Brigham Young University-Idaho — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
Brigham Young University-Idaho is a private, comprehensive institution affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing high academic standards, faith-based learning, and professional preparation. Admissions are selective, focusing on academic achievement, character, and a demonstrated commitment to living the university's honor code. The university seeks individuals who are ready to engage in a rigorous education that integrates their professional goals with a strong moral and ethical foundation.
Applicants should highlight their history of participation in church or community activities, as these reflect the university's mission-focused and service-oriented culture. Demonstrating a clear approach to one's future career plans and explaining how a faith-centered education will facilitate those goals is a strong way to impress the admissions committee. The university looks for students who will contribute to its supportive, community-oriented campus environment and who have a track record of being responsible and engaged members of their local community.
Brigham Young University-Idaho Acceptance Rate
Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYUI) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 97%, 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
Inclusive
Recommended Academic Profile
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Brigham Young University-Idaho Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Brigham Young University-Idaho follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of September 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 41 days left — RollingBYUI reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
BYUI GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at BYUI is 3.34. 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 3.54-3.74 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.04 and 3.34, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
BYUI GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at BYUI utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.34, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate approximately 96-97% (IPEDS 2024-25: 9,989 of 10,303 applicants admitted; BigFuture: 95.55%); $35 application fee (institutional portal, not Common App); no essay, no letters of recommendation required; test-optional (average enrolled ACT 23, middle 50% 20-26); rolling admissions, fall deadline approximately September 1.
- The Ecclesiastical Endorsement is required for all students - LDS and non-LDS - to be admitted, register for classes, and graduate. It expires annually and must be renewed each year. Starting July 1, 2026: new applicants require interviews with both their Bishop AND a member of their Stake Presidency. Begin the endorsement process at byui.edu/student-honor-office/endorsements immediately after submitting your application.
- Three-semester calendar (Fall/Winter/Spring) enables faster graduation and flexible scheduling around LDS missions; tuition is subsidized by the LDS Church, making it approximately $4,000-$4,500/year for tithe-paying LDS members - one of the lowest annual tuitions at any private four-year institution in the US.
- BYU-Idaho is one of three separate CES (Church Educational System) institutions operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; the other two are BYU-Provo (UNITID 147703, more selective, Utah) and BYU-Hawaii (UNITID 142285, Laie, Hawaii) - different institutions with different acceptance rates and profiles despite the shared LDS ownership and Honor Code.
- The Rigor Metric: At BYUI, 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 BYUI
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Brigham Young University-Idaho's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYUI) 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 BYUI Without SAT or ACT?
Brigham Young University-Idaho Average SAT Score: 1123
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Brigham Young University-Idaho is 1123 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 1123 on the SAT.
If your score is below 980, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at BYUI. 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 | 535 | 480 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 555 | 500 | 610 |
| SAT Composite | 1123 | 980 | 1200 |
It means that if you have scored less than 980 then you are below most of the admitted students at BYUI and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1200 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 1100
Can I get into Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYUI) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYUI) are good but the admission staff at BYUI 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.
Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYUI) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at BYUI is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Brigham Young University-Idaho slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 26 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 26 |
Can I get into Brigham Young University-Idaho with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Brigham Young University-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 Brigham Young University-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 Brigham Young University-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 Brigham Young University-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 26 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 BYUI
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
BYUI provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
BYU-Idaho's standard application takes 10 minutes, costs $35, requires no essay, no recommendation letters, and is test-optional. Getting into BYU-Idaho academically is genuinely accessible - the acceptance rate is approximately 96-97% (9,989 of 10,303 applicants admitted in the most recent IPEDS cycle), and the average enrolled GPA is about 3.34. But none of that matters if you don't complete and maintain a valid Ecclesiastical Endorsement, which is required for every student - LDS and non-LDS - to be admitted, to register for classes each semester, and to graduate. For LDS members, the endorsement comes from your bishop (and for new applicants starting July 1, 2026, also from a member of your stake presidency). For non-LDS students, you can interview with your own religious leader or a local LDS bishop, followed by an interview with the BYU-Idaho university chaplain. The endorsement is not a one-time step: it expires every 12 months and must be renewed annually. A lapsed endorsement blocks new class registrations and graduation - even if you've completed all coursework. Begin the endorsement process at byui.edu/student-honor-office/endorsements immediately after submitting your application, not after you receive an admission decision.
