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Boise State University vs Northwest Nazarene University

Boise State University is a public university in Boise, ID, and Northwest Nazarene University is a private university in Nampa, ID. Northwest Nazarene University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 65% of applicants against 87% at Boise State University. Boise State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,610 a year against $29,580 at Northwest Nazarene University. About 65% of students graduate at Northwest Nazarene University, compared with 61% at Boise State University. Ten years after enrolling, Northwest Nazarene University alumni earn a median of about $51,719, against $51,658 for Boise State University.

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Boise State University

Boise, ID · Public

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Boise, ID
Nampa, ID
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,674
1,024
Acceptance rate
87%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1210
1005–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
21–26
22–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,610
$29,580
Full cost / yr
$28,224
$55,163
In-state tuition
$9,048
$40,794
Out-of-state tuition
$27,788
$40,794
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,165
$28,732
$30k - $48k
$17,974
$30,626
$48k - $75k
$20,731
$35,166
$75k - $110k
$23,573
$33,413
Over $110k
$25,893
$34,800
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
65%
Freshman retention
79%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,251
$45,488
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,658
$51,719
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$23,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
30%
First-generation students
33%
34%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 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 Northwest Nazarene University harder to get into?
Northwest Nazarene University is harder to get into. It admits about 65% 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 Northwest Nazarene University?
Boise State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,610 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,580 at Northwest Nazarene 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 Northwest Nazarene University?
Before aid, Boise State University costs about $28,224 a year and Northwest Nazarene University about $55,163. 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 Northwest Nazarene University?
Boise State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,165 there, against about $28,732 at Northwest Nazarene 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 Northwest Nazarene University?
Boise State University is the larger of the two, with about 17,674 undergraduates against 1,024 at Northwest Nazarene University.
Does Boise State University or Northwest Nazarene University have a better graduation rate?
Northwest Nazarene University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 61% at Boise State University.
Do graduates of Boise State University or Northwest Nazarene University earn more?
Northwest Nazarene University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,719 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,658 for Boise State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University require SAT or ACT scores?
Boise State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northwest Nazarene University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1210 at Boise State University and 1005–1240 at Northwest Nazarene University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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