Skip to content

Boise State University vs Idaho State University

Boise State University is a public university in Boise, ID. Idaho State University is a public university in Pocatello, ID. Idaho State University admits about 84% of applicants and Boise State University about 87%, making Idaho State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,193 a year at Idaho State University after aid, and about $21,610 at Boise State University. About 61% of students graduate at Boise State University, compared with 39% at Idaho State University. Ten years after enrolling, Boise State University alumni earn a median of about $51,658, against $45,608 for Idaho State University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Boise State University

Boise, ID · Public

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Boise, ID
Pocatello, ID
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
17,674
7,583
Acceptance rate
87%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1210
910–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
21–26
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,610
$12,193
Full cost / yr
$28,224
$21,527
In-state tuition
$9,048
$8,610
Out-of-state tuition
$27,788
$27,720
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,165
$10,593
$30k - $48k
$17,974
$10,011
$48k - $75k
$20,731
$11,538
$75k - $110k
$23,573
$14,483
Over $110k
$25,893
$16,288
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
39%
Freshman retention
79%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,251
$41,377
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,658
$45,608
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$20,039
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
28%
First-generation students
33%
36%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Jan 15
Regular decision
Feb 15
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Boise State University or Idaho State University harder to get into?
Idaho State University is harder to get into. It admits about 84% of applicants, compared with 87% at Boise State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Boise State University or Idaho State University?
Idaho State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,193 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,610 at Boise State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Boise State University and Idaho State University?
Before aid, Idaho State University costs about $21,527 a year and Boise State University about $28,224. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Boise State University or Idaho State University?
Idaho State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,593 there, against about $18,165 at Boise State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Boise State University or Idaho State University?
Boise State University is the larger of the two, with about 17,674 undergraduates against 7,583 at Idaho State University.
Does Boise State University or Idaho State University have a better graduation rate?
Boise State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 39% at Idaho State University.
Do graduates of Boise State University or Idaho State University earn more?
Boise State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,658 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,608 for Idaho State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Boise State University and Idaho State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Boise State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Idaho State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Boise State University and Idaho State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1210 at Boise State University and 910–1140 at Idaho State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school