When choosing a college, it’s essential to compare and contrast their offerings to find the best fit for you. In this article, we will examine two prominent universities: Boise State University and Brigham Young University. We will cover the costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus amenities, alumni, rankings, and outcomes associated with these institutions.
Boise State Overview
Boise State University is a public research institution located in Boise, Idaho. Established in 1932, it has grown to become the largest university in the state, serving over 26,000 students. Boise State’s urban campus offers a wide array of academic programs and extracurricular opportunities, allowing students to grow and develop in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Boise State Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, Boise State’s tuition varies for in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students pay approximately $8,068 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $24,988. Room and board costs are typically around $9,000, depending on meal plans and housing options.
Boise State Admissions
Boise State has a relatively high acceptance rate of 77%, making it accessible to many students. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts and standardized test scores (either SAT or ACT) alongside their application. Boise State also considers factors such as GPA, class rank, and extracurricular activities when evaluating candidates.
Boise State Degrees Offered
Boise State offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, including arts and sciences, business and economics, education, engineering, health sciences, and public service. The university is particularly known for its engineering and business programs, as well as its online education offerings.
Boise State Academics
Boise State University prides itself on offering a high-quality education that prepares students for success in the workforce. The university maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty. Additionally, Boise State offers a variety of academic support services, including tutoring, academic coaching, and study skills workshops.
Boise State Diversity
Boise State is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus, with over 16% of the student population identifying as non-white. The university also has various clubs, organizations, and programs aimed at supporting diverse communities, such as the Multicultural Student Services department and the Gender Equity Center.
Boise State Students
Boise State’s student body is comprised of approximately 26,000 students, with a majority being undergraduate students. The campus offers numerous opportunities for student involvement, including over 200 student clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and various campus events. Boise State also has a strong Greek life presence, with several fraternities and sororities.
Boise State Campus
The Boise State campus spans over 180 acres along the Boise River, providing a picturesque setting for academic and extracurricular pursuits. The university offers modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational centers. Students can also enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area through nearby green spaces and the Boise River Greenbelt.
Boise State Alumni
Boise State boasts a robust alumni network, with over 90,000 living alumni worldwide. Graduates have found success in various fields, including business, science, government, and entertainment. Notable alumni include Idaho Governor Brad Little, former NFL player Kellen Moore, and author and activist Marilyn Shuler.
Boise State Rankings
Boise State has received numerous accolades for its educational offerings and campus environment. In its 2021 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Boise State #298-389 in National Universities, #173 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and #126 in Top Public Schools.
Boise State Outcomes
Graduates of Boise State University go on to have successful careers, with a 75% employment rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary of Boise State graduates is around $46,000, with higher earnings potential in specialized fields such as engineering or business.
BYU Overview
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private research university located in Provo, Utah. Owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU has a strong focus on combining secular learning with spiritual growth. With over 33,000 students, BYU offers a broad range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life.
BYU Costs & Tuition
As a private university, tuition at BYU is consistent for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate students pay $5,970 per year in tuition and fees, which is significantly lower than most private institutions due to the financial support from the church. Room and board costs are estimated at around $8,000, depending on the chosen housing and meal plan.
BYU Admissions
BYU has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 64%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a series of essays as part of their application. The university also requires an endorsement from a church leader, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and commitment to the university’s values.
BYU Degrees Offered
BYU offers over 180 undergraduate majors and 110 graduate programs across various fields, including humanities, sciences, engineering, fine arts, and management. The university is particularly renowned for its business, law, and education programs.
BYU Academics
Academic excellence at BYU is accompanied by a strong emphasis on spiritual development, with students expected to adhere to the university’s Honor Code. The school maintains a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from professors. BYU also offers numerous academic resources, including tutoring, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.
BYU Diversity
BYU has a predominantly white student population, with approximately 82% of students identifying as Caucasian. However, the university is gradually increasing its efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity on campus through various clubs, organizations, and initiatives.
BYU Students
BYU’s student body is made up of over 33,000 students, the majority of whom are undergraduate students. The campus offers a wide variety of opportunities for involvement, including over 400 student clubs and organizations, recreational sports, and numerous campus events. BYU also has a strong emphasis on service and community engagement, with numerous volunteer programs and service-learning opportunities.
BYU Campus
BYU’s campus is nestled against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, offering stunning views and a serene environment for academic and spiritual growth. The university’s facilities include cutting-edge classrooms, research labs, and recreational centers. Students can also enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area through outdoor activities and on-campus gardens and green spaces.
BYU Alumni
BYU has a strong alumni network, with over 430,000 living graduates worldwide. Prominent alumni include former U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney, bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, and acclaimed filmmaker Jared Hess.
BYU Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, BYU was ranked #80 in National Universities, #14 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #65 in Best Value Schools.
BYU Outcomes
BYU graduates have a high employment rate, with 83% of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for BYU alumni is around $50,000 per year, with higher earning potential in specialized fields such as business or engineering.
Boise State vs BYU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Boise State and BYU, it’s important to consider both tuition and fees as well as room and board expenses. For in-state students, Boise State’s tuition ($8,068) is higher than BYU’s ($5,970). However, out-of-state students will find that Boise State’s tuition ($24,988) is significantly higher than BYU’s. Additionally, room and board costs are relatively similar between the two institutions, with Boise State’s estimated at $9,000 and BYU’s at $8,000.
Boise State vs BYU Admissions Difficulty
Both Boise State and BYU have competitive admissions processes, with Boise State having a higher acceptance rate of 77% compared to BYU’s 64%. While both schools require applicants to submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores, BYU also requires an endorsement from a church leader and emphasizes spiritual commitment in its admissions evaluations. This additional requirement may make BYU’s admissions process more challenging for some applicants, particularly those not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Boise State vs BYU Academic Difficulty
The academic rigor at both Boise State and BYU is high, with each institution offering a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Boise State has a slightly lower student-to-faculty ratio (17:1) compared to BYU (20:1), which may provide more opportunities for personalized attention and academic support. However, both schools offer numerous resources to help students succeed academically, including tutoring, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.
Boise State vs BYU Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Boise State and BYU experience successful outcomes after graduation. BYU has a slightly higher employment rate within six months of graduation (83%) compared to Boise State (75%), and the average starting salary for BYU graduates ($50,000) is also higher than that of Boise State graduates ($46,000). However, students from both institutions can expect to have strong career prospects and earning potential, particularly in specialized fields such as engineering or business.
