Undergraduate Admissions

Before taking classes at Idaho State University, students must be admitted as either a degree seeking or non-degree seeking student. To apply for admission, a person must submit a completed application for admission and submit a $50 non-refundable application fee.  ACT and SAT scores are currently waived for admission but are still used for scholarship and course placement purposes. Degree-seeking students must also provide official high school/college transcripts to the ISU Admissions Office:

Office of Admissions
921 S 8th Ave. Stop 8270
Pocatello, ID 83209-8270
(208) 282-2475
https://www.isu.edu/admissions/
email: admissions@isu.edu

Admission Process

The following information applies to undergraduate students applying for admission to academic programs. If you would like information about admission to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, you can contact the College of Technology. Graduate students should refer to the Graduate Catalog. Doctor of Pharmacy students should refer to the College of Pharmacy. International Students should refer to the International Programs Office.

Idaho State University welcomes all students of good character who provide evidence of suitable preparation for work at the college level. The Office of Admissions encourages future students to reach their educational dreams by providing exceptional service and personal support through the exploration, application, acceptance, transfer, orientation, and initial enrollment process. Future students are welcome to contact the Office of Admissions for information regarding the application process, or they may visit our web page at https://www.isu.edu/admissions/.

The Office of Admissions notifies students of admission decisions within 14 days of receiving their completed application. Decisions may be delayed if documentation is incomplete upon submission. Students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript. However, the university reserves the right to restrict registration for the term following admission if all required documents, including final transcripts, are not submitted.

Failure to list and submit transcripts from all schools attended or submission of inaccurate information is considered fraud and is cause for refusal of admission or dismissal from Idaho State University. All required documentation must be received prior to admission.

When to Apply

To allow appropriate time for evaluation and admission decisions, all applications and documentation should be submitted to the Office of Admission by the application deadline (see below). Applications may be accepted after this deadline, but an admission decision cannot be guaranteed prior to the beginning of the ensuing semester.

Semester Freshmen Applicants Transfer Applicants International Applicants
Fall August 1 August 1 May 1
Spring December 1 December 1 August 1
Summer Contact Admissions Rolling Applications not accepted

Definitions

Admission Decision Definitions

Students are admitted to Idaho State University with a status of Assured Admission or Conditional Admission.

  1. Assured Admission - The applicant has satisfied the full complement of admission requirements.
  2. Conditional Admission - The applicant has satisfied most of the admission requirements. Conditional Admission is not a probationary status. Students conditionally accepted are considered for scholarships and have the rights and privileges granted to all students.

Idaho State University has different application processes and requirements for the following groups of students:

  1. Freshmen - Students who have not enrolled in any college or university after graduating from high school (or receiving a GED).
    1. Note: Students who have been enrolled in an early college or dual/concurrent enrollment program while still classified as high school students are considered freshmen, as long as they do not attend a post-secondary institution before attending Idaho State University.
  2. Transfer Students - Students who have one or more attempted and/or in-progress credits at any college or university after graduating from high school (or receiving a GED) prior to enrolling at Idaho State University.
  3. Career and Technical - Students who plan on enrolling in a career and technical program through the College of Technology. For students seeking information regarding admission to career and technical programs, contact the College of Technology.
  4. Former - A student who previously enrolled at ISU as a degree-seeking student and who is returning after an absence of 8 semesters (including summers), and who has not attended another institution since leaving.
  5. Post Baccalaureate - Students who have a bachelor’s degree or are in the process of completing their bachelor’s degree. Students can be admitted with an in-progress transcript with the bachelor’s degree not posted; once the degree is posted, the applicant must provide a final transcript with the degree posted. 
  6. Non-Degree - Students who are attending ISU without intention of seeking a degree. These students are limited to 7 credits a semester and do not qualify for financial aid.
  7. Early College - Qualified high school students may enroll at Idaho State University through the Early College Program as a dual credit student. High school students meeting the requirements will be allowed to enroll as non-degree-seeking students.
  8. International - An international student is a student who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and who is in, or will be seeking, a non-immigrant visa status that permits study in the United States.  Refer to International Programs Office processes.
  9. Continuing Student - A continuing student is a student who has been admitted to and enrolled in at least one term at Idaho State University. Continuing students remain active for up to eight consecutive semesters (including summer), even if they are not enrolled during that time, and are not required to reapply for admission within that period.

