Boise State vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

Compare Boise State University in Boise, ID with Illinois State University in Normal, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Boise State University is larger than ISU based on total student enrollment (27,198 students vs. 21,546 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boise State University is located in Boise, ID (Midsize City setting); Illinois State University is in Normal, IL (Small City setting).
• Boise State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boise State University 20:1; Illinois State University 19:1.

Boise State vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Boise State or ISU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Illinois State University than Boise State ($21,369 vs. $21,583).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 21% lower than at Boise State University ($11,754 vs. $14,884).
• Illinois State University is 78.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Boise State (about $7,096 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $9,048.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at ISU than at Boise State University (about $422 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $27,788.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Boise State University (96% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois State University students is 36.5% larger than aid received by Boise State University students ($12,974 vs. $9,507).

Boise State vs. ISU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Boise State or ISU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between ISU and Boise State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boise State University (1120) is 20 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Boise State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 1030/1210; Illinois State University 990/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 21/26; Illinois State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Boise State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); ISU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Boise State Aug 1, 2027; ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Boise State (3.37).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Boise State (87.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Boise State vs. 22.5% at ISU.

Boise State vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Boise State and ISU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Boise State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Boise State graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $929 lower median loan debt than Boise State graduates ($22,000 vs. $22,929).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Boise State graduates ($227 vs. $237).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Boise State students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.