Idaho State University Admission
Idaho State University Undergraduate Program
Idaho State University Application

The Facts

Idaho State University is a large, public institution located in the town of Pocatello, Idaho, and is home to over 8,000 undergraduate students and approximately 4,200 graduate and part-time professional students. The students are able to take classes in one of the seven undergraduate schools or the graduate school, which offer academic programs in the areas of the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and health professions. These academic programs offer broad majors in the areas of biological science (which includes renowned programs in botany, zoology, and ecology), business, communications and the arts (which has a surprisingly popular music performance division), education, engineering and environmental design, health professions (which actually includes a degree program in dental hygiene, as well as radiological science), and social sciences. Some of the most popular majors include nursing, elementary education, secondary education, and biology.

Admission to Idaho State University is quite competitive, and the number of qualified out-of-state students applying has been increasing with each passing admissions cycle. Last year, over 3,600 students applied for admission to the school, and approximately 2,600 of those students were accepted; of those, about 2,100 matriculated. The admitted students had an average combined SAT score ranging from 1055 to 1100, and an average comprehensive ACT score ranging from 20 to 29. Additionally, more than 68% of the admitted students were ranked in the top 25% of their high school graduating class with an average high school GPA of about a 3.65.

Idaho State University has a wonderful student to faculty ratio of 13:1, which is next to nothing for school of its size. In fact, most students agree that the best part of attending the university is the intimacy of the classes, and the attention you receive from your professors. Students really get a chance to have their voices heard in class, and the small class sizes allow for many research and hands-on opportunities.

The Social Scene

The town of Pocatello is quite small, and doesn’t really offer students much in the way of entertainment; however, Salt Lake City, Utah is only about 150 miles south, and most students own cars, making access quite easy. The campus itself has plenty to keep students occupied too, including a couple of museums, a planetarium, a radio station, and several theaters. The schools is also home to 6 national fraternities and sororities which are quite popular with students, and the Greeks throw a multitude of parties throughout the year. There are also over 140 student groups and organizations on campus that run the gamut from dance to debate, and offer students plenty of opportunities to get involved.

The dating scene is reportedly quite good, although there isn’t much diversity for those students who prefer something a little different...

What’s Good

“The class sizes are unbelievable here, and it doesn’t feel like you’re going to a large state school in the least.”

“The professors are incredible, and they really make you feel comfortable in class. They actually want to hear what you have to say.”

“The party scene here is amazing. There’s always something to do on the weekends.”

What’s Bad

“We’re pretty far away from urban civilization, and I tend to get a bit stir-crazy.”

“There are a lot of people here who seem to think they’re still in high school. Basically, it’s very very cliquey.”

“If you don’t like drinking, you better either learn to like it, or get used to leaving parties early.”

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