Boise State University: A Comprehensive Look at Enrollment Statistics

Boise State University, located in Ada County, Idaho, is a public institution founded in 1932. The university has seen significant enrollment trends and changes in recent years. This article delves into various aspects of Boise State University's enrollment statistics, including admissions, costs, financial aid, graduation rates, and student demographics.

General Overview

In the fall of 2025, Boise State University experienced a 4.7% increase in overall enrollment, totaling 28,519 students. This growth was largely driven by an increase in degree-seeking undergraduates. Notably, first-time undergraduate student enrollment increased by 14.7%, resulting in the largest incoming class in the university's history, with 3,934 students. This upward trend in enrollment occurs concurrently with the university graduating a record number of students.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

In 2023, Boise State University's undergraduate acceptance rate was 84%, with 13,391 students being admitted out of 15,949 applicants. This is slightly higher than the 2022 acceptance rate of 83.9%. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of applicants declined by 5.04%, while admissions declined by 5%.

SAT Scores

In 2020, 85% of enrolled first-time students submitted SAT scores with their applications.

Enrollment Trends

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment

In 2023, Boise State University had a total enrollment of 26,670 students. Full-time enrollment accounted for 14,870 students, while part-time enrollment comprised 11,800 students. This indicates that 55.8% of students were enrolled full-time.

Enrollment by Race and Ethnicity

The racial and ethnic composition of the student body in 2023 was predominantly White, accounting for 71% of the enrolled students (18,949 students). Hispanic or Latino students represented 14.4% (3,836 students), and those identifying as Two or More Races made up 5.22% (1,391 students). Smaller percentages included Asian students (2.74%), Black or African American students (1.68%), American Indian or Alaska Native students (0.476%), and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders (0.341%).

Recent Enrollment Growth

Boise State University's enrollment has grown 13% since 2020. In the fall of 2025, the university experienced a 4.7% increase in overall enrollment, totaling 28,519 students. The university is up 2% overall, or 523 students over last fall, primarily in degree-seeking undergraduates. Idaho degree seeking undergraduate enrollment saw an increase of 657 students or 6.5% over last year. First-time undergraduate student enrollment from Idaho increased by 11.5% with 2,185 students enrolled, making this the largest incoming class of Idaho students in Boise State’s history.

Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition Costs

In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Boise State University was $5,941, which is $25,063 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004).

Average Net Price

The average net price for students attending Boise State University in 2023, after factoring in grants and loans, was $19,037. This represents a 7.41% increase from 2022 to 2023.

Other Student Expenses

The average yearly cost of room and board at Boise State University was $12,609 in 2023, a 5.59% increase from 2022. Additionally, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,240, which remained unchanged from the previous year.

Read also: Famous Alumni of BSU

Financial Aid

In 2023, 46% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 25% received financial aid through loans. This represents a decline of 23.3% compared to 2022, when 60% of undergraduate students received financial aid.

Graduation and Retention Rates

Graduation Rate

In 2023-24, 5,464 individuals completed a degree or certificate from Boise State, 230 more students, a more than 4% increase over the prior year.

Time to Complete

In 2023, 31% of students graduating from Boise State University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e., 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 53% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 56% within 200%.

Retention Rate

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Boise State University was 78%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Doctoral Universities (84%), Boise State University had a retention rate lower than its peers.

Degrees Awarded

Overview

In 2023, Boise State University awarded 6,014 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs. A majority of these degrees (61.9%) were awarded to women, while 38.1% were awarded to men. The most common race/ethnicity group among degree recipients was White, accounting for 4,454 degrees, which is 5.65 times more than the next closest group, Hispanic or Latino (789 degrees).

Read also: Preserve Your Boise State Diploma

Most Common Majors

The most popular bachelor's degree concentrations at Boise State University in 2023 were Registered Nursing (467 degrees awarded), General Business (244 degrees), and General Psychology (194 degrees).

Sex Breakdown for Common Majors

In 2023, 2,291 degrees were awarded to men at Boise State University, which is 0.615 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (3,723).

Student Loan Default Rate

In 2022, the default rate for borrowers at Boise State University was 0%, with 0 out of 3,917 total borrowers defaulting.

Online Programs

Boise State University has a growing online presence, with 4,690 students enrolled in online programs, reflecting an increase of 417 students, or nearly 10%, over the previous year. A total of 4,273 students are enrolled in online programs, which is an increase of 417 students or nearly 11% over last year.

Rankings and Distinctions

In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Boise State University is ranked No. 301 in National Universities and No. 164 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.

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