Idaho State University
Cost of Attendance Breakdown
| Annual Cost of Attendance | $18,700 |
| Tuition & Fees | $15,420 |
| Living Expenses | $3,280 |
| Federal Loan Cap (Graduate) | −$20,500 |
| Annual Funding Gap | $0 |
What This Means for You
No funding gap — you're fully covered
Idaho State University Engineering costs less than the federal loan cap. You can cover the full cost of attendance with federal Direct Loans alone.
- You still need to file FAFSA each year
- Consider whether you need to borrow the full amount — interest still accrues
- Compare this program's costs with similar programs to confirm value
Need help navigating financial aid? Start with FAFSA
In-State vs. Out-of-State
In-State (Resident)
Out-of-State (Non-Resident)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal loan limit for Idaho State University Engineering students?
Under the OBBBA (effective July 1, 2026), Idaho State University Engineering students can borrow up to $20,500 per year in federal Direct Loans. This is the graduate annual cap. The aggregate lifetime limit is $100,000 for graduate students.
Can I still get a Grad PLUS loan for Idaho State University?
No. Starting July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program is eliminated under the OBBBA. All graduate and professional students are subject to fixed annual borrowing caps ($20,500/year for graduate programs). Students who need additional funding beyond the cap must use private loans, institutional aid, scholarships, or personal funds.
How much does Idaho State University Engineering cost per year?
The total cost of attendance for Idaho State University Engineering is $18,700 per year. Over the full 2-year program, the total cost is $37,400.
Is Idaho State University Engineering classified as graduate or professional?
Idaho State University Engineering (MSE) is classified as graduate under 34 CFR § 668.2. This means the annual federal loan cap is $20,500/year, with an aggregate limit of $100,000.
Related Articles
In-State vs. Out-of-State Graduate Costs
How residency status changes your funding gap — and whether establishing residency is worth the effort.
Read more →Is Graduate School Worth the Debt?
ROI varies enormously. Total costs range from under $20K to over $300K for graduate degrees.
Read more →The $257,500 Aggregate Cap Cliff
How the lifetime federal borrowing limit creates a wall — often before your final year.
Read more →Sources & Methodology
Data Sources
- Cost of attendance: Sourced from Idaho State University’s official tuition and fees page for the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Federal loan caps: Defined by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Public Law 119-21, Title VIII, Section 81001, amending 20 U.S.C. § 1087e(a), paragraph 4(A)(i).
- IPEDS data: Institutional characteristics from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (NCES), Unit ID: 142276.
- Program classification: MSE is classified as graduate per 34 CFR § 668.2, with an annual federal loan cap of $20,500.
Methodology
- Funding gap = Cost of Attendance − Federal Loan Cap. Negative values are reported as $0.
- Cost of attendance includes tuition, mandatory fees, and estimated living expenses (housing, food, books, transportation, personal).
- Rankings compare programs within the same degree type nationally, sorted by annual funding gap from lowest to highest.
- Default COA assumes full-time enrollment, out-of-state residency (where applicable), no scholarships or grants, and no prior federal debt.
Data last updated: January 2026. Effective date for OBBBA loan caps: July 1, 2026.
A non-resident student at Idaho State University Engineering faces an annual funding gap of $0 based on a cost of attendance of $18,700 minus the federal graduate loan cap of $20,500. Over 2 years, the total funding gap is $0. Based on data from “The 2026 Graduate Education Funding Crisis — A Data Report” available on thefundinggap.org.