U of I hits largest-ever spring enrollment, continuing 10 semesters of growth
Record enrollment reflects rising demand for value, access and career-ready degrees as U of I continues to outpace national trends
March 17, 2026
MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho is riding a wave of growth with the largest-ever spring enrollment in school history, up 2.8% from Spring 2025. This marks the university’s 10th straight semester of growth, pushing spring enrollment up 25.5% since 2021.
“We continue to buck the national trend as students and their families seek the value of a degree from the University of Idaho,” U of I President Scott Green said. “Our students take the unique opportunities offered at U of I and turn them into valuable job-ready skills that employers are looking for.”
Overall enrollment for Spring 2026 is 12,213, up from the Spring 2025 enrollment of 11,886 students. Undergraduate enrollment is 7,369, up 3.5% over enrollment of 7,123 in Spring 2025. Total enrollment — excluding dual credit high school students enrolled in college courses — is up 2.5% to 10,089 students. Other highlights include:
- Idaho resident undergraduate student enrollment increased by 5.2%.
- Undergraduate student enrollment from WUE states is up 8.1%.
- Dual credit high school concurrent enrollment is up 4.2%.
For the sixth year in a row, U of I continues to be ranked as a Best Value Public University in the West by U.S. News and World Report.
R1 status and graduate student enrollment
Graduate enrollment is down 0.7% this fall with 1,934 students compared to 1,947 last year. But doctoral student enrollment is up 1.5% to 592, over Spring 2025 enrollment of 583. U of I achieved R1 Carnegie Classification last spring and continues to be the only university in the state recognized in the top tier of research institutions in the nation. The largest research grants go primarily to RI institutions. With more research, more students have access to participate in meaningful solutions to Idaho’s questions.
Law
The College of Law is up 9.4% with 491 students enrolled compared to 449 last year.
Media contact
Jodi Walker
Executive director of communications
208-885-4295
jwalker@uidaho.edu