University of Idaho: A Legacy of Leading and a Promising Future

The University of Idaho (U of I, or UIdaho) stands as a public land-grant research university in Moscow, Idaho, United States, with a rich history and a commitment to innovation. Established on January 30, 1889, the University of Idaho is the upcoming state's land-grant institution. Formed by the Idaho Territory legislature in 1889, the university opened its doors in 1892 with a class of 40 students. It has evolved into a comprehensive institution comprising ten undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, enrolling approximately 12,000 students across its campuses, with 11,000 on the Moscow campus. The university's motto, "A Legacy of Leading," encapsulates its dedication to fostering a spirit of discovery and service.

A Storied Past: From Territorial Roots to Research Excellence

The choice of location for the University of Idaho was an "Olive Branch of Peace" by Gov. Edward Stevenson of the Idaho Territory signed the territorial legislature's Council Bill No. 20, which officially established the UI as the upcoming state's land-grant institution. The original Administration Building, with a single tall spire reaching to 163 feet (50 m), was constructed through the decade of the 1890s and ultimately finished in 1899. It burned in 1906. In the meantime, classes were held at various sites in Moscow. The new Administration Building was designed by John E. Tourtellotte and completed in 1909.

The Administration Building, with its eighty-foot (24 m) clock tower and Collegiate Gothic-style structure, was built from 1907 to 1909 and has become an icon of the university. The building holds classrooms, an auditorium, and administrative offices, including the offices of the President and Provost. Multiple expansions were made, with the north wing added in 1912, the eastern portion of the south wing in 1916 (extended west in 1936 for the library), and the functional annex in 1950, incorporated into the Albertson addition of 2002. The U of I library was housed in the Administration Building until 1957, when the Library building opened, constructed on the former site of tennis courts.

According to the U of I Facts Books, the Moscow campus, abutting the Washington state line, is 1,585 acres (2.5 mi2; 6.4 km2), including 253 buildings with a replacement value of $812 million. The original Administration Building (1899) was destroyed by fire in 1906. It was replaced in 1909 by the existing brick Collegiate Gothic structure.

Campus Landmarks and Facilities

The University of Idaho boasts a diverse array of facilities that cater to the academic, athletic, and recreational needs of its students.

Academic and Administrative Hubs

Administration Building: The iconic Collegiate Gothic structure, rebuilt in 1909 after a fire destroyed the original, houses classrooms, an auditorium, and administrative offices.
U of I Library: The state's largest library, with more than 1.4 million books, periodicals, government documents, maps, video recordings, and special collections. The U of I Library is the state's largest library, with more than 1.4 million books, periodicals, government documents, maps, video recordings, and special collections. Directly north of the Memorial Gymnasium and built on the former site of tennis courts, the library opened in 1957, relocating from the south wing of the Administration Building. The U of I post office station was formerly housed in its lower northwest corner; it was moved to the new U of I bookstore in 1990. The U of I Library was expanded by 50% in 1993 and rededicated in 1994. The Library's Special Collections and Archives houses a collection of first edition works by Sir Walter Scott, as well as more than 1200 texts by and about the author.
Bruce M. Pitman Center: Formerly the Student Union Building, renamed in 2014 to honor the retiring dean of students, houses financial aid, admissions, new student services, registrar, and Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) offices. The Bruce M. Pitman Center is located on the east end of campus on Deakin Street. The building houses the university's financial aid, admissions, new student services, registrar and Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) offices. For students, the Pitman Center also features meeting rooms, a computer lab, wireless access, borrowable laptops and a movie theater. The building began as a motel, the Blue Bucket Inn, which UI purchased in 1936 and later expanded.

