Boise State vs. NNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Boise State University in Boise, ID with Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Boise State University is larger than NNU based on total student enrollment (27,198 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boise State University is located in Boise, ID (Midsize City setting); Northwest Nazarene University is in Nampa, ID (Small City setting).
• Boise State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boise State University 20:1; Northwest Nazarene University 14:1.

Boise State vs. NNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Boise State or NNU? 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 Boise State University than NNU ($21,583 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 18.9% lower than at Boise State University ($12,070 vs. $14,884).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 350.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Boise State (about $31,746 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $9,048.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.8% higher at NNU than at Boise State University (about $13,006 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $27,788.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest Nazarene University than at Boise State University (99% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 164.5% larger than aid received by Boise State University students ($25,146 vs. $9,507).

Boise State vs. NNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Boise State or NNU? 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 NNU and Boise State.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boise State University (1120) is the same as at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU 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; Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 21/26; Northwest Nazarene University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Boise State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); NNU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Boise State Aug 1, 2027; NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NNU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Boise State (3.37).
• Boise State has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Boise State vs. 9.9% at NNU.

Boise State vs. NNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Boise State and NNU? 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).

• Northwest Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Boise State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Northwest Nazarene University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Boise State graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Boise State University graduates have a $3,071 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($22,929 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Boise State graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More NNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Boise State students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.