Boise State vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare Boise State University in Boise, ID with University of Memphis in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Boise State University is larger than Memphis based on total student enrollment (27,198 students vs. 20,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boise State University is located in Boise, ID (Midsize City setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Boise State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boise State University 20:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Boise State vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Boise State or Memphis? 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 University of Memphis than Boise State ($12,756 vs. $21,583).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 23.8% lower than at Boise State University ($11,342 vs. $14,884).
• University of Memphis is 18.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Boise State (about $1,680 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $9,048.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.6% higher at Boise State than at University of Memphis (about $12,404 more per year; $27,788.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis than at Boise State University (92% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 24% larger than aid received by Boise State University students ($11,793 vs. $9,507).

Boise State vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boise State University (1120) is 70 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Boise State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 1030/1210; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 21/26; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Boise State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); Memphis - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Boise State Aug 1, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Boise State (3.37).
• Boise State has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Boise State vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Boise State vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Memphis's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Boise State University's (29%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $600 more per year than Boise State graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Boise State University graduates have a $2,321 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($22,929 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Boise State graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($237 vs. $261).
• More Boise State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 37%)

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.