Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Boise State University logo

Boise State University

Boise, ID·Public·17,081 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 17,081 students.

84%
Accept
17,081
Students
$19,182
Net Price
62%
Grad Rate
$43,100
Earnings
10 yr
$14,000
Debt

About This School

Boise State University is a public institution located in Boise, Idaho with approximately 17,081 undergraduate students enrolled. Boise State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 84%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,182 per year. The graduation rate is 62%, and the typical graduate earns $43,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Boise State University (BSU) is a public research university in Boise, Idaho, United States. Founded in 1932 by the Episcopal Church, it became an independent junior college in 1934 and has been awarding baccalaureate and master's degrees since 1965. It became a public institution in 1969.

Worth considering if you're looking for an affordable path into the workforce — at $19,182/year average net cost and a relatively low median debt of $14,000 at graduation, the financial burden is manageable compared to many peers. That said, the 62% graduation rate is a genuine concern, meaning roughly 4 in 10 students don't finish, so it's worth asking honestly whether the program and support structure align with your specific goals. Median earnings of $43,100 a decade out are modest, so students should be intentional about choosing a field with stronger local or regional demand in the Boise job market.

Founded
1932
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions21%
Business & Marketing20%
Biological Sciences6%
Communications5%
Engineering5%
Education4%
Psychology4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tera PatrickWesley MoodieRalph TorresRaven AlexisOrlando JordanLarry WilliamsTanoka BeardMichael HoffmanRuss FulcherCoby KarlBill SaliJordin Andrade

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,782
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,976
Avg Net Price
$19,182
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants18%
Median debt at graduation$14,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
62%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$35,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White71%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (17,081 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Boise State University

1910 University Dr

Boise, ID 83725

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Idaho

Browse all Idaho schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.