Citizenship status clarifications:

  1. Dual Citizen - Students with citizenship in the United States and another country must meet the admission requirements for their student application type. Applicants need to submit appropriate documentation demonstrating their dual citizenship. If educated in a foreign country, they may also be required to provide proof of English proficiency (see English Proficiency Requirements).
  2. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) - Undocumented applicants who come to the U.S. as children. Applicants need to submit appropriate documentation demonstrating their DACA status.

Official Transcripts:

High School Transcripts - Official high school transcripts may be submitted in one of the following ways:

  • Sent directly from the high school through a secure e-transcript service or by mail, or
  • Submitted by the student in a sealed envelope from the issuing school

College/University Transcripts - Official college or university transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution through secure e-transcript services or mailed in a sealed envelope.  Transcripts submitted by a student are not considered official, even if they are in a sealed envelope.

New Freshmen

Application Steps for New Freshmen

  1. Submit the Undergraduate Application. The form is online at http://www.isu.edu/apply/.
  2. Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
  3. Submit official ACT and/or SAT scores (students 21 or older are exempt from submitting ACT/SAT scores).  ACT and SAT scores are currently waived for admission but are still used for scholarship purposes.
  4. Submit an official high school transcript or GED test scores. Official transcripts must be mailed in a sealed envelope to Idaho State University directly from the awarding institution. Transcripts may also be accepted as official if sent through secure e-transcript services directly from the issuing institution. Transcripts will only be accepted directly from a student if the transcript is in a sealed envelope.
  5. Submit official transcripts to ISU for any non-ISU college credits for dual enrollment.
  6. After high school graduation, submit an official final high school transcript with your graduation date.  Official transcripts must come directly from the awarding institution or may be from the student if in a sealed envelope.  

High School Graduates

High School graduates who will be under the age of 17 at the start of the term they've applied for may be required to petition for admission. Students from Idaho will be evaluated for completion of the Idaho State Board of Education core upon receipt of a final high school transcript with the graduation date posted.

Idaho State Board of Education College Entrance Core Requirements

Department # Semesters
English (Composition, Literature) 8
Mathematics (Applied Math I, Applied Math II, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Analytic Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Trigonometry; at least 4 semesters must be taken during grades 10 through 12) 6
Natural Science (Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Physiology, Physical Science, Physics, Zoology. Selected applied science courses may count for up to 2 semesters. At least 2 semesters must be for courses which include a laboratory science experience.) 6
Social Science (American Government, Geography, U.S. History, World History. Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology) 5
Humanities/Foreign Language (Literature, History, Philosophy, Foreign Language, and related study of 2 or more of the traditional humanities disciplines) 2
Other college prep (Speech, Studio/Performing Arts (Art, Dance, Drama, Music), additional Foreign Language. Up to 2 semesters of approved vocational courses may apply; consult your high school counselor) 3

Assured Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed New Undergraduate Application;
  2. $50 nonrefundable application fee;
  3. A 2.50 or better cumulative (unweighted) grade point average;
  4. Completion of the Idaho State Board of Education high school core requirements;

Applicants who meet the above criteria for GPA but lack up to two core high school classes will be granted Conditional Admission.

*ACT and SAT scores are currently waived for admission but are still used for scholarship and course placement purposes.

Conditional Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Undergraduate Application and paid the $50 nonrefundable application fee;
  2. A 2.25 or better cumulative (unweighted) grade point average;

*ACT and SAT scores are currently waived for admission but are still used for scholarship and course placement purposes.

Home School Students

Assured Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Undergraduate Application;
  2. $50 non-refundable application fee;
  3. A 2.50 or better cumulative (unweighted) grade point average;
  4. Home School Transcript or list of coursework;**

*ACT and SAT scores are currently waived for admission but are still used for scholarship and course placement purposes.
**Note that the transcript must be sent by the student's parent or guardian who administered the teaching of the student. Transcripts will not be accepted directly from a student.

Conditional Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Undergraduate Application;
  2. $50 non-refundable application fee;
  3. A 2.25 or better cumulative (unweighted) grade point average;
  4. Home School Transcript or list of coursework;

*ACT and SAT scores are currently waived for admission but are still used for scholarship and course placement purposes.

GED Applicants

GED Applicants Younger than 17 Years of Age - GED students younger than 17 must petition the Admission Committee to be considered for admission.

GED Applicants (GED Taken in 2014 or later)

Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Undergraduate Application;
  2. $50 non-refundable application fee;
  3. Passing GED scores with a minimum 145 score on each test and a total of 580 or above;

*ACT and SAT scores are currently waived for admission but are still used for scholarship and course placement purposes.

