Boise State vs. Washington State

Comparable Facts

Compare Boise State University in Boise, ID with Washington State University in Pullman, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Boise State University is larger than Washington State based on total student enrollment (27,198 students vs. 25,685 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boise State University is located in Boise, ID (Midsize City setting); Washington State University is in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Boise State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boise State University 20:1; Washington State University 15:1.

Boise State vs. Washington State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Boise State or Washington State? 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 Washington State University than Boise State ($18,171 vs. $21,583).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington State University are 8.5% lower than at Boise State University ($13,622 vs. $14,884).
• Washington State University is 48% more expensive for in-state tuition than Boise State (about $4,343 more per year; $13,391.00 vs. $9,048.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.8% higher at Washington State than at Boise State University (about $2,162 more per year; $29,950.00 vs. $27,788.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington State University than at Boise State University (83% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington State University students is 14.5% larger than aid received by Boise State University students ($10,886 vs. $9,507).

Boise State vs. Washington State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boise State University (1120) is the same as at Washington State (1120).
• Incoming Boise State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Washington State (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 1030/1210; Washington State University 1020/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 21/26; Washington State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Boise State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); Washington State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: Boise State Aug 1, 2027; Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington State students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Boise State (3.37).
• Boise State has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than Washington State (86.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Boise State vs. 19.7% at Washington State.

Boise State vs. Washington State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Washington State University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Boise State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Washington State University earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Boise State graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Boise State graduates ($20,429 vs. $22,929).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Boise State graduates ($211 vs. $237).
• More Washington State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Boise State students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.