Idaho State University: A Demographic Overview

Idaho State University (ISU), a public research university in Pocatello, Idaho, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1901 as the Academy of Idaho. Over the years, ISU has evolved, expanding its programs and student body. This article delves into the demographic composition of ISU, examining various aspects such as geographic diversity, age diversity, race and ethnicity, and gender distribution.

A Historical Overview of Idaho State University

Founded on March 11, 1901, as the Academy of Idaho, the institution underwent several name changes, including Idaho Technical Institute (1915-1927), University of Idaho-Southern Branch (1927-1947), and Idaho State College (1947-1963) before finally becoming Idaho State University. The university offers more than 250 programs at its main campus in Pocatello and locations in Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls.

Geographic Diversity

ISU's student body reflects a mix of local, regional, and international students. While a significant portion of students hail from Idaho, the university also attracts individuals from other states and countries.

Student Location Diversity

When it comes to geographic diversity, ISU ranks 1,156 out of 2,183. Student Location Diversity is 47 out of 100.

6% of ISU students come from out of state, and 6.93% come from out of the country. The undergraduate student body is split among 24 states (may include Washington D.C.).

Age Diversity

ISU prides itself on attracting students of all ages, fostering a diverse learning environment.

Traditional College Age

A traditional college student is defined as being between the ages of 18-21. The age diversity score this school received indicates it is doing a good job attracting students of all ages. Student Age Diversity is 90.92 out of 100.

Enrollment Statistics

In the fall, Idaho State University welcomed the largest class of first-time undergraduate students in a decade. Total fall enrollment at Idaho State University increased 3.5 percent this fall compared to last fall, with a total enrollment of 13,078. Total undergraduate enrollment was 10,850, an increase of 4.1 percent, and the highest since Fall 2016.

In 2023, Idaho State University had a total enrollment of 12,614 students. The full-time enrollment at Idaho State University is 7,248 students and the part-time enrollment is 5,366. This means that 57.5% of students enrolled at Idaho State University are enrolled full-time.

Race and Ethnicity

The enrolled student population at Idaho State University, both undergraduate and graduate, is 71.3% White, 12.9% Hispanic or Latino, 3.65% Two or More Races, 1.45% Asian, 1.26% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.06% Black or African American, and 0.293% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

Students enrolled at Idaho State University in full-time Undergraduate programs are most commonly White Female (43.1%), followed by White Male (28.5%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (9.58%). Students enrolled in full-time Graduate programs are most commonly White Female (43.9%), followed by White Male (25.3%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (5.5%).

Gender Distribution

More than 12,000 students attend Idaho State, with 57 percent of enrollment female and 43 percent male. In 2023, 608 more women than men received degrees from Idaho State University. In 2023, 1,176 degrees were awarded to men at Idaho State University, which is 0.659 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (1,784).

Tuition and Financial Aid

In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Idaho State University is $5,992, which is $−25,011 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $12,353.

48% of undergraduate students at Idaho State University received financial aid through grants or loans in 2023.

Graduation and Retention Rates

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Idaho State University was 74%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Doctoral Universities (84%), Idaho State University had a retention rate lower than its peers.

In 2023, 20% of students graduating from Idaho State University completed their program within 100% "normal time". Comparatively, 36% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 39% within 200%. The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Idaho State University is Female and Asian (66.7% graduation rate).

Campus Life and Activities

ISU offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of activities and organizations for students to participate in. Student government is administered by the Associated Students of Idaho State University (ASISU). ISU has more than 140 registered professional, academic, cultural, service and social student organizations.

The Pond Student Union (SUB) serves as the community center for the university. The SUB consists of three floors that house among other things the campus bookstore, student government and organization offices, Outdoor Adventure Center, craft shop, ISU Credit Union, offices of the Vice President for Student Affairs, bowling alley, movie theater, Veterans Sanctuary, LEAD Center and numerous conference/banquet rooms used for meeting and large scale campus events.

Facilities

The 255,000 square foot, five-level Rendezvous Complex built in 2007 is centrally located on the Idaho State University campus. The complex houses 50 classrooms, ranging from 15-seat seminar rooms to a 250-seat lecture hall.

In August 2010, Reed Gym announced the opening of a new addition, the Student Recreation Center, giving Reed nearly 100,000 square feet of recreational opportunities.

Athletics

The Idaho State University Bengals compete as a member school of the Big Sky Conference in the NCAA Division I FCS. Home football games are played at the ICCU Dome (formerly known as Holt Arena), which has a seating capacity of 12,000 for football games and is the oldest enclosed stadium on a college campus in the United States.

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