GED Applicants (GED taken between 2002 through 2013)

Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Undergraduate Application;
  2. $50 non-refundable application fee;
  3. Passing GED scores with a minimum 410 score on each test and an average of 450 or above; 

*ACT and SAT scores are currently waived for admission but are still used for scholarship and course placement purposes.

GED Applicants (GED Taken earlier than 2002)

Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Undergraduate Application;
  2. $50 non-refundable application fee;
  3. Passing GED scores with a minimum of 41 on each test and a total of 45 or higher;

HiSET Applicants

The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) is an alternative to the high school diploma, similar to the GED, and is accepted at ISU for admission.  

Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Undergraduate Application;
  2. $50 non-refundable application fee;
  3. Students who have earned a HiSET must score at least an 8 on each test with a minimum combined score of 45.

*ACT and SAT scores are currently waived for admission but are still used for scholarship and course placement purposes.

 

Transfer Students

Applicants who have one or more attempted and/or in-progress credits at any college or university after graduating from high school (or receiving a GED) prior to enrolling at Idaho State University are considered to be transfer students. Applicants who have completed less than 14 credits after high school must submit their official high school transcript in addition to all college transcripts as they are part of the academic record.

Application Steps for Transfer Students:

  1. Submit the Undergraduate Application. The form is online at http://www.isu.edu/apply/.
  2. Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
  3. Submit an official transcript from each college previously attended, whether accredited or unaccredited, to Idaho State University. Official transcripts must be mailed in a sealed envelope to Idaho State University by the awarding institution. Transcripts may also be accepted as official if sent through secure e-transcript services directly from the issuing institution. College-level transcripts will not be accepted directly from a student. 
    1. Students who have earned Military Service credit through Military training modules reported on the Joint Service Transcript or an institutionally accredited Military school must provide ISU with an official transcript. For more information about receiving college-bearing credit from their Joint Service Transcript (JST), go to Credit for Military Service.
  4. If applying in mid-semester while attending elsewhere, applicants must submit an in-progress college transcript indicating grades earned through the most recently completed semester. Once they have completed the term, they must submit their final college transcript.
  5. If applicants apply for admission and do not have 14 or more attempted credit hours (academic or technical) from any university, they will need to submit their official, final high school transcript in addition to any official transcript(s) from each college attended or an in-progress transcript if currently attending.

Assured Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Undergraduate Application;
  2. $50 non-refundable application fee;
  3. 2.0 or better cumulative grade point average;
  4. Submission of final, official transcript(s) from each college attended or in-progress transcript if currently attending.

The Director of Admissions will review applicants with less than a 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA from previous college work. They may be required to submit a petition to the Admission Petition Committee (see Admission by Petition).

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Please visit https://www.isu.edu/registrar/transfer-students/ for information about transfer credit evaluation.

Other Applicants

Former Students

Application Steps for Former Students:

Students who have been admitted and enrolled in classes previously but have NOT enrolled in classes at Idaho State University for 8 semesters (including summers) are required to re-apply and submit the following to the Office of Admissions:

  1. Submit the Undergraduate Application. The form is online at http://www.isu.edu/apply/.
  2. Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
  3. Submit all official documentation:
    1. Resubmit all official transcripts from any college or university attended at the time of admission to Idaho State University if the transcript is five years or older at the time of application*;
    2. Submit official transcripts from any college attended since last enrolled at Idaho State University;
    3. Submit high school transcript or GED score transcript, if applicable; and/or
    4. Submit ACT/SAT scores, if applicable.

*Note: ISU permanently retains every record of academic performance completed at ISU, including transcripts that contain the record of classes, grades, and degrees granted. Transcripts from other colleges or universities are destroyed after five years.

Assured Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Undergraduate Application and paid the $50 non-refundable application fee;
  2. 2.0 or better cumulative grade point average; and
  3. Submission of final, official transcript(s) from each college attended or an in-progress transcript if currently attending.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

A person (16 years or older) may apply as a non-degree-seeking student if they do not wish to attend for degree work but to pursue studies for personal reasons. Such a student may register for up to 7 credits per semester unless they are enrolled in the Early College Program. 

Non-degree-seeking students are NOT eligible for federal financial aid.

Early College Program/High School Dual Credit

Qualified high school students may enroll at Idaho State University through the Early College Program. Dual credit allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while concurrently enrolled in an Idaho High School or homeschooled and living in Idaho. Students can take these courses at their high school, taught by a high school instructor who has been approved as an Idaho State University adjunct or affiliate faculty member, or at an ISU campus in person or online.

