In a unique fall semester where enrollment at four-year public colleges and universities diverged from the private sector, no state may have epitomized this unique trend more than Idaho.
Enrollment across Idaho’s four public four-year colleges increased by almost 7%, according to the latest numbers from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Meanwhile, enrollment in the state’s private schools fell by more than 13%.
- Boise State University reached 28,461 students, a school record, after increasing enrollment by 4.6%.
- Idaho State University’s enrollment jumped by 6.5% to nearly 14,000 students, the highest headcount in 13 years.
- The University of Idaho’s gains, while modest, marked a fifth straight year of growth.
- Lewis-Clarke State College, the smallest four-year school in the state, topped 4,000 student for the first time in school history.
“Nationally in higher ed, everybody is worried about the demographic cliff,” says Kevin Krebs, CEO of HelloCollege, a college planning and counseling firm. “Idaho has totally bucked” that trend.
State coordination and investment in increasing the “go on” rate of high school graduates enrolling directly into college has played a key factor, says Craig Chatriand, vice president for Student affairs and enrollment management at Idaho State University.
“This is something the state and the State Board of Education have been working on for over 10 years, maybe closer to 15,” he adds. “There’s a couple of things that they’ve put in place that are all contributing to the bigger picture.”
Affordability and access
Idaho implemented a two-year scholarship program in 2023 that has dramatically increased the in-state enrollment rate of high school graduates.
Idaho Launch offers up to $8,000 for high school graduates who choose to enroll at an Idaho public college immediately in the fall.
The in-state enrollment rate of high school graduates has increased by 11% since Launch was implemented, according to a state press release. Idaho now exceeds Nevada, Utah, Washington and other bordering states in retaining students for higher education.
Your next read: Why many students never consider an HBCU
Students who demonstrate financial need and carry a 2.7 unweighted GPA are also eligible for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. It offers up to $3,500 each year and is renewable for four years.
The average in-state tuition and fees for a four-year public institution in Idaho is $8,471, according to the Education Data Initiative.
“The affordability of higher education in the state of Idaho is almost unmatched,” says Chatriand. “Making sure college is worth students’ upfront investment is a high priority for us, and it’s been a crucial reason why institutions continue seeing enrollment [increase].”
Workforce alignment
Students are only eligible for Idaho Launch if they enroll in an academic program that aligns with the state’s “in-demand careers.” That’s determined by an independent state agency, the Idaho Workforce Development Council, that examines job openings, the area’s economic strength and the education and training required.
While healthcare is an in-demand career nationally, “it may be even more important in the state of Idaho,” particularly rural healthcare, says Chatriand.
Idaho State’s College of Technology also offers a variety of two-year degree programs focused on workforce development, including welding, information technology and civil engineering.
Digital marketing and coordination
Idaho has invested deeply in its strategic communications and coordination with K12 to spread awareness among Gen Z and Gen Alpha of in-state higher education opportunities.
“They’ve had a pretty cool digital marketing campaign, especially with Snapchat,” says Krebs from HelloCollege. “They’re meeting the kids where they are, but the messaging is also spot on.”
The state’s marketing tactics have emphasized “career preparedness,” which has resonated with high school graduates, Chatriand says.
“What it comes down to is our admissions recruiters and high school counselors working with individual students to show them this is an affordable investment for their future,” he adds.
