U of I ranked No. 1 Best Value Public University in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report
Ranking recognizes U of I’s combination of academic quality, affordability and student opportunity
September 22, 2026
MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho is the No. 1 Best Value Public University in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings released today. This is the seventh year in a row U of I has ranked among the nation’s top public universities for value, placing second only to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in rankings released from 2020-24 and this year claiming the top public spot in a ranking led largely by private institutions.
“This ranking reflects what we work hard to deliver every day: an exceptional education that remains within reach for students and families,” University of Idaho President Scott Green said. “Our students pursue research, learn by doing and build connections that prepare them to succeed after graduation, creating value not just for Idaho but nationally as well through the work they go on to do.”
The Best Value ranking considers both academic quality and cost, comparing a university’s Best Colleges ranking with the net cost of attendance for students receiving need-based scholarships or grants. Only institutions ranked in or near the top half of their categories are considered, meaning schools must meet an academic quality threshold to qualify. At University of Idaho, students earn an average of $10,400 in merit scholarships annually, and thanks to generous donors, more than $30 million in scholarships helps make a high-quality education more affordable for all Vandals.
This recognition comes as U of I continues to strengthen its position as a leading national research university. As Idaho’s only Carnegie R1 research institution, U of I gives undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to learn alongside researchers tackling challenges in Idaho and around the world.
U of I also appears on these U.S. News lists:
- Best National Universities
- Top Public Schools
- Best Undergraduate Business Programs
- Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs
- Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs
U.S. News compares U of I with other national universities — institutions that offer a broad range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral programs.
The complete U.S. News & World Report rankings and methodology are available on the publication’s Best Colleges website.
Media contact
Jodi Walker
Executive director of communications
208-885-4295
jwalker@uidaho.edu