Boise State vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Boise State University in Boise, ID with Portland State University in Portland, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Boise State University is larger than Portland State University based on total student enrollment (27,198 students vs. 19,951 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boise State University is located in Boise, ID (Midsize City setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Boise State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boise State University 20:1; Portland State University 17:1.

Boise State vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Boise State or Portland State 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 Portland State University than Boise State ($10,195 vs. $21,583).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 7.8% lower than at Boise State University ($13,728 vs. $14,884).
• Portland State University is 29.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Boise State (about $2,631 more per year; $11,679.00 vs. $9,048.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Portland State University than at Boise State University (about $3,286 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $27,788.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Portland State University than at Boise State University (89% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Portland State University students is 11.8% larger than aid received by Boise State University students ($10,629 vs. $9,507).

Boise State vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Boise State or Portland State 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 Portland State University and Boise State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Portland State University (1130) is 10 points higher than at Boise State (1120).
• Incoming Boise State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 1030/1210; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boise State University 21/26; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Boise State - Test-free; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Boise State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Boise State students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Boise State (87.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Boise State vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

Boise State vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Boise State and Portland State 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).

• Portland State University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Boise State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Boise State graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $295 lower median loan debt than Boise State graduates ($22,634 vs. $22,929).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Boise State graduates ($234 vs. $237).
• More Portland State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Boise State students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.