University of Idaho vs Boise State University

University of Idaho vs Boise State University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Idaho and Boise State University are two established public universities in Idaho with a focus on providing excellence in education with a regional mission. The University of Idaho is ranked in the 1001-1200 band in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is ranked at 1291 in the US News Global Rankings 2026. Boise State University is not ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026 but is ranked at around 1534 in the US News Global Rankings 2026. None of the universities is ranked in the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2026. The University of Idaho has robust courses in engineering, agriculture, and environmental science, while Boise State has a special focus on business and professional workforce-based education in health sciences.

General Information

University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, since 1889 and Idaho's land-grant university, has a total student enrollment of nearly 11,000 undergraduate students. It is highly renowned in engineering, natural resources, agriculture, and education programs and has a goal of fostering social and economic development in the region.

Boise State University is located in Boise and is established in 1932 with a total of around 24,000 students. Boise State University is identified by an emphasis on applied sciences, business, health sciences, and public affairs and has a mission to enhance workforce preparation through applied education and corporate connections.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

The acceptance rate at the University of Idaho is 79.1%, meaning it has a very liberal admissions policy in order to accept a varied student pool.

Same is the case with Boise State University, whose acceptance rate is 84%, and it is open to a broad student base and offers practical and career-based programs.

Research Impact & Facilities

The University of Idaho boasts research endeavors in agriculture, natural resources, engineering, and environmental science to aid innovation at both national and local levels.

Boise State is an applied university, with strengths in business, health sciences, and education, and with industry collaboration and centers for applied research tailored to community and regional requirements.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both universities have affordable tuition rates, specifically for in-state students, and offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. With their affordable method of doing things, they attract students in pursuit of pratical education at an affordable fee.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

University of Idaho graduates are likely to find employment in fields of engineering, agriculture, government service, and education through strong local employer connections.

Graduates from Boise State University are likely to excel in fields like business, health sciences, public affairs, and education through the virtue of the university emphasizing workforce preparation and applied experiences.