Boise State University
Boise State University has an acceptance rate of 87.2%, an average net price of $18,423, and an overall rank of #1059 (Grade B-). About 61.0% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $67,358 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Boise State University is a public university in Boise, ID. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, and 78.8% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 79.5%, roughly 29.6 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Boise State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Boise State University graduates 61.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 62.2% and keeps 78.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Boise State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $9,626 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,364 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,512 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,197 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,049 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.5% of Boise State University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,410 to $24,115 depending on family income. Use Boise State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,600/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,115/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $67,358
- 10-Year Median Earnings $60,091
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $19,678
- Debt-to-Earnings ~29.2%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 54.0%
- Employment Rate 90.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Boise State University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Boise State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Boise State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Boise State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 17,674
- Full-Time Students 79.7%
- Part-Time Students 20.3%
- Retention Rate 78.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 61.0%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 62.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Boise State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Boise State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 87.2%, Boise State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 87.2% acceptance rate, Boise State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Boise State University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Communication and Media Studies, and Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 10.2%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.5%
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, 5.8%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 5.6%
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 5.5%
- Business/Commerce, General 5.0%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.3%
- Psychology, General 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $117,709
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $113,075
- 3. Construction Management $111,191
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $85,604
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $85,566
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $82,246
- 7. Civil Engineering $79,687
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $77,408
- 9. Computer Engineering $77,403
- 10. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $76,056
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $124,851
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $112,120
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $89,705
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $76,584
- 5. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $73,157
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $69,617
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $62,085
- 8. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $61,703
- 9. Social Work (Master's Degree) $59,517
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $59,104
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $117,709—55% more than Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($76,056). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $124,851 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Boise State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 244 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 196 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 194 graduates)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 160 graduates)
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 141 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (57 programs)▼
- Business/Commerce, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Biology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Marketing
- Computer Science
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Design and Applied Arts
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Construction Management
- Social Work
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Political Science and Government
- Civil Engineering
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Sociology
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Education, General
- History
- Chemistry
- Social Sciences, General
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Applied Mathematics
- Music
- Engineering, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Materials Engineering
- International Business
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Philosophy
- Literature
- International/Globalization Studies
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Economics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Data Analytics
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (35 programs)▼
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Public Administration
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Science
- Public Health
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Literature
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Music
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- History
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Communication and Media Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
Online Doctoral Degrees (12 programs)▼
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Education, General
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Materials Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Public Health
- Engineering, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (14 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Public Health
- Geography and Cartography
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Economics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Materials Engineering
- Education, General
- Digital Humanities and Textual Studies
- Data Science
- Computer Science
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (33 programs)▼
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Data Analytics
- American Sign Language
- Special Education and Teaching
- Mechanical Engineering
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Engineering, General
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Computer Science
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Area Studies
- Music
- Materials Engineering
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Homeland Security
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Data Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 17,674
- Full-Time Students 79.7%
- Part-Time Students 20.3%
- Male Students 42.7%
- Female Students 57.3%
- Caucasian 69.2%
- Asian 2.6%
- Hispanic 15.9%
- Black 2.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 22.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Boise State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Boise State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Boise State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Boise State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Boise State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Boise State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Boise State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1059 overall with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $18,423 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $67,358 median earnings. The 61.0% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 78.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Boise State University's Strengths
Ranked #1059 with a B- grade, Boise State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Boise State University excel at providing affordable education ($18,423 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Boise State University's 78.8% retention and 61.0% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($67,358 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Boise State University and $18,423 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 61.0% graduation rate sits 1.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 78.8% first-year retention is 2.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $67,358 run about 9% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $18,423 is roughly $1,484 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 90.6% employment rate within three years is 22.4 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 78.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.6% employment rate within three years sits 22.4 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 22.5% trails the national share by 16.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Boise State University, a public university in Boise, ID, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1059 overall Category results include Completion (B), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 78.8% retention, 61.0% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 62.2% earning an award within eight years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,423 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,049.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,626 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,678 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 22.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $67,358 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 9% higher.
Roughly 90.6% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
87.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Boise State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Boise State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/boise-state-university/
MLA (9th): “Boise State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/boise-state-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Boise State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/boise-state-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boise State University's acceptance rate?
Boise State University's acceptance rate is 87.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Boise State University cost?
At Boise State University, listed tuition and fees are $9,364 per year, and the average net price after aid is $18,423. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Boise State University's ranking?
Boise State University ranks #1059 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Boise State University's graduation rate?
At Boise State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 61.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 62.2%, and first-year retention is 78.8%.
What are Boise State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Boise State University report median earnings of $67,358 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Boise State University's student population?
Boise State University enrolls about 17,674 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1910 University Dr, Boise, ID 83725
- Website www.boisestate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$146.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate23.0%