Boise State University vs The College of Idaho
The College of Idaho is selective with a 47.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Boise State University (84.0%). Graduates of Boise State University earn $3,185 more per year at the 10-year mark ($51,658 vs $48,473). For families earning $48k–$75k, The College of Idaho is more affordable at $17,773 net price vs $20,731. Students at Boise State University graduate with less debt ($20,500 vs $24,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Boise State University has a higher yield rate (23.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Boise, ID
Caldwell, ID
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), The College of Idaho is more affordable at $14,026 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $25,893 vs $23,095.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. The College of Idaho enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (24%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Boise State University
- 1 Computer Science$76,208
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$75,047
- 3 Construction Management$72,274
- 4 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$65,621
- 5 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$60,240
The College of Idaho
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations$31,890
- 2 Psychology, General$26,933
- 3 History$26,933
- 4 Natural Resources Conservation and Research$25,194
- 5 Social Sciences, Other$24,035
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Boise State University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business/Commerce, General
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- 5 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
The College of Idaho
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 5 Marketing
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Boise State University
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$22,452
- Est. total cost/year$37,315
- School typePublic
The College of Idaho
- International students13%
- Tuition (international)$32,100
- Est. total cost/year$43,505
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Boise State University or The College of Idaho?
The College of Idaho is more selective with a 47.2% acceptance rate, compared to 84.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Boise State University or The College of Idaho?
Boise State University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $51,658 compared to $48,473. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Boise State University or The College of Idaho?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), The College of Idaho has a lower net price at $17,773 per year vs $20,731. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Boise State University vs The College of Idaho?
The College of Idaho has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 63.3%, compared to 61.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Boise State University or The College of Idaho?
The College of Idaho has a larger international student population at 13% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Boise State University and The College of Idaho?
At Boise State University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $76,208 within two years. At The College of Idaho, the top-earning major is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $31,890. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.