The University of Idaho has secured the top spot as the nation’s best-value public university, according to the 2027 Best Colleges rankings released by U.S. News & World Report on September 22, 2026.
This marks the seventh consecutive year the Moscow-based institution has ranked among the top public universities for value. From 2020 through 2024, the university held the second position in this category, trailing only the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Best Value ranking evaluates institutions based on a combination of academic quality and affordability. The methodology compares a school’s standing in the overall Best Colleges rankings against the net cost of attendance for students who receive need-based scholarships or grants. Only universities ranked in or near the top half of their respective categories are eligible for this specific designation.
U.S. News & World Report categorized the University of Idaho among national universities that offer broad undergraduate majors alongside master’s and doctoral programs. As Idaho’s only Carnegie R1 research institution, the university competes with other major research universities across the country.
Affordability remains a central component of the university’s appeal. Students at the University of Idaho earn an average of $10,400 in merit scholarships annually. Additionally, donor contributions provide more than $30 million in scholarships to support student enrollment.
“This ranking reflects what we work hard to deliver every day: an exceptional education that remains within reach for students and families,” University of Idaho President Scott Green said.