Athletic Venues

Kibbie Dome: UI's multi-purpose "Kibbie Dome" is the primary home to Vandal athletics; it is the venue for football, soccer, tennis, and indoor track & field. Its Trus-Dek roof system, constructed in 1975, uses natural wood arches to span 400 feet (122 m) at a height of 150 feet (46 m) over the field's hashmarks. Previously on this site was Neale Stadium, which opened in 1937 as an earthen horseshoe with wooden sideline grandstands. Tartan Turf, similar to AstroTurf, was installed in 1972 with the roll-up mechanism; the arched roof and vertical end walls were completed in time for the 1975 home opener on September 27, enclosing the stadium to become the Kibbie Dome.
Idaho Central Credit Union Arena (ICCU Arena): The 4,200-seat facility, primarily made from engineered wood, became the new home of Vandals men's and women's basketball for the 2021-22 season. Idaho Central Credit Union Arena (ICCU Arena), located immediately to the north of the Kibbie Dome, became the new home of Vandals men's and women's basketball for the 2021-22 season. Ground was broken the following year. The 4,200-seat facility, costing about $51 million, is primarily made from engineered wood, with the superstructure consisting mainly of over 850 Douglas fir beams prepared from trees logged at the university's experimental forest.
Memorial Gymnasium: The Tudor Gothic-style "Mem Gym," opened in 1928, is known for its athletic gargoyles and serves as the home court for the women's volleyball team. The Tudor Gothic-style Memorial Gymnasium is another U of I icon, known for its whimsical athletic gargoyles perched along the brick building's ledges. The multi-purpose "Mem Gym" has a modest seating capacity of only 1,500. Opened in 1928 to honor the Idaho citizens who died in World War I (1917-18) and Spanish-American War (1898), the heavily buttressed structure was designed by the chairman of the university's architecture department, David C.

Recreational and Natural Spaces

UI Golf Course: Established in 1933, the 18-hole golf course on the southwest edge of campus provides a recreational outlet for students and faculty. The UI Golf Course was established in 1933 on the southwest edge of campus and opened as nine holes in 1937. It was expanded to 18 holes in 1970 and its current clubhouse was built in 1969.
Shattuck Arboretum: Conceived in 1910, this arboretum transformed a treeless slope into a dense forest grove, offering a natural escape on campus. The original Shattuck Arboretum was conceived in 1910 by Charles H. Shattuck, the head of the forestry department. His efforts gradually turned a treeless slope southwest of the Administration Building into a dense forest grove. The arboretum was named for Shattuck in 1933, two years after his death.
"Hello Walk": One of the best-known and traveled pathways on the Idaho campus. The "Hello Walk" is one of the best-known and traveled pathways on the Idaho campus.

Other Notable Features

Steam Plant: Built in 1926, the steam plant provides heat to U of I buildings from a single location. Originally designed to burn coal, then oil, then natural gas, the plant was modified in 1986 to burn waste wood chips left over from local sawmills. The use of wood has significantly reduced the emissions of the plant, as well as cut costs to heat the campus.
Ridenbaugh Hall: Completed in 1901, it is the oldest extant building on campus. The Board of Regents authorized the construction of Ridenbaugh Hall as the first women's dormitory on campus. Completed in 1901 at a cost of $17,000, it is the oldest extant building on campus. It was designed by architect Willis A. Ritchie of Spokane, who also designed the Spokane County Courthouse. The building used stone quarried in Latah County for the exterior walls. It was also used as a space for domestic science classes until 1927 when it became a men's dormitory. Ridenbaugh Hall was the first U of I campus structure to be named after a person. The hall was dedicated to "the young women of Idaho" in honor of Mary E.

Academic Excellence and Research Prowess

The University of Idaho is recognized as a Carnegie R1 university, placing it among the top 4% of universities nationwide with the highest level of research activity. The university invests more in research than any other university in the state, with $135.9 million annually, advancing innovation, driving economic growth, and preparing students at every level to create solutions that matter. The University of Idaho is included in the 2021 edition of Princeton Review's "Best 386 Colleges." The Princeton Review also ranks U-Idaho as one of the nation's top 286 environmentally responsible colleges.

