Boise State University announced a record spring semester enrollment of 28,400 students Wednesday, representing a 4.2% increase over last spring and cementing the university’s position as Idaho’s largest institution of higher education and a major driver of Ada County’s knowledge-based economy. The enrollment milestone reflects strong growth in both traditional undergraduate programs and expanding online and graduate offerings that have attracted students from across Idaho and beyond.
University President Marlene Tromp attributed the growth to a combination of factors: new degree programs aligned with industry demand, expanded online course offerings that serve working adults, competitive tuition rates, and the university’s growing national reputation for research and innovation. Boise State’s in-state tuition of approximately $8,800 per year — among the lowest of any four-year research university in the western United States — remains a significant draw for Idaho families.
Where Boise State Is Growing and Why It Matters for Ada County
The strongest enrollment growth occurred in the College of Engineering, which saw a 9% increase driven by demand for computer science, electrical engineering, and cybersecurity degrees. The College of Health Sciences grew 7% as nursing, radiologic science, and respiratory therapy programs expanded to address the Treasure Valley’s healthcare workforce shortage. The College of Business and Economics increased 5%, with particular strength in finance, accounting, and data analytics.
These growth areas directly align with Ada County’s most pressing workforce needs. Employers including Micron Technology, HP Inc., St. Luke’s Health System, Clearwater Analytics, and dozens of smaller companies consistently cite talent availability as their top challenge. Boise State’s expanded programs serve as a direct pipeline for filling these positions with locally educated graduates who are more likely to build their careers and raise families in the Treasure Valley.
“Every graduate who stays in Ada County represents a long-term investment in our community’s economic strength,” said Clark Krause, CEO of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership. “Boise State is the engine that powers our talent pipeline, and their enrollment growth means a bigger, stronger pipeline for years to come.”
Online Programs Driving Access for Working Adults
A significant portion of the enrollment increase comes from Boise State’s expanded online program portfolio, which now offers over 80 fully online degrees and certificates. Online enrollment reached 6,200 students this spring, a 12% increase that includes many working adults in Ada County pursuing career advancement without leaving their current jobs.
The university’s online MBA program, which launched in 2024, has been particularly successful, enrolling 340 students primarily from the Boise metropolitan area. Other popular online offerings include cybersecurity certificates, a Master of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies designed for adults with some college credits who want to complete their degrees.
Impact on Ada County Economy and Community
Boise State’s economic footprint extends far beyond its campus boundaries. A 2025 economic impact study found that the university contributes approximately $1.4 billion annually to the Idaho economy, with the majority concentrated in Ada County. The university employs over 4,200 faculty and staff, making it one of the county’s largest employers, and student spending on housing, food, transportation, and entertainment adds hundreds of millions more to the local economy.
The university also serves as Ada County’s primary cultural institution, hosting over 200 public events annually including concerts, lectures, athletic events, and community programs that enrich quality of life for residents throughout the Treasure Valley.
What Comes Next
Boise State’s fall 2026 enrollment is projected to exceed 30,000 students for the first time in the university’s history. The university is currently planning a new STEM classroom building and an expansion of the Albertsons Library to accommodate the growing student body. Prospective students can learn about degree programs and schedule campus visits at boisestate.edu/admissions. Working adults interested in online programs can attend virtual information sessions held monthly through the Extended Studies division.