The College of Idaho The College of Idaho, founded in 1891 in Caldwell, is the state's oldest private liberal arts college. Known for its distinctive PEAK curriculum allowing students to graduate with majors in four knowledge domains, the college offers personalized education with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The 50-acre campus features historic buildings alongside modern facilities like the Cruzen-Murray Library and the recently expanded Simplot Science Center. The college is particularly strong in environmental studies, pre-health professions, and business, with graduates achieving high medical school acceptance rates.
The College of Idaho takes pride in its outdoor program that utilizes Idaho's natural landscapes for experiential learning. Campus life includes NCAA Division II athletics and a vibrant arts scene at the Jewett Auditorium. The college's small size fosters close student-faculty relationships and undergraduate research opportunities across all disciplines. Recent initiatives include the new Center for Creativity and Innovation. The College of Idaho's combination of academic rigor, beautiful setting, and innovative curriculum makes it a standout liberal arts institution in the Northwest.
The College of Idaho Acceptance Rate
The College of Idaho (C of I) is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 47.22%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
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.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
The College of Idaho Admission Requirements
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The College of Idaho (C of I) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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 2025 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.
The College of Idaho Average SAT Score: 1166
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The College of Idaho is 1166 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1166 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1270 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. The College of Idaho allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1080, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to C of I. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 585 | 540 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 590 | 540 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1166 | 1080 | 1270 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1080 then you are below most of the admitted students at C of I and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1270 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into The College of Idaho (C of I) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The College of Idaho (C of I) are good but the admission staff at C of I tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
The College of Idaho (C of I) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at C of I is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes The College of Idaho slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 24 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| ACT English | 0 | ||
| ACT Composite | 24 | 20 | 28 |
Can I get into The College of Idaho with a 28 ACT?
With a 28 ACT Score, your chances of admission at The College of Idaho are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 24.C of I Profile
Name: The College of Idaho (C of I)
City: Caldwell
State: Idaho
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 83605-4432
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
How much does a degree from C of I Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The College of Idaho is USD: 48451. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The College of Idaho is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
24.05% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 51.52 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to C of I and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The College of Idaho, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist C of I as your choice in the form.
How much a C of I Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 48473. An average C of I 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The College of Idaho. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The College of Idaho. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI | 1157 | 24 |
| North Central College | North Central College, IL | 1165 | 25 |
| Quincy University | Quincy University, IL | 1157 | 23 |
| Ball State University | Ball State University, IN | 1172 | 28 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The College of Idaho. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
Frequently Asked Questions About The College of Idaho Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48473 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $48451 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of The College of Idaho is 47.22 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to The College of Idaho is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1166 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1080-1270
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: 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.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by The College of Idaho.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.