Boise State University

Boise, ID · founded 1932 · 26,000 students · public research university · Mountain West Conference

Known for: Rapidly growing metropolitan university famous for its distinctive blue football field ('The Blue'), strong programs in engineering and business, and its role as an economic and cultural hub in Idaho's capital city.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #281
Times Higher Education: #801

Top programmes

Engineering (particularly Materials Science, Civil)
Business
Computer Science
Health Sciences
Education
Public Policy

Notable alumni

Doug Martsch — Musician, lead singer of Built to Spill
J.R. Simplot — Business magnate in the potato industry (honorary degree)
Kellen Moore — NFL quarterback and offensive coordinator
Jerry Kramer — NFL Hall of Fame guard (Green Bay Packers)
Kristin Armstrong — Three-time Olympic gold medalist in cycling
Curt Apsey — Athletic Director at Boise State
Dirk Koetter — Former NFL head coach

Traditions

Football games on the famous blue turf at Albertsons Stadium
The 'Spirit of the Broncos' statue rub for good luck
Homecoming 'Bronco Nation' celebrations
Lighting of the 'B' on the foothills

If Boise State University were…

As a food: Basque chorizo from Bar Gernika — Boise's proud of its unique Basque heritage in an unexpected place, just like Boise State brings blue-collar grit and surprising flavor to a region better known for potatoes. Hearty, distinctive, and way better than peop
As an athlete: Kellen Moore — The scrappy, undersized quarterback who won more games than anyone in college football history at Boise State, then became an NFL offensive coordinator. Overachieved, outworked everyone, and proved doubters wrong — the B
As a person alive today: Aaron Paul — Boise native who grinded through small roles before Breaking Bad made him a star. Boise State has that same underdog-to-respected trajectory, punching above its weight class and earning cred through relentless effort and
As a historical figure: Sacagawea — Idaho-connected guide who helped explorers navigate uncharted Western territory with resilience and resourcefulness. Boise State helps students chart paths through rugged terrain — both literal mountains and the climb to
As a movie or TV show: Friday Night Lights (TV series) — Tight-knit community rallying around its football team, small-town pride meeting big ambitions, and underdogs fighting for respect. Boise State embodies that same spirit — the blue turf is their Dillon Panthers field, an
As a US president: Gerald Ford — Steady, unpretentious, came to power without the Ivy pedigree, and got the job done during turbulent times. Boise State is the dependable choice that doesn't flash credentials but delivers results, earning respect throug
As a city: Austin, Texas — Mid-sized city that exploded as a tech and lifestyle hub, blending outdoor culture with startup energy and a fierce independent streak. Boise State mirrors that trajectory — once overlooked, now a destination for people
As an element: Cobalt — Distinctively blue, essential in modern tech batteries, and tougher than it looks. Boise State's blue turf is iconic, its tech and engineering programs power regional innovation, and it's built a reputation for resilienc
As a car: 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road — Boise State's mountain-town energy and rising academic profile mirror this adventurous SUV that's equally ready for Bogus Basin powder days and career-focused internships. It's the scrappy underdog that's gained serious

Campus life

Boise State offers an energetic, modern campus life in a vibrant downtown city. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts and has a strong commuter population alongside growing on-campus housing. School spirit is high, especially around football and the iconic blue turf.