Idaho State University

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Doctoral/Research Universities

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Idaho State University History

Idaho State University was founded in 1901 as the Academy of Idaho and received university status in 1927. Its early emphasis was on technological education. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Its mission statement identifies the university as “the state’s lead institution for education in the health professions and related biological and physical sciences.” Another primary emphasis is teacher preparation. It is classed as a Doctoral Research University—Intensive by the Carnegie Institute.

When it was first founded, Idaho State’s entire campus consisted of only 8 ½ acres donated by Pocatello’s citizens. Since its founding in 1901 as the Academy of Idaho, the University has gone through five name changes. University status was conferred in 1963. Most recently, Idaho State has seen its enrollment increase by 30 percent in the last ten years.

Idaho State University Academics

Idaho State offers 219 degree programs and certifications through its colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Pharmacy, and through its interdisciplinary degree and pre-professional programs. Idaho State is home to more than 700 faculty members providing a student-to-teacher ratio of 17/1 and allowing personal interaction and collaboration. There are also several international and study abroad opportunities for undergraduates to experience.

Idaho State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 7 colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the College of Health Professions, the College of Pharmacy, and the College of Technology.

p. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as American studies, biology, international studies, mathematics, management, early childhood education, family and consumer studies, engineering, dental hygiene, and health education. Many fields have particular concentrations or specializations. Associate degrees are offered in several fields, including art, biology, chemistry, several languages (including Shoshoni), radiographic studies, and sign-language studies.

p. The College of Technology is vocationally oriented, offering programs in fields such as aircraft maintenance, cosmetology, culinary arts, telecommunications, graphic arts, electronics, health information, paralegal studies, registered nursing, and welding. Most programs offer certificates or associate degrees.

p. Graduate programs are offered in over 50 areas. These include master’s level programs in anthropology, art, geosciences, psychology, education, counseling, deaf education, physical therapy, and natural science. Doctoral degrees are offered in ten areas: English, mathematics, physics, political science, psychology, educational leadership, engineering and applied science, counselor education, physical therapy, and pharmacy. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is offered in school psychology, special education, educational administration, and counseling.

Idaho State University Unique Programs

Idaho State has a nationally recognized business program. Its Certified Public Accountants (CPA) program has been ranked among the nation’s best, with students’ pass rates on the CPA examination scoring more than three times the national average, based on students who take the exam for the first time.

ISU offers the region’s best programs in the health sciences and biological fields, including degrees in health care administration, radiographic science, speech pathology, dental hygiene, and dietetics.

Another area of excellence is teacher preparation, including educational administration, physical education, and special education.

Idaho State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to meet the following requirements: 3.6 high school GPA and an ACT score of 25. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will be able to take Honors courses, including 2 seminars, and do an Honors project.

p. ISU offers distance education through dial-up video classroom around the state. Students can also take classes at several branch campuses and other centers.

p. Some of the other unique opportunities available at Idaho State University include a “Clustered Learning for Academic Success” program, in which students enroll in 3-5 related courses with the same classmates.

Idaho State University Financial Aid

Tuition at Idaho State University is $2,000 per semester for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs. Students from most states in the western region of the US (excluding California) are eligible for reduced out-of-state tuition, and some students from Utah or Washington may be eligible for a waiver of out-of-state tuition.

p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for some students, depending upon need. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line. There are several multicultural student scholarships.

p. Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process.

ISU offers the standard financial aid sources and formats, including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Student Loans, Work Study, the Supplemental Educational Opportuniry Grant (SEOG), and Federal Perkins Loan. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in applying for aid, followed by a response and follow-up (as necessary. Prompt replies to the University’s Financial Aid inquiries is the best way to ensure your aid will be processed as quickly as possible. The University’s Financial Aid website provides a checklist of items required to complete the FAFSA paperwork and to correctly process your aid application materials.

Idaho State University Students

Student life at Idaho State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are academic and professional organizations, cultural groups, fraternities and sororities, sports groups, political and religious groups, and special interest groups such as the Acoustic Music and Songwriting Organization and the Chess Club.

p. The Idaho Museum of Natural History has exhibits in anthropology, paleontology, earth science, and life sciences. It offers educational classes and has its own archive and library. A performing arts center is under construction; it will include a concert hall and two theaters.

ISU is particularly proud of its on-campus outdoor program. Particularly, the Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group (CWHOG) provides handicapped students the same opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities as able-bodied students. The Wilderness Rental Center is the central source for renting and using outdoor recreational equipment on campus. There are more than 120 student organizations and clubs on the ISU campus that should meet the needs and interests of nearly every student. The gymnasium is home to the largest climbing wall on a college campus in the western United States, as well as swimming pools, indoor tennis and racquetball courts, and weight rooms.

Idaho State University Traditions

The Robert Allen BengalFest is held annually three hours prior to kickoff and is the largest tailgate party of the year. BengalFest promotes team spirit and school pride, along with great food, camaraderie, and the occasional celebrity appearance. There are games and rides for the kids, a massive barbecue, and the Idaho State marching band.

Idaho State University Local Community

Idaho State University is located in Pocatello, Idaho. The surrounding environment is mountainous. Near-by attractions include historic buildings, a zoo, and nearby skiing and hiking areas.

Pocatello can be found in southeast Idaho among the hills of the Rocky Mountains and near the historic Oregon Trail. The climate is described as “four season” and often sunny and dry. While Pocatello is home to only 55,000 people, it offers 32 parks with hike & bike trails throughout, several museums, golf courses, and recreational complexes, and the Pocatello Zoo.