Boise State University Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
Boise State’s School of Nursing offers an on-campus Traditional BSN (about 100 students per semester), an online RN-BS completion track, a BS-DNP online pathway with nurse practitioner tracks, and an undergraduate Vulnerable Populations certificate. The College of Health Sciences Simulation Center supports decades of simulation-based learning. Confirm current NCLEX pass rates with the Idaho Board of Nursing and the school; confirm tuition and deadlines on Boise State’s official pages.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Boise State’s on-campus BSN advertises about 100 students admitted each semester with a 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio in clinical courses, and the College of Health Sciences Simulation Center has more than 20 years of history supporting simulation-based learning—pairing classroom instruction with hands-on practice before students enter Treasure Valley clinical sites.
Overview & Why Students Choose Boise State University
In Boise’s growing healthcare hub, Boise State University’s School of Nursing connects students to regional hospitals and community partners while emphasizing simulation and clinical skills. The School highlights more than 70 years of nursing education, CCNE-accredited programs, and marketing that emphasizes strong retention—students who start at Boise State often stay in the program.
Pathways include the on-campus Traditional BSN (large semester cohorts), an online RN-BS completion track for licensed RNs, an online BS-DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Post-Master’s DNP options, plus an undergraduate Online Vulnerable Populations Certificate. The school also notes that U.S. News & World Report has ranked the bachelor’s program #1 in Idaho—confirm the ranking year and methodology on the publisher’s site.
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Boise State should be verified with the Idaho Board of Nursing (within the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses) education reports and any school-published outcomes. This page does not substitute a specific percentage without a verified, cited annual report in hand. Confirm current rates with the Idaho Board of Nursing and the School of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Boise State University
Defined BSN cohort size
The on-campus BSN publishes admissions of about 100 students per semester, giving applicants a transparent sense of cohort scale alongside competitive admissions.
Simulation and skills infrastructure
The College of Health Sciences Simulation Center is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) in teaching/learning and research, supporting immersive practice before live clinicals.
Online RN-BS and DNP reach
Online RN-BS completion and NC-SARA participation support nurses across the country; the BS-DNP program advertises no out-of-state tuition differential and a dedicated clinical placement team—confirm details with the program.
Clinical ratio in nursing courses
The BSN program cites a 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio in clinical courses, intended to increase hands-on faculty time at the bedside and in skills settings.
Scholarship investment
The BSN program reports more than $1.6 million in scholarships awarded over the last three years; admitted students can apply for nursing scholarships each spring—confirm current totals with the school.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following aligns with program listings on the Boise State University School of Nursing website. CCNE accreditation language on the school’s site covers baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs through March 2030; the public program menu emphasizes on-campus BSN, online RN-BS, BS-DNP, and the Vulnerable Populations certificate—confirm any separate MSN pathway still admitting in the catalog.
Pre-licensure
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), on-campus
Pre-licensure BSN preparing graduates for NCLEX-RN eligibility. The school publishes cohort admission of about 100 students per semester and application deadlines (for example, February 20 for fall start and August 20 for spring start). Admissions uses GPA prerequisites plus a two-step process described as including interviews—see the BSN program page.
Post-licensure (undergraduate)
RN-BS Online (Bachelor’s completion)
100% online, asynchronous BSN completion for RNs (or concurrent enrollment in an accredited ADN program where allowed). Multiple course lengths and start dates; the program advertises no out-of-state tuition differential for this track. Contact RNBS@BoiseState.edu per the school.
Online Vulnerable Populations Certificate (undergraduate)
Undergraduate certificate delivered online; see the certificate page for stackability and admission rules.
Graduate & doctoral
BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BS-DNP), online
Online DNP with tracks including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), and Post-Master’s DNP for nurses who already hold advanced practice credentials. Includes summer intensives in Boise and a per-credit tuition band published on the BS-DNP costs page. The program describes dedicated clinical placement support—confirm placement policies with the program.
