Admissions
Ready to join the Vandal family?
Discover your strengths and challenge yourself at University of Idaho. Push boundaries and shape your future with one of over 200 degree programs. With a vast range of undergraduate and graduate academic areas to explore, you’ll find a perfect major for you and gain the skills, knowledge and experience to make a lasting impact in your world.
We’re the Best Value Public School in the West — no contest. Experience being a Vandal firsthand with our affordable in-state tuition, participation in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), vibrant student life, diverse clubs and organizations, Division I athletics and plentiful undergraduate and graduate research opportunities.
Apply today
Take the next step toward becoming a Vandal.
UIdaho admissions requirements
We’re here to help you through every step of the application process. Select the type of student you are and we’ll show you what to do next.
An education at U of I is within reach
Net price calculator
Planning for college is an exciting step toward your future and understanding the costs is an important part of the journey.
Scholarships and financial aid
Make the most of scholarship and student aid opportunities at University of Idaho. No matter where you are in your educational journey, there are options available to help fund your education.
Find your path to admission
Undergraduate admissions
Explore more than 200 degree programs with guidance from our nationally recognized faculty, who are excited to work with you in and outside the classroom. Find admission requirements or connect with an admissions counselor for personalized support.
Dual credit admissions
Earn college credit while you’re still in high school through U of I’s Dual Credit Program. If you have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, you can enroll in college courses that count toward high school and college graduation.
Graduate admissions
Advance your career and expand your expertise with one of U of I’s 103 graduate programs, backed by our designation as Idaho’s only Carnegie R1 university. Find admission requirements, key deadlines and faculty mentorship opportunities.
International admissions
Join a diverse, global community while earning a degree that’s one of the best educational investments in the United States.
Law school admissions
Pursue a career in law in a supportive academic environment at University of Idaho College of Law. Benefit from lower tuition and fees compared to other ABA-accredited institutions, with courses available in Moscow and Boise.
Online program admissions
Earn your degree from anywhere with University of Idaho’s online undergraduate and graduate programs. Get the same high-quality education as on-campus students while advancing your skills and career on your schedule.
Returning student admissions
We are excited to welcome you back to University of Idaho! We know that returning to school after a break can be both exciting and challenging. We are here to help you make a smooth transition back to your studies.
Admissions requirements
Undergraduate
You are a returning student if you attended U of I more than two years ago as an undergraduate and wish to return to a bachelor's degree program.
You must submit:
- An application for readmission. Apply online and select the readmission application type.
- $30 application fee (nonrefundable).
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended since last attending the University of Idaho.
- Returning students who were not in good academic standing when they left the university need to follow the appropriate reinstatement procedures as stated in the General catalog.
Graduate
Students wanting to return to complete a graduate program should review this information.
We're here to help!
If you have any questions about the admissions process or returning to University of Idaho, email us.
Additional tips for returning students
- Connect with your advisor. Your advisor can help you create an academic plan and answer any questions you have about your courses or major.
- Take advantage of the resources available to you. U of I offers a variety of resources to help students succeed, such as tutoring, counseling and Career Services.
- Secure your housing. Explore on-campus and off-campus options.
- Explore next steps. Look through the admitted to-do list and dates and deadlines.
- Complete your degree with Vandal Finish, a College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences program designed to support returning students.
Non-degree seeking admissions
Learning is a lifelong ambition. That's why University of Idaho offers a variety of options for those who want to enrich their lives through education but who are not seeking a degree. If you qualify, you may take a class online, at one of our campus locations throughout the state or through an Extension office.
Students do not have to be formally admitted to register for the following programs:
Admission requirements
Students who wish to enroll in courses pertaining to their personal interest and who have not been admitted into a degree-seeking program would be considered a non-degree student.
To be admitted as a non-degree seeking student, you must:
- Be a high school graduate or have completed the GED.
- Understand that acceptance in this category does not constitute acceptance to a degree-granting program.
- Have sufficient educational background to qualify for the course or courses in which enrollment is sought.
- Accept personal responsibility for the applicability of credits earned while registered in this category.
- Understand that students in this non-degree category cannot be considered for federal or state financial aid.
