Public
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Pocatello, Idaho
Idaho State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
3.41Avg GPA
$21,084Annual Cost
$45,608Grad Salary
26.8%Pell Grant
Avg GPA
3.41
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$17,324
Need-Based Aid
26.8% receive Pell
Idaho State University serves eastern Idaho with strong health science programs. Founded in 1901, ISU features the Meridian Health Science Center.
The university excels in pharmacy and nuclear engineering programs. ISU's 'Idaho Accelerated Nursing' is highly competitive.
Idaho State University Acceptance Rate
Idaho State University (ISU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.41 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.21 – 3.40
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.96
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
ISU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at ISU is 3.41. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.61-3.81 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.11 and 3.41, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
ISU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at ISU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.41, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.41 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.21 – 3.40
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.01 – 3.20
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.00
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- General ISU undergraduate admission is open-admission with roughly 100% acceptance; a $50 application fee applies, and ACT/SAT scores are currently waived for admission (still used for scholarships/placement).
- ROAR Rx Early Assurance reserves a PharmD seat (as available), guarantees campus choice, and includes a PharmCAS application fee discount for enrolled pre-pharmacy students.
- PharmD enrolls only 55 new students per year despite the university's open undergraduate admission policy.
- ISU is Idaho's state-designated lead institution in health professions, home to more than 75% of Idaho's health degree programs - a structural distinction from typical regional public universities.
- The Rigor Metric: At ISU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at ISU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Idaho State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Idaho State University (ISU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into ISU Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Idaho State University is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ISU
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
ISU provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Enroll in ROAR Rx Early Assurance as early in pre-pharmacy coursework as possible
ISU's College of Pharmacy offers ROAR Rx, an Early Assurance Program open to any U.S. college student from those just beginning pre-pharmacy requirements through those with one year left - successful participants get a reserved seat in the PharmD program (as space allows) plus guaranteed campus choice. If pharmacy is your goal, enrolling in ROAR Rx during your first year removes most of the competitive uncertainty years before you'd otherwise apply.
Protect your pre-pharmacy GPA at the course level, not just the aggregate
Both ROAR Rx and standard PharmD admission require a 2.5 minimum pre-pharmacy GPA with a grade of C (C- under PharmCAS) or better in every required pre-pharmacy course - a single low grade in a required science course can disqualify you even if your overall GPA looks fine. Audit your pre-pharmacy-specific GPA separately each term rather than relying on your general transcript GPA.
Apply through PharmCAS as early in the cycle as possible to secure your preferred campus
ISU's PharmD program is delivered across three locations - Pocatello, Meridian (near Boise), and Anchorage, Alaska - and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they're completed and verified (application opens late July, priority deadline December 1, final deadline April 1). Early applicants get first pick of campus location, so timing affects more than admission odds - it affects where you'll actually live for four years.
Redirect your competitive energy away from general ISU admission, which isn't the real gate
ISU's general undergraduate admission accepts nearly all qualified applicants (with ACT/SAT currently waived even for placement purposes) - the actual selection bottleneck is the PharmD program itself, which accepts only 55 new students per year from a large applicant pool. Don't spend disproportionate effort on the easy undergraduate application; spend it on pharmacy shadowing experience and your PharmCAS materials instead.
Expert Insight:
Because ISU's general admission is so accessible, students sometimes assume the PharmD program will be similarly easy - it isn't. The pre-pharmacy GPA floor is deceptively low (2.5), which means many applicants clear it comfortably and then discover the real differentiation happens through pharmacy experience, interview performance, and how early they applied for campus placement, not GPA alone.
ISU Profile
Full Name
Idaho State University (ISU)
City
Pocatello
State
Idaho
ZIP Code
83209
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a ISU Degree Worth It?
Getting into ISU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. ISU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at ISU is $52,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.9%.
How much does a degree from ISU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Idaho State University is $21,084. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Idaho State University is $17,324.
26.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 24.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to ISU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Idaho State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist ISU as your choice in the form.
How much does a ISU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $45,608. An average ISU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at ISU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Idaho State University →
Frequently Asked Questions About ISU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $45,608 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $21,084 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
26.8% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.41. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.11, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.11, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.01 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.41, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.