BYU-Idaho operates a full three-semester academic year: Fall, Winter, and Spring. This isn't just a nice flexibility feature - it's a deliberate institutional design that allows students to graduate faster than a traditional two-semester calendar permits, keeps class sizes smaller by distributing the student body across more terms, and makes it easy to schedule around LDS missions (typically 18-24 months for men, 18 months for women). Returning missionaries have a formal deferment process and re-enrollment path through the admissions office. Rolling admissions (deadline approximately September 1 for fall per Niche; applications accepted through the cycle) mean you can apply at any time. You're not locked into a fall start - Winter semester and Spring semester entries are available and may actually accelerate your graduation timeline if you enter mid-year. If you're planning around a mission departure or return, contact BYU-Idaho admissions directly to map the optimal enrollment term.
BYU-Idaho's Honor Code is not a campus behavioral policy in the conventional sense. It governs all students - on campus, off campus, online, and between semesters - and includes standards around dress and grooming, sexual conduct, honesty, and abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea, rooted in LDS health and ethical principles. Students are expected to abide by these standards continuously, not just while on Rexburg grounds. Violations can result in loss of good Honor Code standing, which prevents class registration and graduation. The Ecclesiastical Endorsement that you renew annually includes an interview with your bishop focused on whether you are living in alignment with these standards. For students whose background includes these lifestyle expectations already - most LDS students - this is the expected normal. For non-LDS students considering BYU-Idaho, honest self-assessment of whether this environment is a genuine fit, rather than an accommodation you'll tolerate, is essential before applying. Rexburg, Idaho is a small rural city in eastern Idaho; the campus and community reflect the LDS cultural environment comprehensively.
BYU-Idaho is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and charges tuition that is significantly subsidized by the Church for members who pay tithing. As of 2025-26, annual tuition for LDS tithe-paying members is approximately $4,000-$4,500 per year - one of the lowest rates at any private four-year university in the United States. Non-LDS students and non-tithe-paying LDS students pay a higher rate (approximately twice the member rate, still well below the private university national average). The three-semester calendar also means that aggressive students can complete a four-year degree's worth of credits in less calendar time, further reducing total cost. BYU-Idaho also offers a fully online degree pathway (separate from the on-campus experience) and BYU Pathway Connect as a pre-enrollment academic preparation program for students not quite ready for BYU-Idaho's direct admission. If cost is a primary factor in your decision and you are an active LDS member, BYU-Idaho likely offers one of the best price-quality ratios available at any private institution in the country.
BYU-Idaho (Rexburg, ID, UNITID 142522) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is entirely different from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah (UNITID 147703 - more selective, 50-60% acceptance rate, median SAT around 1250+, no application fee) and BYU-Hawaii (UNITID 142285 - Laie, Hawaii, LDS-operated). All three require Ecclesiastical Endorsements and share the CES Honor Code, but they are separate institutions with different acceptance rates, locations, campuses, and academic cultures. Students searching "BYU admissions" will frequently land on BYU-Provo results. Confirm UNITID 142522 and byui.edu for BYU-Idaho specifically. Also note: the $35 application fee at BYU-Idaho is not refundable and is paid through the institutional application - BYU-Idaho does not use Common App.
BYUI Profile
Is a BYUI Degree Worth It?
Getting into BYUI 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. BYUI 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 BYUI is $59,000 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.62%.
How much does a degree from BYUI Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Brigham Young University-Idaho is $13,357. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Brigham Young University-Idaho is much less than this.
24.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 11.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to BYUI and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Brigham Young University-Idaho, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist BYUI as your choice in the form.
How much does a BYUI Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $53,406. An average BYUI 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 Brigham Young University-Idaho. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Brigham Young University-Idaho. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Brigham Young University-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 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at BYUI
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About BYUI Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $53,406 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $13,357 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
24.9% 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 Brigham Young University-Idaho is 97% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.34. 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 3.04, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.04, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.94 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 3.34, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Brigham Young University-Idaho is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1123 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 980–1200.
The application deadline for Brigham Young University-Idaho is September 1 for Rolling applicants. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
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.
