POCATELLO — Idaho State University plans to build a 350-bed apartment complex to accommodate its growing student population, marking the university’s first new student housing development in nearly two decades.

ISU welcomed 13,933 students this fall, a 6.6 percent increase from last year and the highest total enrollment since fall 2012. First-time undergraduate enrollment reached 1,778 students, up 10.6 percent from last year and the largest freshman class in 13 years.

The enrollment surge has pushed the university’s existing housing to capacity, prompting plans for new construction.

“Our current residences have been at 100 percent capacity for the past several years,” said Craig Chatriand, vice president of student affairs at ISU. “With increases in enrollment, we need more housing. We’re looking to build a 350-bed apartment complex.”

The university has added 250 beds through renovations at existing housing locations over the last four years, but demand continues to outpace supply as ISU has experienced enrollment growth for four consecutive semesters.

ISU will seek approval from the State Board of Education next month for a request for qualifications to begin the bidding process. If approved, the university hopes to complete the complex by fall 2028 or 2029.

“In January, we’ll be asking developers to respond to that RFQ and narrow it down to one developer,” Chatriand said. “As a public entity, we’re going to partner with a private developer.”

ISU hasn’t determined where on campus the complex will be located. That decision will be made after a developer is selected.

“There’s a couple of different spots we think they would be interested in,” Chatriand said. “One of the benefits of partnering with developers is this is what they’re experts in. We’re interested in their thoughts of what the best spot would be.”

The new complex will feature modern amenities and technology not available in ISU’s older buildings, even those that have been recently renovated.

“A new facility is going to have updated amenities and technology like more modern HVAC systems,” Chatriand said. “It’s going to bring more modern options for our students.”

The building will include efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, as well as upgraded plumbing and electrical infrastructure.

“There will be more efficient plumbing and electricity,” Chatriand said. “As students bring more devices, the Wi-Fi will handle it a little better than the old ones.”

ISU President Robert Wagner praised the enrollment growth last month, noting the university’s 73.8 percent retention rate reflects improved student success.

“Our total enrollment, first-time graduate enrollment and graduate enrollment are all the highest since fall 2012,” Wagner said in a recent news release. “Our 73.8 percent retention rate reflects our collective dedication and hard work in improving student success and shows the impact we have on the communities we serve.”

The new construction will also allow ISU to renovate existing housing facilities that need updates, including paint, carpet, light fixtures and potentially more extensive electrical, plumbing and HVAC work.

“Offering our students new, updated living facilities is what I’m most excited about,” Chatriand said. “After that, investing in our current buildings is a close second.”

Chatriand said he is confident the State Board of Education will approve ISU’s request. The university has surveyed current students about their housing preferences and conducted research to demonstrate the project’s necessity.

“We’ve done some surveying of current students about housing they’d want and what price would be most attractive,” Chatriand said. “We’ve done a lot of work to show the need for this project. I’m positive they will also look at it favorably.”

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