BOISE, ID – The Idaho State Board of Education approved a 3.5 percent increase in tuition and fees at all four of the state’s public four-year institutions during a special meeting held Friday in Boise. The changes will go into effect for the 2025-26 academic year.
According to institution leaders, the increase is driven by inflation, operational cost pressures, and funding needs tied to state-mandated cost-of-living raises for employees.
“We have to keep in mind that where our institutions are starting from is a position of incredible affordability,” said Board President Kurt Liebich. “We have some of the lowest cost tuition rates in the entire nation. Inflation is real. We are in an environment that we haven’t seen since the 1970s. I think all of the institutions articulated why there is a need for this increase.”
Below is a summary of the new annual tuition and fee rates for full-time resident undergraduate students beginning in the 2025-26 academic year:
- Idaho State University: $8,914 (up from $8,610)
- Lewis-Clark State College: $7,876 (up from $7,610)
- University of Idaho: $9,400 (up from $9,084)
- Boise State University: $9,364 (up from $9,048)
Students participating in recent Board discussions emphasized that Idaho’s comparatively low tuition and fee rates are a significant factor in their decision to pursue higher education within the state.
In other actions, the Board announced leadership updates and administrative appointments. Board members Bill Gilbert and Cally Roach were named vice president and secretary of the executive committee, respectively. Dr. Linda Clark will continue serving as past president.
Additionally, Dr. Jeremiah Shinn was appointed interim president of Boise State University. Shinn, who currently serves as the university’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, will take over following the departure of President Dr. Marlene Tromp. Tromp is set to become the next president of the University of Vermont after Boise State’s spring commencement.
The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 17-18, 2025, at Idaho State University in Pocatello.
