24,279).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Idaho graduates ($211 vs. $251).
• More Washington State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Idaho students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.