A non-degree student may register for no more than 7 credits each semester and may complete a maximum of 32 semester credits at University of Idaho. Upon completion of 32 semester credits, the student must either be admitted as a degree-seeking student at University of Idaho or submit a letter of appeal to continue as a non-degree student. Any deviations from the admission policy or credit limits need the approval of the Director of Admissions and/or the Admissions Committee.
- Instructor permission is required to enroll in 5000-6000 level courses.
- Permission of the Dean of the College of Law is required to enroll in 8000-9999 level courses.
If you have not yet graduated from high school or obtained a GED, you may be admitted as a non-degree student based on U of I’s dual-credit policies.
Personalized support for your path to U of I
As a military service member or veteran, a returning student, a nontraditional learner or a student coming from a homeschool background, University of Idaho offers personalized resources and support to help you achieve your goals.
- Military service members and veterans: Receive specialized advising, assistance with military education benefits and join a supportive campus community.
- Non-traditional students: Access programs and services tailored to fit your unique schedule and priorities.
- Homeschool graduates: Transition smoothly into university life with tools and support designed for your individual learning experience.
Our academics
University of Idaho is the state’s first and only Carnegie R1 university, ranking among the top 4% of universities nationwide for exceptional research. At U of I, you can join research as an undergraduate, gain critical thinking skills, discipline and experience that employers value. Your education will set you up for career success and endless opportunities to innovate and grow.
Explore degreesU of I Admissions Committee
Students who don’t meet standard admission criteria — such as those who earned a GED, homeschooled students or graduates of nonaccredited high schools — are automatically reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
Other applicants who do not meet admission criteria may request an appeal for an admissions decision from the Admissions Committee.
Applying through the Admissions Committee
If you completed a GED, were homeschooled or graduated from a nonaccredited high school, your application will automatically be referred to the Admissions Committee for review.
Application requirements for these groups are listed on the first-year admission requirements page. Submit all standard application materials through the online application portal and send any additional committee materials to admissions@uidaho.edu.
Important: All materials must arrive at the Admissions Office at least one week before the committee meeting. Use your application portal to check that your checklist is complete — your file will not be reviewed until all required items are received.
Appealing an admissions decision
To start your appeal, you’ll need make a request via email and provide the following documents to admissions@uidaho.edu:
- Personal statement – Describe your goals, career or educational objectives, explain your past academic performance, and share any extenuating circumstances or additional information you want the committee to consider.
- Three signed letters of recommendation – These should be from individuals who can speak to your academic ability.
These materials will be reviewed along with the applications materials already submitted via the online application portal.
Important: All materials must arrive at the Admissions Office at least one week before the committee meeting. Use your application portal to check that your checklist is complete — your file will not be reviewed until all required items are received.
What happens after an Admission Committee review?
The Admissions Committee may:
- Grant regular admission
- Offer provisional admission
- Freshmen:
Provisional admission grants full enrollment, but you must complete 14 semester hours of baccalaureate-level courses within your first three semesters. Twelve of these 14 credits must come from four different categories of the university’s general education requirements. If you don’t meet these conditions within three semesters, you may be dismissed (subject to appeal). - Transfer students (with more than 14 transferable credits):
You must complete your first semester at U of I with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Freshmen:
- Grant admission to the Vandal Gateway Program
- The Vandal Gateway Program (VGP) is a first-year success program that helps you transition to college life. You’ll take general education courses as a cohort (English 101/102 and Comm 101), receive extra advising and get expanded academic support. Learn more about the Vandal Gateway Program at U of I.
- Recommend community college coursework
- You may be asked to earn 14 transferable credits at a community college with at least a 2.0 GPA before reapplying (see transfer requirements).
Upcoming Admissions Committee meetings
- Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Materials due by 5 p.m. PT, Wednesday, June 25 - Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Materials due by 5 p.m. PT, Wednesday, July 23 - Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025
Materials due by 5 p.m. PT, Wednesday, Aug. 6
Where ambition meets opportunity
As a Vandal, you’re empowered to turn your goals into reality with hands-on learning, world-class faculty and opportunities to join cutting-edge research. From your academic experience to a lively and welcoming campus community, explore how U of I helps you create a future that’s uniquely yours.
Need help? Contact us.
The Office of Admissions is here to help you! Just email or call 208-885-6326. Still want more help? Find your admissions counselor to connect in-person, virtually or even by text message.
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