Boise State admits approximately 84.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Boise State in the Open Access category, indicating broad educational opportunity for students across academic preparation levels. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Boise State is slightly more accessible than similar public institutions, admitting about 6 percentage points more applicants than typical peers. This open admission approach reflects the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including working adults, transfer students, and first-generation college students. The high acceptance rate means that meeting basic admission requirements typically results in acceptance, though students should still submit complete applications and meet published deadlines. For students building college lists, Boise State represents a reliable option with predictable admission outcomes. The university's accessibility combined with strong program outcomes in health and technical fields makes it an attractive safety school for students also applying to more selective institutions. Students should focus application efforts on demonstrating fit with specific programs rather than competing for limited admission slots.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Boise State enrolls 17.9% Pell-eligible students and 33.5% first-generation students, indicating the university serves a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds with particular strength in supporting first-generation college students. Transfer students comprise a substantial 36.4% of enrollment, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving non-traditional learners and students beginning their higher education journey at community colleges. This composition suggests the university prioritizes educational access and student mobility within the higher education system. The relatively low Pell share compared to first-generation enrollment indicates many students come from working-class families who may not qualify for federal need-based aid but still represent first-in-family college attendance. Geographic diversity likely includes substantial in-state representation given Boise State's role as Idaho's largest public university, though the institution also attracts students from neighboring western states. The high transfer enrollment suggests strong articulation agreements with community colleges and recognition of prior learning. First-generation students should know that approximately one-third of enrolled students share their background, creating natural peer support systems. Transfer applicants should note that more than one-third of students have successfully made the transition from other institutions.
Given Boise State's 84% acceptance rate, most applicants who meet basic admission requirements should expect acceptance. The alternatives below offer different geographic options, cost structures, or outcome profiles.
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78% of Boise State freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 84%, indicating retention slightly below expectations for similar institutions. 62% of students graduate within six years, compared to a peer median of 66%, showing completion rates modestly below typical outcomes for comparable universities. Pell-eligible students graduate at 52%, creating a 10 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This gap suggests some challenges in supporting lower-income students through degree completion, though more than half of Pell recipients do successfully graduate. The retention and completion patterns reflect the institution's open admission approach and diverse student body, including many transfer students and working adults who may face additional barriers to degree completion. Transfer students often require additional time to complete degrees, which may contribute to the six-year graduation rate. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support systems, but should also plan for personal responsibility in navigating degree requirements and accessing available resources. Prospective students should consider these completion rates when evaluating institutional fit and developing strategies for academic success.
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