About Boise State University
The blue turf at Albertsons Stadium makes Boise State instantly recognizable, but this public research university has built its reputation on much more than football gimmicks. With 17,081 students spread across a midsize city campus, the Broncos have become synonymous with major bowl victories and upset wins that put the program on the national map. Former NFL running back Doug Martin and Fiesta Bowl hero Ian Johnson represent the kind of athletic success that defines the school's identity. The 83.93% acceptance rate makes Boise State accessible to most applicants.
Students pay an average net price of $19,182 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,387. Graduates earn a median of $51,658 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $20,500 manageable with monthly payments around $217. The investment pays off for most students, with a 95.9% employment rate showing strong job prospects.
The student body draws evenly from in-state and out-of-state, with 52.47% being Idaho residents. Women make up 56.37% of enrollment at this Mountain West Conference school. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, but the 77.86% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to campus life.
Students pay an average net price of $19,182 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,387. Graduates earn a median of $51,658 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $20,500 manageable with monthly payments around $217. The investment pays off for most students, with a 95.9% employment rate showing strong job prospects.
The student body draws evenly from in-state and out-of-state, with 52.47% being Idaho residents. Women make up 56.37% of enrollment at this Mountain West Conference school. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, but the 77.86% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to campus life.
Academics & Faculty
Boise State operates as a public research university with growing academic credentials beyond its athletic fame. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of state universities, though professors remain accessible for motivated students. With a 61% six-year graduation rate, the school supports average completion rates for its student body. The university has built strong programs in engineering, business, and health sciences that connect directly to Idaho's growing tech and healthcare sectors. Boise State's research initiatives in materials science and cybersecurity have gained national recognition. The nursing and education programs consistently rank among Idaho's best, preparing graduates for in-demand regional careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.9%
- Retention Rate
- 77.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,658
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $76,208 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,047 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,786 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $72,274 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,621 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $63,600 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $60,240 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,025 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,417 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $58,673 |
Campus Life
The famous blue Smurf Turf draws crowds, but campus life extends far beyond Albertsons Stadium. With housing capacity for just 2,906 students out of 17,081 total enrollment, most Broncos live off-campus in Boise's affordable neighborhoods. The city sits in high desert terrain about 350 miles from major metropolitan areas, requiring winter coats for snowy January temperatures and sunscreen for blazing summer heat.
Football Saturdays transform the entire campus when 37,000 fans pack the stadium. The blue field tradition runs deep, with students camping out for tickets to big games. During the week, the 19:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class discussions despite the university's size. Weekend options include hiking the nearby Boise Foothills, exploring downtown's growing arts district, or hitting the slopes at Bogus Basin ski area just 16 miles away. With 52% in-state students, many Broncos stick around after graduation since the median earnings of $51,658 go further in Idaho's lower cost-of-living market.
Football Saturdays transform the entire campus when 37,000 fans pack the stadium. The blue field tradition runs deep, with students camping out for tickets to big games. During the week, the 19:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class discussions despite the university's size. Weekend options include hiking the nearby Boise Foothills, exploring downtown's growing arts district, or hitting the slopes at Bogus Basin ski area just 16 miles away. With 52% in-state students, many Broncos stick around after graduation since the median earnings of $51,658 go further in Idaho's lower cost-of-living market.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,906 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1932
Campus Safety (2023)
67 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–38°F
- July Avg
- 61°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 17.6"
Student Demographics
Boise State draws a solid mix of Idaho natives and out-of-state students, with 52% coming from in-state. The student body skews female at 56%, reflecting strong programs in health sciences and education alongside the university's well-known engineering and business schools. About 18% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves middle-class families seeking affordable quality education. The demographic mix reflects Boise State's role as both a regional center for Idaho students and an emerging destination for students nationwide, particularly those drawn by the football program's national visibility and the city's growing tech scene.
- Men
- 43.6%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 70.8%
- Black
- 1.8%
- Hispanic
- 15.2%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 52.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.9%
Location
Boise sits in southwestern Idaho as the state's largest city with over 230,000 residents. The university campus lies about 300 miles from Salt Lake City, the nearest major metropolitan area. Boise serves as both the state capital and a growing tech center in the Mountain West region. The city sits in a high desert valley surrounded by foothills and offers easy access to outdoor recreation. About 53% of students come from within Idaho, while others are drawn to the affordable mountain west lifestyle. The Boise River runs through downtown just minutes from campus. Students considering colleges in Idaho may also compare Boise State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Boise, Idaho 83725
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,658
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,573
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Boise State University?
Boise State University accepts 83.93% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The university draws students primarily from Idaho and surrounding western states, with 52.47% coming from in-state.
How much does Boise State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,182 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,387 on average, while those from higher-income families pay around $22,767.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Boise State University?
Boise State maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its 17,081 students. As a public research university, the school balances accessible education with faculty research, though class sizes tend to be larger than at smaller colleges.
What do Boise State University graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median salary of $51,658 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 95.9%. The university's location in Idaho's capital provides access to government jobs, tech companies, and regional businesses.
Where do students live at Boise State University?
Campus housing accommodates 2,906 students, representing a fraction of the total enrollment of 17,081. Most students live off-campus in Boise, taking advantage of the city's affordable housing and urban amenities.
What is Boise State University known for in athletics?
Boise State is famous for its blue Smurf Turf football field and major bowl game victories as a Division I program. The Broncos compete in the Mountain West Conference across 14 varsity sports, with 381 total athletes receiving $10,990,345 in athletic scholarships.
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