Thinking about going to the University of Idaho? That is awesome. Moscow, Idaho is a super fun college town. Plus, the Vandals have a great community.
But let’s talk about the money. Because college is not cheap.
How much does the University of Idaho actually cost per semester?
We have all the numbers right here. No confusing math. Just the straight facts.
The Quick Answer: In-State vs. Out-of-State
Tuition depends on where you live. If you are an Idaho resident, you pay way less. If you come from another state, it costs more.
Here is the basic breakdown for undergraduate students per semester.
Undergraduate Tuition Per Semester (2024-2025)
| Student Type | Tuition & Fees (Per Semester) |
|---|---|
| Idaho Resident (In-State) | $4,700 |
| Out-of-State Resident | $14,500 |
| WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) | $7,050 |
Note: These are estimated averages. Prices can change a little bit depending on your major and specific classes.
What is WUE? (A Big Money Saver!)
Are you from the West but not from Idaho? Do not panic. You might get a huge discount.
It is called the WUE program. That stands for Western Undergraduate Exchange.
If you live in states like Washington, Oregon, Montana, California, or Nevada, you might qualify. Instead of paying the full out-of-state price, you pay way less. It is like a middle price.
And honestly? It saves you thousands of dollars. Definitely look into it.
Graduate Student Tuition Per Semester
Are you going for your Master’s or Ph.D.? Graduate school costs are a bit different.
Here is what graduate tuition looks like per semester.
Graduate Tuition Per Semester
| Student Type | Graduate Tuition (Per Semester) |
|---|---|
| Idaho Resident Graduate | $5,300 |
| Out-of-State Graduate | $15,100 |
Don’t Forget About the Extra Fees!
Tuition is just for your classes. But you gotta live too. And eat.
There is other stuff you have to pay for every semester.
Here is an estimate of what those extra things cost.
Estimated Extra Costs Per Semester
| Expense | Cost Per Semester (Average) |
|---|---|
| Housing and Food (Dorms & Meal Plan) | $5,500 |
| Books and School Supplies | $600 |
| Personal Expenses & Fun | $1,000 |
| Transportation (Gas, Parking Permit) | $700 |
So. If you add it all up?
An in-state student living on campus might spend around $11,500 to $12,500 total per semester for everything.
An out-of-state student might spend around $21,000 to $22,000 total per semester.
Can You Get Financial Aid?
Yes. Absolutely.
Do not let these big numbers scare you. Almost nobody pays the full sticker price.
The University of Idaho gives out a ton of scholarships. They have the “Go Idaho” scholarship program for local kids. They also have “Western Undergraduate Exchange” scholarships for out-of-state kids.
What you need to do:
- Fill out the FAFSA. Do this early. It gets you free grants and student loans.
- Apply for U of I scholarships. They have a general application. Fill it out once. It applies you to hundreds of scholarships.
- Look for work-study jobs. You can work on campus. It helps pay the bills.
Is the University of Idaho Worth It?
Most students say yes. It is a top-ranked research university. But it still feels like a small, friendly school.
The cost of living in Moscow, Idaho is also pretty cheap compared to big cities.
So if you want a great education without totally drowning in debt, U of I is a really solid choice.
Got questions?
Talk to the financial aid office at U of I. They are super nice. They will help you make a plan that works for your wallet. Go Vandals!