Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / MA / Boston
Boston University logo

Boston University

Private nonprofit Boston, MA · Urban · New England · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
89%
Graduation Rate
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$24,402
Net Price
11%
Acceptance Rate

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Boston University is a great fit for motivated students who are ready to engage with a vibrant urban campus. It's an appealing choice for those interested in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications, Biology & Biomedical, or Computer Science & IT. The school’s diverse offerings attract students who are eager to explore various disciplines and prepare for dynamic careers.

After graduation, students from Boston University can expect to earn an impressive average of $83,238 within a decade. This means graduates are stepping into solid financial footing relatively quickly, which is encouraging for those considering their return on investment. With a graduation rate of 89%, it shows that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their degrees, paving the way for upward mobility in their careers.

When it comes to the practical side of financing your education, the net price after aid stands at approximately $24,402, which is manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, a figure that many could navigate effectively post-graduation. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are ready to take advantage of Boston’s resources and connections, ultimately setting themselves up for successful futures.

Rankings

How Boston Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation89%Earnings 10yr$83KNet Price$24KRetention95%Median Debt$23KPell Grant Rate19%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$10K$0-30K$9K$30-48K$12K$48-75K$48K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%400.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5043.5%MOBILITY201.75%

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$68,102
Out-of-State
$24,402
Avg Net Price
$23,250
Median Debt
19%
Pell Grant Rate
23%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,500
Family Income $0–$30K
$9,342
Family Income $30K–$48K
$11,778
Family Income $48K–$75K
$47,504
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$65,655
6 Years After Entry
$73,661
8 Years
$83,238
10 Years
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
81%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$65,655 6yr $73,661 8yr $83,238 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

201.75%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5043.5%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$126,800
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.89
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#59
World Rank
53.6
Teaching
51.9
Research
91.4
Citations
38.1
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.947%
Inventor Rate
246
Total Patents
423
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 11%
Retention Rate 95%
SAT Average 1480
ACT Midpoint 33
SAT Range 1420–1530
ACT Range 32–34
Full-Time Faculty 70%
Faculty Salary (mo) $16,623
Diversity Index 0.79
First-Gen Students 17%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 17%
Social Sciences 14%
Communications 13%
Biology & Biomedical 12%
Computer Science & IT 8%
Engineering 7%
Psychology 7%
Health Professions 5%