UI's students come from all 50 US states and 86 countries worldwide. UI places students just minutes away from skiing, snowboarding, rafting, biking, climbing and camping activities that have earned it a top 30 US university ranking for best ‘books and backcountry’ by Outside magazine. In addition to its striking natural features, the area also has a thriving cultural scene. The Renaissance Fair celebrates the arrival of spring each year with artists, crafters, live music and international foods, and a jazz festival takes places in February.

Idaho’s prosperity has long been shaped by U of I’s research-driven, innovative spirit that began in agriculture, engineering and military sciences and continues today. You’ll lead discoveries in clean water, cybersecurity, healthcare, agronomics and fire science. With strong partnerships and an accessible, high-quality education, you can make a difference across Idaho and beyond.

Access over 200 areas of study across nine academic colleges. Join the two out of three University of Idaho undergraduate students who participate in hands-on research, developing the critical thinking skills, discipline and knowledge employers want. With an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, nationally-recognized professors are ready to guide you along the way, helping you learn, grow and be ready for your future career.

Rankings and Recognition

The University of Idaho consistently receives recognition for its academic programs, value, and commitment to sustainability.

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U.S. News & World Report: UI placed 183rd out of 436 for national university rankings, down four places from 179 in 2024, putting it in the top 42% of universities nationwide. Most notably, UI had previously ranked no. 1 Best Value Public University in the West for five consecutive years, while this year it is ranked no. 3. News Best Colleges ranking, in relation to the average cost of attendance for an out-of-state student in the 2024-25 school year. UI was ranked No. 9 out of 110 for the Best Value Public Universities nationwide, in the top 9%, down from No. 2 in 2024. It is No. 62 for overall Best Value Universities, in the top 30%, down from No.
The Princeton Review: Consistently recognizes Idaho as one of the best public colleges in America.
Kiplinger’s: Listed Idaho in its “Best 100 Values in Public Colleges” for academic strength and affordability.
Forbes Magazine: Recognized Idaho as 33rd in the nation among the 2012 “Top 100 Best Buy Colleges” and 2nd among all national research universities in the Pacific Northwest.
Washington Monthly: Ranked the University of Idaho among the top 100 national universities for social mobility, research, and service.

Campus Life and Student Activities

U of I is a rural, residential campus, with four residence hall communities to choose from on campus, as well as 27 housed fraternities and sororities. Apartments on campus are available for families, married couples, graduate students, law students, and non-traditional students. Many students participate in a wide variety of over 200 clubs and organizations. Clubs range from sports to faith based, and everything in between. Palousafest is a fair that brings clubs and students together, and is a way for students to find out more about how to get involved with extracurricular activities. The fair is usually the weekend just before the fall semester starts. The University of Idaho is home to more than two dozen (multicultural) Greek organizations that make up more than 20% of the student population. Fraternity and Sorority Life at University of Idaho includes 35 Greek-letter organizations within Multicultural Greek Council, Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council.

Undergrads at Idaho happily report that "there are always a lot of activities going on around campus." Students also love to explore the "two arboretums on campus." Idaho also has "a very involved Greek system that is always holding a philanthropic event somewhere on campus or in the community." The university sponsors a number of great cultural affairs including "an amazing Jazz Festival, Native American celebrations, African American celebrations, and many many more throughout the year." In fact, "on the weekends there is almost always [an] event to attend that is hosted by an organization at the university, whether it is just for fun or to raise money for a cause." Finally, students also love taking advantage of everything hometown Moscow has to offer.

Vandal Athletics

The Idaho Vandals are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing the University of Idaho. The university's official colors are silver and gold, honoring the state's mining tradition. When Idaho moved out of the Big Sky to the Big West in 1996, the yellow "Green Bay" gold was changed to metallic "Vegas" gold. The Kibbie Dome is the home of the Idaho Vandals for four sports (football, tennis, indoor track and field, soccer).

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