Deadlines, tracks, and admission status change. Confirm every pathway on boisestate.edu/nursing and the Boise State catalog before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Boise State University’s pre-licensure BSN, use the Idaho Board of Nursing (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses) nursing education reports or pass-rate publications, and compare with any figures the school publishes on its website. This guide does not list a percentage here because the official annual board table was not verified in the sources used for this draft.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (Boise State BSN) | Not stated on this page—see Idaho Board of Nursing pass-rate / education reports and the School of Nursing |
| Source | Idaho Board of Nursing (DOPL/IBOL). Confirm current data with the Board and Boise State. The BSN program’s marketing copy references NCLEX performance relative to national averages—treat that as promotional until matched to board-reported cohort data. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and program. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Idaho Board of Nursing and Boise State University.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses depend on visa type, prior nursing education, and Idaho licensure rules. Use the checklist below as orientation only; it is not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Boise State sets minimum TOEFL/IELTS or other scores for admission—confirm current thresholds for your program on the university’s international admissions pages.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow Boise State and Graduate College requirements for foreign transcripts (and any nursing-specific instructions from the School of Nursing).
- Idaho Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination or endorsement, review Idaho Board of Nursing publications and confirm NCLEX eligibility.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical courses may have restrictions for certain visa categories; verify with Boise State’s international office and your program.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Boise State’s international office, the School of Nursing, and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
On-campus BSN admission at Boise State is competitive: the school describes a two-step process that includes GPA-based screening and interviews. RN-BS, BS-DNP, and the certificate each publish separate requirements—confirm your pathway on the relevant program page.
Application timeline (on-campus BSN)
| Start term | Application opens | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (August) | January 1 | February 20 (5:00 p.m.) |
| Spring (January) | July 15 | August 20 (5:00 p.m.) |
Example: Applications for Spring 2027 were listed to open July 15 and close August 20, 2026, on program materials—always confirm the active cycle on the BSN page.
Pre-nursing academics (on-campus BSN snapshot)
Official pre-nursing pages list a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.5, grades of C or better in prerequisite courses, and a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA on selected science, nutrition, and math courses marked on the prerequisite table. Confirm the live prerequisite list in the catalog-linked requirements.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (BSN) | Not publicly disclosed on the pages summarized here |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed as required on the summarized BSN application instructions; confirm for your entry term with the School of Nursing |
| Interview | Application instructions reference interviews as part of the process |
| Background & health | Criminal background check, drug/alcohol screening, health requirements, and performance standards apply to admitted students—see the BSN admissions materials |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from Boise State’s published Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 undergraduate tuition schedule, the nursing BSN costs page, and the BS-DNP costs page. Mandatory fees, course fees, and housing are separate from base tuition—see the official cost pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (11–16 credits per semester) | Resident $4,682 / semester ($9,364 both semesters); nonresident $14,239 / semester ($28,478 both semesters)—Fall 2025 / Spring 2026 schedule |
| Nursing professional fee (BSN students) | $978 per semester while enrolled in the nursing program (funds simulation, labs, clinical placement support, malpractice insurance, etc.); subject to change |
| RN-BS online (total program estimate) | The RN-BS page cites an average total completion cost of about $12,000–$13,000 with no out-of-state tuition differential—confirm on the RN-BS costs page |
| BS-DNP (per credit) | Tuition and distance-education fees listed at approximately $820–$895 per credit plus clinical fees and summer intensive travel—see BS-DNP costs |
| Source | Boise State undergraduate tuition & fees; BSN nursing costs; BS-DNP costs. Confirm current amounts with Student Financial Services. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Combine Idaho Board of Nursing pass-rate reports with any school-published outcomes for the most complete picture. Employment and placement rates for Boise State nursing are not summarized here with a single percentage; request the school’s latest disclosure and the methodology year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | See Idaho Board of Nursing reports and Boise State—confirm program (BSN) and cohort year |
| Job placement / employment | Not summarized here with a single percentage; confirm with the school’s career or outcomes materials |
Is Boise State University the Right Fit for You?
Boise State fits students who want a public university nursing program in Idaho’s largest metro area with strong simulation infrastructure and a clearly sized on-campus BSN cohort. It may be less ideal if you need guaranteed admission without competitive screening or if you require a fully online pre-licensure BSN (the primary pre-licensure track is on-campus).
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want Treasure Valley clinical access and a School of Nursing that emphasizes simulation (SSH-accredited simulation center) and local hospital partnerships.
- Are licensed RNs seeking an online RN-BS completion or nurses seeking an online BS-DNP with summer intensives and a dedicated clinical placement team.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a fully online, entry-level pre-licensure BSN (the primary BSN track is on-campus in Boise).
