Boise State University is a public metropolitan research university serving over 25,000 students and is designated as a doctoral research institution with high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The most popular majors at Boise State include registered nursing, business/commerce, and psychology, with the university awarding 465 degrees annually to nursing students alone. The university is known for providing hands-on learning opportunities, especially in business, engineering, and health sciences. The 285-acre campus is located near downtown Boise on the south bank of the Boise River, offering students a vibrant city environment with easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.