Idaho State University

In the US News National University Rankings, Idaho State University stood at rank 382 in 2027. The university has experienced a downward shift over recent years, dropping 84 spots from rank 298 in 2021, representing a 28.2% change in its numerical ranking. After touching rank 395 in both 2024 and 2026, the school rebounded slightly to its 2027 position. This trajectory places the institution among broad-access public universities nationally, indicating an accessible admissions environment where entry standards remain accommodating for qualifying applicants. Prospective students should recognize that the school provides accessible admission rather than selective entry barriers. When building an application list, candidates should weigh this approachable admissions profile and lower national standing against their individual academic needs and the specific offerings of individual degree programs.

Idaho State University focuses heavily on healthcare and clinical professions. In 2025, the top three undergraduate programs accounted for 27.1% of all bachelor's degrees, indicating moderate concentration. The largest undergraduate major was Registered Nursing, which produced 157 graduates, followed by general psychology and health services. However, the university's largest undergraduate majors are not its highest-ranked offerings; its strongest national standings appear in graduate clinical training. According to US News, the graduate Physician Assistant program achieved rank 26 in 2025, alongside nationally ranked graduate tracks in audiology and pharmacy. International students comprise only a minimal fraction of graduates in these popular fields. Post-graduation compensation demonstrates strong outcomes in healthcare disciplines, as 2023 earnings data show that Registered Nursing graduates earned a median of $74,487 one year after finishing their degree. For applicants, the university serves primarily as a regional training ground for health specialists.

In 2025, Idaho State University enrolled a diverse range of student cohorts across its degree and non-degree levels, with White students comprising the clear majority across every undergraduate division, followed by Hispanic learners. Female students represent the majority throughout the student population. International and Asian students constitute small shares of the undergraduate community. Among the incoming freshman class, international students numbered 61, representing 3.5% of the group, while Asian students totaled 11, making up 0.6%. Asian and international representation increases modestly at the graduate level, where international scholars form a larger presence. Overall, the campus community is primarily local and regional in its enrollment composition, with relatively low counts of international and Asian scholars across undergraduate programs. For incoming students, this environment offers an educational setting rooted mainly in the surrounding mountain west region.

The age profile at Idaho State University reveals distinct demographic patterns across degree levels. In 2025, students under 18 formed the largest undergraduate age group at 29.4%, reflecting significant participation by secondary-school-aged learners. Traditional college students aged 18 to 19 made up 24.3% of undergraduates, followed by those aged 20 to 21. Meanwhile, graduate programs serve working-age adults, led by students aged 25 to 29, who accounted for 29.8% of the graduate cohort, with additional representation among students in their thirties and forties. Consequently, campus academic life encompasses both early-stage adolescent learners in undergraduate coursework and older, career-focused adults pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees.

International student participation at Idaho State University differs markedly between undergraduate and graduate levels. Among undergraduates, international enrollment declined over the decade, settling at 2% in 2025. Despite this drop, the school's 2% undergraduate international share is higher than 67% of peer schools in its comparison group. At the graduate level, the international share climbed to 6.6% in 2025. Across graduation cohorts in 2025, international scholars were concentrated in select professional fields rather than undergraduate programs. International students received few undergraduate degrees, but represented a larger presence in graduate programs. This was most pronounced in the master's program in Business Administration, where international students accounted for 15.6% of all graduates.

Families looking at higher education options in the Intermountain West can consider several alternatives within driving distance of Pocatello. Located 83.8 kilometers away across the Utah border, Utah State University is a National University that ranked 288 in the 2027 rankings. Continuing south into Salt Lake City, University of Utah is positioned 148.3 kilometers away and held a rank of 179 among National Universities. Further south in Provo, Brigham Young University sits 185.0 kilometers from campus and achieved a rank of 116. Within Idaho, Boise State University is located 196.6 kilometers to the west in the state capital, ranking 299 among National Universities in 2027. Reviewing these regional public and private institutions offers helpful comparative perspective on academic positioning and geographic setting.

Campus safety metrics at Idaho State University show a moderate rise in reported incidents between 2016 and 2025. The crime rate per 1,000 students rose from 3 in 2016 to 6.3 in 2025. An examination of specific law enforcement categories reveals that disciplinary referrals and behavioral issues form the primary share of campus incidents. Over the three-year period from 2023 to 2025, disciplinary referrals for liquor violations constituted the most common infraction, with 69 reported incidents. Stalking was the second most frequent category, totaling 54 incidents across those same three years, followed by theft and drug law violations. Prospective students evaluating the residential campus should consider these safety trends when planning campus housing.