- Need the lowest published tuition without accounting for nonresident undergraduate rates or nursing professional fees ($978/semester in nursing).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Boise anchors the Treasure Valley healthcare market, with major referral hospitals, community clinics, and growing outpatient networks. Boise State nursing students typically connect to St. Luke’s Health System, Saint Alphonsus (Trinity Health), VA Boise, and other regional partners—exact sites vary by semester; confirm the current affiliation list with the school.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| St. Luke’s Health System | Idaho’s largest health system with multiple Boise-area hospitals and specialty services; common destination for Treasure Valley clinical experiences. |
| Saint Alphonsus Health System | Faith-based regional system with Boise and regional campuses; major employer and clinical partner. |
| VA Boise Healthcare System | Federal healthcare system serving veterans; may appear in selected rotations depending on program placement. |
| Community & public health | Community clinics, rural outreach, and public health agencies support diverse population health experiences. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students study within the College of Health Sciences, with access to the College of Health Sciences Simulation Center—SSH-accredited in teaching/learning and research—and campus resources in Boise. Boise offers outdoor recreation, a mid-sized city environment, and a growing healthcare employment base. Student organizations, honor societies, and advising offices vary by year; confirm active groups on the School of Nursing site or at orientation.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Boise, ID
- Address
- 1910 University Dr, Boise, ID 83725, US
- Telephone
- School of Nursing: (208) 426-4143 · (800) 824-7017 ext. 4143
- Contact email
- nursing@boisestate.edu
- Website
- boisestate.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Boise State School of Nursing website and download the BSN application instructions and handbook if available.
- Review the pre-nursing prerequisite table and compare it to your transcripts.
- Confirm whether TEAS or another exam is required for your application cycle; prepare for the interview process described by the program.
- Contact pre-nursing advising at (208) 426-1678 if you are planning the on-campus BSN.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (for example via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and workload.
- Bookmark the Idaho Board of Nursing for NCLEX and licensure questions.
- Set calendar reminders for your target fall or spring BSN application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boise State University a good school for nursing?
The School of Nursing lists CCNE accreditation for baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs through March 2030 and highlights Idaho rankings and simulation history. For licensure outcomes, prioritize Idaho Board of Nursing pass-rate data alongside anything the school publishes.
What GPA do you need for Boise State University nursing?
The on-campus BSN lists a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.5 and a 3.0 or higher on selected prerequisite courses (see the official prerequisite table). RN-BS and BS-DNP use different standards—check each program page.
Does Boise State University require the TEAS exam?
BSN application instructions emphasize GPA requirements and interviews; a TEAS requirement is not stated on the summarized instructions page. Confirm for your entry term with the School of Nursing.
How competitive is admission to Boise State University nursing?
The BSN admits about 100 students per semester and describes competitive, multi-step admission. A single published acceptance rate was not identified on the pages summarized here—ask the program for recent cohort statistics.
Does Boise State University offer an accelerated BSN?
The public site highlights a traditional on-campus BSN and online RN-BS completion rather than a separate Accelerated BSN (ABSN) brand. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, ask whether an accelerated or second-degree option exists in the current catalog.
What are the clinical placement sites for Boise State University nursing students?
Clinical learning occurs across Treasure Valley hospitals and community partners (commonly including major Boise-area health systems). Sites rotate—confirm the current list in the student handbook or with the clinical office.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Boise State University?
For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, check Idaho Board of Nursing education reports and Boise State outcomes materials. Confirm cohort year and whether the rate applies to the BSN program you are considering.
References
- Boise State University — School of Nursingboisestate.edu/nursing
- Boise State — BSN program (admissions, costs)boisestate.edu/nursing-bsnp
- Boise State — Undergraduate tuition & fees (Fall 2025–Spring 2026)boisestate.edu/sfs/undergraduate-tuition-fees
- Idaho Board of Nursing (DOPL/IBOL)ibol.idaho.gov — Board of Nursing
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for program-list alignment with Boise State’s public nursing pages, tuition figures against the Fall 2025–Spring 2026 undergraduate schedule and nursing cost pages, and NCLEX language that directs readers to Idaho Board of Nursing sources.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-23 · Last reviewed: March 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy