🎓 Boise State University Scholarships & Aid (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships for in-state and out-of-state students
- Competitive and departmental awards worth applying for
- Honors College and regional tuition savings (WUE)
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1030–1210
- Average HS GPA: 3.5
Source: Boise State University Admissions and verified third-party data (2025 update).
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Boise State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 15, 2025
Boise State has become one of the West’s best-value public universities—especially for out-of-state families. Strong students can qualify automatically for big tuition discounts through the WUE program and Boise’s own Gem, Treasure, and Ridgeline scholarships.
The campus combines outdoor adventure with strong academics in business, engineering, and health sciences. With clear merit charts and an automatic review process, Boise State offers a transparent and attainable path to significant cost savings—without requiring a single extra application.
FAQ
Does Boise State offer automatic scholarships?
Yes — students are automatically considered for Gem, Treasure, and WUE awards upon admission.
Are WUE and merit scholarships stackable?
Typically, no. Boise State applies whichever award provides the greater savings, but limited stacking can occur in some cases.
What’s the average net price?
Around $15,387 after grants and scholarships (College Raptor 2025).
Is Boise State test-optional?
Yes — test-optional through at least Fall 2026; SAT/ACT scores are not required or recommended.
Admissions — First-Year Dates & Deadlines (incl. 12/15 priority): https://www.boisestate.edu/admissions/first-year/dates-deadlines/
Scholarships overview (Gem, Treasure, Ridgeline, WUE): https://www.boisestate.edu/sfs/scholarships/
Freshman merit scholarships (criteria & amounts): https://www.boisestate.edu/sfs/scholarships/freshman/
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) at Boise State: https://www.boisestate.edu/admissions/wue/
Honors College (benefits & application): https://www.boisestate.edu/honors/
Test-optional admission policy: https://www.boisestate.edu/admissions/first-year/requirements/
College Raptor (average net price reference): https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/details/id/boise-state-university/142115
💰 Cost of Attendance at Boise State University (2025–2026)
Boise State offers a transparent tuition structure with strong regional value—especially for out-of-state students who qualify for WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange). Below are verified costs for full-time undergraduates living on campus for the 2025–26 academic year.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $9,364 | $28,478 |
| Housing & Meals | $15,512 | $15,512 |
| Estimated Total (On-Campus) | $24,876 | $43,990 |
Note: Books, transportation, and personal costs are federally defined allowances—not billed charges. For 2025–26, Boise State estimates about $800 for books, $2,608 for transportation, and $3,588 for personal expenses.
❓ Cost & WUE FAQs
What is WUE and who qualifies?
WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) lets residents of 15 western states—including California, Nevada, Utah, and Washington—attend Boise State at a reduced tuition rate.
How much does WUE save?
WUE tuition runs about $13,500–$15,000 per year versus the full nonresident rate of $28,478.
Over four years, that’s roughly $40,000–$45,000 in savings.
Can WUE stack with other scholarships?
Not usually. Boise State will apply the single award (WUE or Gem/Treasure) that offers the best financial outcome,
though small departmental awards may still stack.
When were these figures last updated?
All data verified for the 2025–2026 academic year from Boise State Financial Aid and Student Financial Services.
Cost of Attendance (2025–26 budgets & allowances): https://www.boisestate.edu/financialaid/cost-of-attendance/
Tuition & Fees (resident vs. nonresident rates): https://www.boisestate.edu/student-financials/tuition-fees/
Housing & Dining rates (on-campus options): https://www.boisestate.edu/housing/rates/ and https://www.boisestate.edu/housing/dining/
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) details: https://www.boisestate.edu/admissions/wue/
College Raptor (average net price verification): https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/details/id/boise-state-university/142115
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Undergraduate Gem | Full out-of-state tuition | GPA ≥ 3.90 | No | Yes | Top academic students (many with 4.0+ and strong rigor) | Dec 15 (application + all materials) |
| WUE Scholarship | ~$13,000 tuition discount | GPA ≥ 3.20 (WUE-eligible states only) | No | Yes | High B+ or A- students who apply early | Dec 15 |
| True Blue Promise | $2,000/year | GPA ≥ 3.00 and Pell Grant–eligible | No | Yes | First-gen and lower-income students with solid grades | Dec 15 |
❓ Automatic Merit FAQs
Who usually gets the full out-of-state tuition waiver?
The Western Undergraduate Gem is reserved for the very top applicants—typically those with a 3.9+ GPA, strong course rigor, and sometimes test scores. If you’re close (like a 3.8), it’s still worth applying early, but most recipients are in the top 5–10% of the applicant pool.
Do I need test scores to get these scholarships?
No—but they can help. Boise State is test-optional, and all of these awards can be earned with GPA alone. That said, if your GPA is on the edge of the cutoff, a solid ACT or SAT score may boost your chances, especially for the top scholarship tiers.
Is Boise State generous compared to other WUE schools?
