Boise State University
Boise, Idaho · Public · 87.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 45/100 · Below Average Value
Boise State University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,048/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $27,788/yr |
| Average net price | $21,610/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $86,440 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,658 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $35,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 13.6 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 60.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,674 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,165 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,974 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,731 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,573 |
| $110,001+ | $25,893 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Boise State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $91,491 | B+ |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $89,863 | B+ |
| Business Administration and Management | $64,202 | C+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $53,278 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $66,283 | C+ |
| Psychology | $51,184 | D |
| Health Professions, Residency Programs | $60,164 | D |
| Biology | $49,570 | C |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,297 | C |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $51,708 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Boise State University is $9,048/year ($27,788/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $21,610/year, or roughly $86,440 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $18,165/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,893/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $51,658 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.58 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 59.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 65.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 58.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 63.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 87.2% |
| Enrollment | 17,674 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,887 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University (this school) | 45 | $21,610 | $51,658 |
| University of Idaho | 59 | $14,831 | $54,670 |
| Ohio University-Main Campus | 48 | $21,637 | $52,581 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | 47 | $13,530 | $47,089 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | 47 | $10,965 | $48,160 |
| Idaho State University | 38 | $12,193 | $45,608 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Boise State University is mixed. At $21,610 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $51,658 ten years after entry - a payback period of 13.6 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $20,500 against $51,658 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.