Boise State's published cost of attendance is $25,387 per year, including $26,976 in out-of-state tuition, $8,782 for in-state tuition, $16,610 for room and board, and $1,226 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $19,182 after financial aid, representing $6,205 in savings from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,224 |
| Tuition and Fees | $27,788 |
| Room and Board | $14,884 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$6,614 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $21,610 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $18,165 |
| $30–48k | $17,974 |
| $48–75k | $20,731 |
| $75–110k | $23,573 |
| $110k+ | $25,893 |
Boise State's published cost of attendance is $25,387 per year, including $26,976 in out-of-state tuition, $8,782 for in-state tuition, $16,610 for room and board, and $1,226 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $19,182 after financial aid, representing $6,205 in savings from the sticker price. This net price falls $3,592 below the peer median of $15,590, making Boise State more expensive than similar public institutions.
The gap between published and actual costs demonstrates meaningful financial aid distribution, though the aid appears less generous than at comparable universities. Idaho residents benefit significantly from the lower in-state tuition rate, paying approximately $18,000 less annually than out-of-state students before aid calculations. The total cost structure reflects typical public university pricing with substantial room and board expenses comprising the majority of non-tuition costs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Median student debt at graduation is $20,500, essentially equal to the peer median of $20,000, indicating typical borrowing levels for similar public institutions. Debt ranges from $5,670 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates moderate sustainability, with annual debt payments representing approximately 40% of first-year post-graduation income. Parent PLUS borrowers carry a median debt of $17,959 with monthly payments of approximately $237.
This additional family borrowing supplements student loans for families requiring additional financing beyond federal student loan limits. The combination of student and parent borrowing creates total family debt burdens that require careful financial planning.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Boise State generates $4,479 in earnings beyond expectations relative to student demographics, ranking at the 72.3rd percentile nationally for value-added performance. This indicates strong return on investment despite median earnings around national averages.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests manageable borrowing levels relative to post-graduation income potential. Compared to peer institutions, graduates earn $8,885 less annually but also borrow similar amounts, creating mixed investment prospects depending on program choice.
Students in high-earning programs like Computer Science ($99,908) or health fields see excellent returns, while those in lower-earning majors face more challenging economics. The institution's strength in converting educational access into economic advancement beyond demographic predictions demonstrates genuine value creation.
With 17.9% Pell share, Boise State enrolls fewer low-income students than many public institutions, though the substantial gap between sticker price and net cost indicates meaningful financial aid distribution across income levels. The $6,205 average financial aid savings demonstrates institutional investment in affordability, though net prices remain above peer medians.
Aid appears targeted toward reducing costs for lower-income students, with the most significant reductions occurring in the bottom income brackets. The progressive pricing structure suggests need-based aid prioritization, with merit aid also likely contributing to cost reductions for middle and upper-income families.
Students should apply for financial aid regardless of family income, as even higher-income families receive some cost reductions. The relatively low Pell share may indicate either higher costs that deter low-income enrollment or geographic factors specific to Idaho's demographics.
