Boise State University

Boise State admitted about 84% of applicants in the most recent cycle, drawing roughly 17,600 first-year applications and enrolling around 3,900 students. It is an accessible university, and admission for most applicants is based primarily on a single number: your high school GPA.

GPA is the factor that matters most at Boise State, the only one it rates as very important in its admission review. The university does not weigh class rank or course rigor the same way, so your transcript grades carry the decision. A solid B-range GPA generally puts you in strong position for admission.

Yes. Boise State does not require SAT or ACT scores, and most applicants are admitted on GPA alone. If you do submit scores they are considered alongside your transcript; among recently enrolled first-years who tested, the middle range ran roughly 960–1180 on the SAT and 20–26 on the ACT.

They are good — slightly better than for Idaho residents, in fact. In Fall 2024, Boise State admitted about 91% of out-of-state applicants versus 85% of in-state applicants, and out-of-state students make up roughly 37% of the student body. Residency is not weighed against you in the admission decision.

Annual tuition and required fees run about $9,051 for Idaho residents and $27,788 for out-of-state students, among the lower in-state prices in the Mountain West. Around 39% of first-years receive need-based grant or scholarship aid, with an average package near $14,953.

Business and marketing is the largest field at about 23% of bachelor's degrees, with the health professions close behind near 22%. The biological sciences, interdisciplinary studies, psychology, communication, education, and engineering round out the most-awarded programs.

It plays a supporting role. Boise State weighs the application essay as a considered factor alongside recommendations and any test scores, below the GPA that drives the decision. For applicants near the margin or applying to a competitive program, a clear, specific essay can help tip a holistic review in your favor.

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