Yes. Boise State stands out by offering both WUE and additional automatic merit aid. Some WUE schools offer just a discount—but Boise can layer in aid like the True Blue Promise, making it more affordable for both high-achieving and lower-income students.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown Challenge Scholarship | $2,000/year | WUE-eligible students or Idaho residents with strong community involvement | Yes | Yes | Applicants who demonstrate leadership and local impact; priority for rural Idaho | Apr 28 (application + summer project timeline) |
| Crankstart Reentry Scholarship | Up to $5,000/year | Idaho residents returning to college after ≥24 months, 2.5+ GPA, financial need | Yes | Not automatically renewable; can reapply | Reentering students, especially first-generation and non-traditional | Jun 1 (scholarship app deadline) |
| Osher Reentry Scholarship | Up to $5,000/year | Idaho residents, significant gap in college attendance, part/full time undergrad | Yes | Not automatically renewable; can reapply | Older students, reentering after workforce/family responsibilities | Jun 1 (app deadline) |
❓ Competitive Scholarships FAQ
What makes these scholarships competitive?
Competitive scholarships at Boise State often have limited spots, require essays or separate applications, and look at more than just grades. Some are tied to the Honors College or specific geographic groups (like Idaho residents or WUE states).
Are they worth applying for?
Yes—especially if you’re already applying to Honors or are active in your community. Many competitive scholarships can stack with automatic merit aid, reducing your total cost.
How can I improve my chances?
Apply early, write a strong essay that shows real impact, and make sure your application highlights leadership or service. For the biggest scholarships, Honors College admission is essential.
Can reentry and transfer students compete for Boise State scholarships?
Absolutely. Reentry and transfer awards like Crankstart and Osher support students who have had significant gaps in their college attendance, including parents, working adults, and veterans.
🎖️ Boise State Honors College
Boise State’s Honors College offers a small-campus feel inside a growing public university. Students in the program get early class registration, dedicated advising, and access to special scholarships and research opportunities—plus their own honors residence hall.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaffee Presidential Scholarship | Full in-state tuition + $2,000/year stipend | Idaho residents in the Honors College | Yes (via Honors app) | Yes | Top in-state students with 4.0 GPAs, leadership, and service | Feb 15 (application deadline) |
| Honors College Housing Scholarship | $1,000/year | Honors College students living in Honors housing | No (automatic for Honors residents) | Yes | Most current Honors students who choose residence | Feb 15 (for fall housing selection) |
| Honors College General Scholarship | $1,000–$5,000 | Incoming or current Honors students with strong academic record | Yes (Honors scholarship app) | No (one-time grant) | Admitted Honors students (first-year or continuing) with merit/leadership | Feb 15 (for fall term) |
❓ Honors College FAQ
How selective is the Honors College?
Honors is competitive, but not out of reach. A GPA of 3.75+ is common, but Boise State also looks at essays, leadership, and personal background. First-gen students and Idaho residents are strongly encouraged to apply.
What do you get by joining?
Honors students get early class registration, smaller seminars, access to faculty mentors, and priority consideration for certain scholarships. You also get access to the Honors residence hall, which houses a supportive community of academically focused students.
Is it worth applying?
If you have a strong GPA and are looking for a tight-knit, academically driven environment, the Honors College can be a great value—especially for Idaho students. Even if you’re on the edge GPA-wise, it’s worth applying if you have strong writing or leadership.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
Yes. In addition to the Chaffee and Honors Housing awards, a range of Honors General Scholarships, fellowships, and summer research grants are available for applicants who meet early deadlines.
Do you need separate apps for Honors housing or scholarships?
Honors housing is a separate university application, while most Honors scholarships require completing the Honors College scholarship app by February 15 for fall awards.
🎯 What Boise State University Is Known For
Boise State University is a public R2 Research University known for its innovation, growth, and applied research. As Idaho’s largest university, Boise State has transformed into a nationally recognized hub for business, engineering, and health sciences—fueled by strong industry partnerships and a fast-growing tech economy in the Treasure Valley.
Boise State’s College of Engineering is ranked among the Top 100 public engineering schools (U.S. News 2025) and is home to the state’s only on-campus Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering. The program is known for its strong industry ties and hands-on undergraduate research.
- College of Business and Economics (COBE) — AACSB-accredited and ranked among the Top 100 public business schools, with strong programs in entrepreneurship, marketing, and supply chain management.
- School of Nursing — Nationally recognized for innovation and ranked among the Top 50 online nursing programs, with a new state-of-the-art simulation lab and strong NCLEX pass rates.
- College of Innovation and Design — A pioneer in interdisciplinary education, blending technology, design, and entrepreneurship. Houses the popular Gaming, Interactive Media & Mobile Technology program.
- College of Education — Ranked among the Top 100 nationally for teacher preparation and educational leadership, with deep partnerships across Idaho school districts.
- School of Public Service — Known for public policy, criminal justice, and environmental studies programs that leverage Boise’s capital-city location for applied learning and internships.
- College of Health Sciences — Offers high-demand programs in respiratory care, radiologic sciences, and kinesiology, supported by growing research in population health and rural medicine.