U of I Moves Up 42 Spots in Value Ranking by U.S. News & World Report
September 15, 2020
MOSCOW, Idaho — Sept. 14, 2020 — The University of Idaho is the highest-ranked public institution in the West on a list of Top 50 Best Value colleges released today by U.S. News & World Report. U of I is the third-highest ranking public institution nationally on the same list, having climbed 42 spots over last year to No. 37. The top 50 Best Value colleges list contains 46 private institutions.
The “Best Value” ranking is among several in the magazine’s annual report where U of I is lauded in 2021. The category compares overall quality of the institution related to its price and any need-based aid or discounts given. U of I offers more than $30 million in scholarships and waivers each year to support students. Only University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and University of Virginia ranked higher among public universities in the category.
U of I also improved its ranking as a top 100 public university – moving up six spots to 83 for 2021 – and appears on several specialty lists, including “A+ Schools for B Students” and “Best Colleges for Veterans.”
“Today’s U.S. News rankings cement our position as one of the best public institutions in the country. This affirms what we already know: our students receive a transformational experience at a reasonable price,” University of Idaho President Scott Green said. “They recognize that not only are we delivering on our statewide mission, we’re elevating the lives of Vandals who graduate from the University of Idaho prepared for careers and life beyond the classroom.”
U of I was already ranked in the top 6% of all public universities. U.S. News rankings compare U of I with other national universities that offer a full range of undergraduate majors, master's degrees and doctoral programs. U of I comes in at 170 on that list this fall, up from 179 a year ago.
Among other categories, U of I is ranked as a top performer on social mobility, which looks at the graduation rate for students who receive need-based Pell grants compared to those who don’t receive need-based aid.
Specialty lists made by the university include:
- A+ Schools for B Students
- Best Colleges for Veterans
- Undergraduate Business Programs
- Undergraduate Computer Science Programs
- Top Performers on Social Mobility
- Undergraduate Engineering Programs – Doctorate
Additional university rankings are available at uidaho.edu/usnwr. The full U.S. News & World Report rankings and methodology are available on the magazine’s Best Colleges website.
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Media Contact
Jodi Walker
University Communications and Marketing
Director of Communications
208-885-4295
jwalker@uidaho.edu
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho, home of the Vandals, is Idaho’s land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to nearly 11,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu