Colleges › Idaho › Boise State University
Boise State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Boise State University accepts 87% of applicants. It is a public university in Boise, Idaho, with about 17,674 undergraduates. The sticker price is $24,876 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $18,423.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for Boise State University?
Most Idaho residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.3 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Boise State University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1120, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Idaho resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 52% Target | 25% Reach |
| 2.7 | 52% Target | 25% Reach |
| 3.0 | 67% Target | 38% Target |
| 3.3 | 84% Likely | 61% Target |
| 3.5 | 91% Likely | 74% Target |
| 3.7 | 95% Likely | 84% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 91% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 93% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Boise State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $24,876 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $15,400 | $31,700 |
| $50k – $100k | $16,200 | $32,500 |
| $100k – $150k | $19,600 | $35,800 |
| $150k – $250k | $24,876 | $42,300 |
| Over $250k | $24,876 | $43,990 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Boise State University
What is the acceptance rate at Boise State University?
Boise State University admits 87% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Boise State University?
Most Idaho residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.3 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Boise State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1010–1230 on the SAT and 19–27 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Boise State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $24,876 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $18,423 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $15,400 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Boise State University?
61% of students finish their degree, and 79% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Boise State University
- George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA · admits 87%
- University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln, NE · admits 87%
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale, IL · admits 87%
- University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX · admits 87%
- Washington State UniversityPullman, WA · admits 87%
- University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI · admits 87%