Boise State University
About Boise State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Boise State University is a public research university in Boise, Idaho. It offers more than 200 programs and is the largest university in Idaho. The campus sits along the Boise River and is known for its blue football field and growing research profile.
Founded
1932
Location
Boise, Idaho
Students
20,889
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
87.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
60.2%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$9,048
Out-of-state: $27,788
Avg Net Price
$21,610
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$51,658
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$50
Early
Dec 15
Regular
May 1
Boise State University accepts the majority of applicants at 87.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
N/A
ACT Scores
N/A
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
60.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78.9%
4-Year Grad
31%
6-Year Grad
53%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
56.9%
$/Student
$8.9K
Class Size
Large
The 31% graduation rate is below average, but 78.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,048
In-State
$27,788
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,884
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,224
After Financial Aid
$21,610
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$18,165
Receive Grants
18.1%
Take Loans
23.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $28,224/yr for in-state students, including $14,884 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $21,610. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $27,788.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Boise State University fund their education.
While in School
18.1%
Get Grants
Free money
23.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$42,915
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 23.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Boise State University.
Gender
57.3%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
17,674
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,215
Graduates
33.5%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
15%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 33.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
17,674
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Boise State University fields 10 varsity teams with 490 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mountain West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
490
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
44% / 56%
215
Men
275
Women
5
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Boise State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$51,658
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$79K
467 grads
1yr Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$77K
272 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$45K
244 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$38K
197 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49K
196 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
194 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Boise State University
What is the acceptance rate at Boise State University?▾
How much does Boise State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Boise State University?▾
How much do Boise State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.