High school students taking courses at an Idaho High School must complete the following steps at isu.dualenroll.com before the designated deadline: 

  1. Application using full legal name
  2. Initiate parent/guardian consent form (signed and completed)
  3. Register for Early College Program classes

High school students must meet the following criteria in order to participate: Minimum 2.7 unweighted high school GPA AND be 16 years old OR have completed half of their high school graduation requirements. If a student does not meet the GPA and age requirement, a recommendation from a school official is required. 

If high school students wish to take courses on campus through the Early College Program, they can find a list of courses available to them on the ECP website (isu.edu/ecp). Students must register for courses before the deadline, attend an in-person or online New Student Orientation, and complete an Assumption of Risk Liability Waiver (signed by a parent or guardian). 

In order to participate in the Early College Program, a student must be enrolled as an Idaho high school student for the entire Idaho State University course length. High school students are NOT eligible to receive federal financial aid for their dual credit courses, but funding is available through the Advanced Opportunities Program, which is managed by the state of Idaho.

For additional information, class availability, or help with registration, contact the Early College Program at (208) 282-6067 or visit: isu.edu/ecp/.

Admission by Petition

Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements will be reviewed by the Director of Admissions. Based on this review, the Director may admit the applicant with conditional admission, deny admission, or refer the application to the Admission Petition Committee for further consideration. 

Applicants who wish to petition must submit the following to the Admissions Petition Committee:

  1. Admission petition form/essay explaining previous performance, what changes have been made to ensure success at Idaho State University, and general educational goals.
  2. Current  ALEKS math placement score. Test scores are considered current if taken within 12 months.
  3. Letters of support from counselors, teachers, etc., are encouraged but not required.

Admission petitions are reviewed by the Admission Petition Committee, chaired by a representative of the Office of Admissions. The committee comprises at least five other members representing faculty, First Year Transition, Office of the Registrar, the Athletics Department, Disability Services, College of Technology, TRiO Student Services, or START program. Completed petitions are usually reviewed within one month.

The Admission Petition Committee may give recommendations to the applicant, such as courses to take and/or services to use.

Re-Applying for Admission - Applicants not meeting the requirements to be granted conditional admission have the opportunity to re-apply to the university after they complete the recommendations of the admission petition committee if given. This may include completing 14 or more transferable semester hours (credits) with a 2.0 cumulative GPA at an institutionally accredited college or university or completing the START program. An applicant may choose to complete either of these, even if not recommended by the admission petition committee.

Admission Deferment Policy

Admitted students who plan to delay enrollment at ISU to participate in voluntary service (such as a church mission, U.S. military service, or service with a government or non-profit organization) may request a on-time deferment of their admission.

This policy applies only to students who have not yet enrolled at ISU. Student who enroll in one or more terms and then take time away remain classified as continuing students (see definition above) and should follow re-enrollment policies rather than requesting an admission deferment.

A deferment may be approved for up to six semesters (excluding summer) beyond the student's original term of admission. 

For example:

  • A student admitted for Fall 2026 may defer enrollment through Fall 2029.
  • A student admitted for Spring 2027 may defer enrollment through Spring 2030.

This deferment is granted with the understanding that the student does not enroll at another post-secondary institution prior to enrolling at ISU.

To request a deferment, students must submit the Admission Deferment Request form (available at https://www.isu.edu/admissions/defer/) by the following deadlines:

  • Fall deferment: July 1 prior to the requested term
  • Spring deferment: November 1 prior to the requested term

A deferment guarantees admission to ISU for the approved term, but does not guarantee admission to a specific academic program or major.

Additional details are available at https://www.isu.edu/admissions/defer/.

Students Who were Admitted but did not Enroll

Students accepted for admission to Idaho State University who do not attend their first semester will be allowed to enroll in the next academic term (not including summer) without reapplying, but they will need to request a semester change with an admissions employee. Admission is granted for a two (2) term time frame unless the applicant files the Admission Deferment Form. If students do not attend the semester they applied for or request a semester change for the following semester, they will have to reapply to attend. 

Students with Behavioral Problems

Whenever an applicant for admission or a student (regardless of the program of study or whether full-time or part-time) exhibits behavior that poses a substantial threat to himself/herself or other members of the university community or is disruptive of the educational processes, said student or applicant will be subjected to a special screening process. This process has been formulated as a result of recommendations from a committee of faculty and students of this institution and will apply to any admission or readmission request. In the event that the conduct or behavior of the individual or any other member of the university community is disruptive of the educational process of the institution, these procedures shall apply whether the cause of the condition is medical, psychiatric, behavioral, otherwise, or a combination of the above.