Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Caldwell, Idaho
47.2% Acceptance Rate
The College of Idaho — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
47.2%Acceptance Rate
1166Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$48,451Annual Cost
$48,473Grad Salary
24.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
47.2%
Avg SAT
1166
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1080–1270
ACT Middle 50%
20–28
Need-Based Aid
24.1% receive Pell
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 is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of The College of Idaho is 47.2%. This means that 47 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 47.2% acceptance rate
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.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at C of I
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The College of Idaho'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.
The College of Idaho (C of I) 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 C of I Without SAT or ACT?
The College of Idaho considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
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
SAT 1166 — Less Competitive
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, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at C of I. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
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
ACT 24 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes The College of Idaho slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 24 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 20 | 28 |
Can I get into The College of Idaho with a 28 ACT?
A 28 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at The College of Idaho — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at The College of Idaho use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that The College of Idaho — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether The College of Idaho uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 28 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for C of I
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At C of I, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
C of I Profile
Full Name
The College of Idaho (C of I)
City
Caldwell
State
Idaho
ZIP Code
83605-4432
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a C of I Degree Worth It?
Getting into C of I 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. C of I 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 C of I is $57,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.61%.
How much does a degree from C of I Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The College of Idaho is $48,451. 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.
24.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 51.5 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 does a C of I Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $48,473. 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, HI | 1157 | 24 |
| North Central College | Naperville, IL | 1165 | 25 |
| Quincy University | Quincy, IL | 1157 | 23 |
| Ball State University | Muncie, 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, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at C of I
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by The College of Idaho →
Frequently Asked Questions About C of I Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48,473 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $48,451 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
24.1% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of The College of Idaho is 47.2% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
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.
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.