TUITION LOCK PROGRAM
IMPORTANT UPDATE: TUITION LOCK DISCONTINUATION
Idaho State University will discontinue the Tuition Lock program beginning Fall 2026.
No new students will be admitted to the program after Spring 2026.
Students who are already enrolled in Tuition Lock will keep their locked rate as long as they continue to meet all program requirements. Their tuition lock benefits will remain in place for the remainder of their four-year eligibility period.
About the Tuition Lock Program
ISU’s Tuition Lock program allowed eligible Idaho students to avoid annual increases in base tuition. What you paid when you enrolled as a first-time college freshman is what you will continue to pay for up to four continuous academic years, as long as you meet the criteria listed below.
Although this program is being discontinued, ISU remains committed to affordability and to supporting students currently participating in Tuition Lock.
How to Qualify (For Students Enrolled By Spring 2026 Only)
To maintain your tuition lock eligibility, you must meet all of the following:
- Idaho resident
- New, first-time student
- Degree-seeking student
- Must be continuously enrolled (Fall and Spring semesters)
- Students must have started any semester prior to Summer 20261
- Students must complete at least one semester to activate tuition lock
- Following the completion of at least one semester, students on active military duty, serving a religious mission or on humanitarian leave may defer their continuous enrollment and return at a later date
Ongoing Requirements
Students Admitted Prior to Fall 2023
- Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Full-time students successfully completing a minimum of 15 credits during the fall and spring semester
Students Admitted between Fall 2023 and Spring 2026
- Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Full-time students successfully completing a minimum of 12 credits during the fall and spring semester
If you have questions or would like more information, please email tuitionlock@isu.edu.
1 If a student starts summer semester, they will still be considered new, first-time freshmen for the following fall semester and will qualify for tuition lock at the fall semester price. However, if students in the tuition lock program decide to take summer classes, they will pay the current price of tuition at that time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) What is a tuition lock?
Tuition lock refers to an ISU program that secured the base tuition rate for undergraduate Idaho students, admitted prior to Summer 2026, and locked in their tuition rate for four continuous academic years.
2) What price can I expect to pay?
Tuition lock is only applied to the price of tuition at the time of a student’s first semester at ISU. It does not apply to any fees, such as facility fees, technology fees, activity fees, class fees, professional fees, or other fees. Tuition lock may not be combined with any other waiver or tuition reduction benefit, including, but not limited to, staff/spouse and dependent tuition reductions.
3) Does tuition lock only apply to incoming freshmen?
Yes. This ISU program only applied to new, first-time college freshmen admitted by Spring 2026.
4) Will the tuition lock impact my financial aid?
Cost of attendance for students under the tuition lock program will be calculated as the average cost of attendance over the four years of their program, as appropriate under federal guidelines. For further clarification, contact an advisor in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
5) How can I lock my tuition if I am planning on serving a church mission OR entering active military service?
Students who experience an absence from continuous enrollment will be allowed to return to ISU at a later date under the same tuition lock contract they began with. Deferments may extend for the period of time the student is away, but continued enrollment must begin in the next available term in order for tuition lock to remain in place. Acceptable reasons for deferment include:
- Military students called to active duty
- Religious mission/humanitarian leave
6) Does my application to ISU lock my tuition?
No. An application and acceptance to ISU does not automatically lock your tuition. A student must meet all qualifications (listed above) and complete at least one semester prior to Fall 2026.
7) How many credits do I have to take each semester?
Current students admitted prior to Fall 2023 must be enrolled in a minimum of 15 credits per semester.
Students admitted between Fall 2023 and Spring 2026 must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
8) What GPA is required to remain qualified for the tuition lock?
Current students admitted prior to Fall 2023 must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Students admitted between Fall 2023 and Spring 2026 must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
9) Will tuition at ISU be significantly increased each year?
No. ISU will continue its focus on keeping tuition increases minimal every year. ISU was recently ranked 15th in the U.S. for lowest cost of tuition and highest starting salaries of graduates.
10) Do I need to be a new freshman straight out of high school to qualify for the tuition lock?
No. The tuition lock will apply to any student who meets all qualifications (listed above), which includes a new, first-time college freshman.
11) How does this affect spouse and/or dependents of ISU employees receiving tuition subsidiaries?
Tuition lock may not be combined with any other waiver or tuition reduction benefit, including, but not limited to, staff/spouse and dependent tuition reductions.
12) Are College of Technology students eligible for the tuition lock?
Yes. All undergraduate, degree-seeking students are eligible for the tuition lock program as long as all qualifications are met.
13) Does this apply to out-of-state students?
No. The tuition lock program only applies to students that enter ISU as Idaho residents.
14) What amount will I pay if I’m no longer eligible for the tuition lock?
A student who no longer meets the requirements for the tuition lock will pay the current rate of tuition for the semester they are enrolling.
15) How will my tuition cost be calculated when I pay my fees?
Students will be charged the current tuition rate of the semester in which they are enrolling, and then a waiver will be applied to reverse the excess rate in order to reach the appropriate tuition lock price.