
Idaho State's varsity teams, the Bengals, compete in NCAA Division I and the Big Sky Conference; football plays at the Division I Football Championship Subdivision level. Varsity offerings include sports such as basketball, football, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball.
Varsity competition differs from club sports and intramural play. Students who do not join an NCAA team can explore recreational facilities, fitness activities, and the club or intramural options offered in a given term. Availability and eligibility vary by activity, and an interest in a sport does not imply a varsity roster spot or athletic scholarship.
Idaho State University students can participate in recognized organizations spanning academic interests, cultural communities, service, recreation, and the arts. Student government offers a route into campus representation and activity planning.
Examples of involvement include discipline-related clubs, performing groups, and student media. ISU reports a student newspaper, radio opportunities, theater activities, choral groups, and a marching band. Because organization activity can change from year to year, students seeking a particular club should check the current student-organization directory and its meeting information rather than relying on an older list.
Idaho State University reported 13,061 enrolled students in the supplied institutional figures. Its student population includes first-time entrants, transfers, graduate and professional students, and learners at different stages of adulthood.
In the reported IPEDS enrollment figures, 1,766 students were first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates and 690 were transfer entrants. About 84% of students were Idaho residents, while 8% came from other U.S. states. Those proportions indicate a predominantly in-state student body.
The age figures include substantial numbers of students under 18 as well as students 25 and older; age alone does not establish whether a student is taking a full degree program. Students considering ISU should examine the population in their particular program or campus location, which may look different from university-wide enrollment.
Everyday student life at Idaho State University combines a largely commuter population with on-campus activities and services. With about 12% of students reported as living on campus, a student's experience may depend heavily on class schedules and whether they make time for activities outside class.
Campus gathering spaces, recreation, performances, and university events offer ways to meet peers. ISU also reports a health clinic, personal counseling, and offices serving veterans and women. New students can use orientation and academic advising to learn how to access these services; students based away from Pocatello should verify which resources are available locally or remotely.
The Eli M. Oboler Library is Idaho State University's main library. ISU reports three campus libraries, reflecting academic support across its locations rather than a single Pocatello reading room.
Students can use library research assistance, collections, online scholarly resources, and study space. Reservable study rooms are available. For an assignment requiring material ISU does not hold, students can ask about interlibrary loan and access to electronic journals or databases from off campus. Library hours vary; students should not assume that a study area is open around the clock.
Total enrollment
13061Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1670Member of Athletic Associations
NCAATotal staff
604 full time, 202 part timeVeterans affair office
YesVarsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).
Sport
Basketball
Cross-country running
Football
Golf
Rock climbing
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track and field
Volleyball
Data last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.