On the field or the court we’re rivals with our foes in southern Idaho. But we form a united front when it comes to one vitally important cause – the future of education and our economy in our state.

Next week is Education Week at the Idaho legislature and we’ll be joining our colleagues in Boise to discuss the importance of investing in higher education across Idaho.

Together, we will address the legislature to show them what we know intrinsically and what a recent economic analysis shows: higher education is a great investment. For every dollar invested in higher education, Idaho taxpayers gain $1.80 in added tax revenue and public sector savings. And our society gains $5.10 in added income and social savings.

Our students also generate a noteworthy return on their investment. In 2021, U of I was ranked the No. 1 best value public institution in the West by U.S. News and World Report for the second year in a row. Furthermore, we were ranked No. 2 nationally, and that ranking is based on our out-of-state tuition. Idaho students get an even better value. After taking into consideration lost wages while attending the university, the stream of higher salaries earned by graduates generates an internal rate of return of 13.9%, above most private investment alternatives.

As one of the fastest growing states in the country, Idaho needs U of I graduates in health care, education, natural resource management, engineering, business, government and beyond. About 40% of our students are the first in their families to attend college and higher education can transform lives for generations to follow.

U of I’s Extension network delivers our world-class research to communities throughout Idaho and impacts all our citizens, not just students and alumni.

We’re working with our sister institutions on projects to improve efficiency, increase access to education, and produce skilled graduates in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and nuclear engineering.

By providing a skilled, educated workforce, U of I and our partners in higher ed advance our state. Legislative support for higher education is more important than ever. We will be letting our representatives know that it is time for Idaho to reinvest in higher education. It’s a great investment and our future depends on it.

Chobani expands scholarship program: Chobani is pledging $1 million to expand its Scholars Program for underserved students interested in studying agriculture, dairy, food science, or food entrepreneurship. Through partnerships with U of I and Cornell University, the Chobani Scholars Program offers eight $20,000 scholarships.

Grad student Lubenau publishes study on steelhead: Studying steelhead salmon in the Snake River Basin, U of I student Will Lubenau found that anglers are more likely to catch hatchery-raised steelhead than wild steelhead. Lubenau worked with the Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and recently defended his master’s thesis on the topic.

Dual credit kickstarts Arman’s academic journey: Emma Arman graduated from Post Falls High School with an associate degree and earned her Bachelor of Science at the U of I in just two years after taking advantage of Idaho’s Fast Forward program.