Boise State vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Boise State University in Boise, ID with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Boise State University is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (27,198 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boise State University is located in Boise, ID (Midsize City setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Boise State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boise State University 20:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Boise State vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Boise State or Central Washington University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central Washington University than Boise State ($19,898 vs. $21,583).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Boise State University are 9.7% lower than at Central Washington University ($14,884 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Boise State (about $369 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $9,048.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Boise State than at Central Washington University (about $262 more per year; $27,788.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Washington University than at Boise State University (85% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boise State University students is 7.8% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($9,507 vs. $8,816).

Boise State vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Boise State or Central Washington University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Central Washington University and Boise State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boise State University (1120) is 80 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Boise State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 1030/1210; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 21/26; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Boise State - Test-free; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Boise State Aug 1, 2027; Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Boise State students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Boise State (87.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Boise State vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Boise State vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Boise State and Central Washington University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Boise State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Boise State graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $2,192 lower median loan debt than Boise State graduates ($20,737 vs. $22,929).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Boise State graduates ($214 vs. $237).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Boise State students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.