Rankings and fast facts

Brave and bold is earned

University of Idaho is Idaho’s only Carnegie R1 research university and the No. 1 Best Value Public University in the Nation according to U.S. News & World Report. For more than 130 years, Vandals have pushed boundaries, rethought the norm and turned bold ideas into solutions for Idaho and the world.

U of I is nationally recognized for academic excellence, with undergraduate programs in engineering, business, psychology and computer science nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. That excellence is backed by high-impact research, accessible faculty and innovative students.

U of I at a glance

• No. 1 Best Value Public University in the Nation - U.S. News & World Report
• Top 4% Among U.S. universities for research activity
• $151.5M Annual research expenditures
• 12,275 Students
• 18:1 Student-to-faculty ratio 

Idaho’s only Carnegie R1 university

Top 4% in the nation

University of Idaho is one of just 187 universities nationwide to earn Carnegie R1 classification, a distinction recognizing institutions with the highest levels of research activity. U of I is the only university in Idaho to hold this designation.

We invest more in research than any other university in the state to advance innovation, drive economic growth and prepare students at every level to create solutions that matter.

World-class faculty and hands-on research opportunities empower Vandals to tackle global challenges — from energy and agriculture to cybersecurity and healthcare. U of I research delivers breakthrough ideas that serve communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Research in action

Discover how University of Idaho research is advancing knowledge and shaping what’s next.

Leading the nation for value

University of Idaho is the No. 1 Best Value Public University in the Nation in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings.

For seven consecutive years, U of I has ranked among the nation’s top public universities for value, delivering an exceptional education that remains within reach for students and families. The Best Value ranking considers academic quality alongside the net cost of attendance for students receiving need-based aid.

Creating opportunity for students

U of I helps students from all backgrounds access a high-quality education and turn that opportunity into lasting success. National recognition for social mobility, veteran support and in-state value reflects U of I's commitment to making higher education accessible and helping students succeed.

Top Performer on Social Mobility — U.S. News & World Report

U of I is recognized for helping students from a range of economic backgrounds reach graduation. The Social Mobility ranking looks specifically at graduation outcomes for students who receive federal Pell Grants.

Best College for Veterans — U.S. News & World Report

U of I is named among the Best College for Veterans for its academic standing and participation in federal programs that make a college education more accessible to veterans and active-duty service members.

Best Value for In-State Students — U.S. News & World Report

For Idaho students, a high-quality education can also be a strong value. U.S. News evaluates both academic quality and the cost of attendance for in-state students, factoring in need-based scholarships and grants when applicable.

Sustainability in action

Sustainability is part of how University of Idaho approaches education, research and campus operations. Through academic programs, student engagement and institutional practices, U of I prepares students to address environmental challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.

STARS Gold Rating for Sustainability Excellence – AASHE

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) evaluates environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability at colleges and universities. U of I’s Gold rating reflects performance across four main categories: academics, engagement, operations and planning/administration.

100% sustainability curriculum score

U of I earned 100% of the applicable points in the STARS curriculum category, which considers sustainability-focused courses, academic programs, hands-on learning and assessments of student learning.

Students can pursue a 12-credit sustainability certificate open to undergraduate and graduate students across majors.

Recognized for results by U.S. News & World Report

University of Idaho earns national recognition across undergraduate and graduate education, academic programs and research. U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight U of I's academic quality, value and strengths across a range of disciplines.

Best Colleges Rankings (2027)

• #1 Best Value Public University in the Nation
• #208 in National Universities
• #110 Top Public Schools
• #160 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
• #66 Best Value for In-State Students
• #176 Best Undergraduate Business Programs
• #193 Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs
• #148 Best Colleges for Veterans
• #196 Top Performers on Social Mobility

Graduate Schools Rankings (2026)

• #69 Best Education Schools
• #151 Best Computer Science Schools
• #148 Best Law Schools (#80 Environmental Law)
• #142 Best Engineering Schools
• #89 Earth Sciences
• #131 Biological Sciences
• #148 Physics
• #163 Chemistry

Global Rankings (2026-27)

• #1435 Best Global Universities
• #434 Agricultural Sciences
• #450 Environment/Ecology
• #438 Plant and Animal Science

View U of I on U.S. News & World Report

UIdaho fast facts

From our founding in 1889 to our statewide presence today, University of Idaho continues to grow its impact through education, research and service. Explore key facts about U of I.

• Founded: 1889
• Nickname: Vandals
• Enrollment: 12,275 (Fall 2026)
  • Doctoral student enrollment: 634 (Fall 2026)
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1 (Fall 2025)
• Annual research expenditures: $151.5M (FY25)
• Cumulative degrees awarded: 146,572 (Through Fall 2026)
• First-generation enrollment: 29.7% (Fall 2025)
• International students: 5.5% (Spring 2026)
• Locations: Moscow (Main) | Boise | Coeur d'Alene | Idaho Falls | Online

*Figures reflect the most recently available institutional data as of October 2026. Reporting periods vary by measure.

Budget snapshot

University of Idaho's financial resources support student learning, academic programs, research and statewide operations. Explore key figures that provide a snapshot of university funding and investment. 

• $208.8M General Education Budget
• $15.7M Land Grant Endowment
• $79.7M Tuition
• $115.3M State General Fund