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University sets enrollment record for first-time undergraduate Idaho college students

Boise State University has exceeded its largest student enrollment ever with a fall 2024 total of 27,250, marking another record-setting year.

The university is up 2% overall, or 523 students over last fall, primarily in degree-seeking undergraduates. Idaho degree seeking undergraduate enrollment saw an increase of 657 students or 6.5% over last year. First-time undergraduate student enrollment from Idaho increased by 11.5% with 2,185 students enrolled, making this the largest incoming class of Idaho students in Boise State’s history. New Idaho students are up more than 51% from 2020.

“Each new Idaho student who enrolls at Boise State is a testament to our deep commitment to serving our state,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, president. “Idaho has one of the lowest rates for college attendance in the country, and we want to respond to the real need in our state. We care deeply about providing people with an opportunity to achieve their dreams, positively impact their local communities and contribute to workforce success across our state. We have intentionally focused on recruiting students from every county in Idaho, and I’m so proud of our campus community’s efforts.”

Notably, Boise State’s enrollment is climbing at the same time the university is graduating record numbers of students. In 2023-24, 5,464 individuals completed a degree or certificate from Boise State, 230 more students, a more than 4% increase over the prior year. Bachelor’s degree graduates accounted for 3,964 of these students, which was an increase of 2.7%, or 105 students, over the prior year.

Other substantial enrollment highlights include:

  • At 5,164, the fall 2024 combined class of incoming new and transfer students is the largest ever, representing a 10% increase over last year.
  • Transfer students enrollment is up 10%, or 157 more students than last year. This includes 957 new Idaho transfer students, a more than 10% increase over last year.
  • A total of 4,273 students are enrolled in online programs, which is an increase of 417 students or nearly 11% over last year. Online program enrollment has increased more than 15% since 2020.
  • Doctoral program enrollment increased by 20 students to 482, which is over a 4% increase from last year and over an 18% increase from 2020.

Boise State’s enrollment has grown 13% since 2020. The university was just named one of the most innovative in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. At number 53 on the 2025 most innovative universities list, Boise State was the only Idaho institution and one of only three in the Northwest to make the list.