Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Boston University vs Bowdoin College

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

15
Boston Wins
10
Tied / N/A
21
Bowdoin Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
New England
Region
New England
18,248
Enrollment
1,873
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
7%
1480
SAT Average
1520
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1420-1530
SAT Range
1470-1550

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$67,832
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,832
$24,402
Average Net Price
$14,398
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$3,145
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,800
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,007
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,196
19%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
8%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
95%
95%
Retention Rate
97%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
89%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,216
17%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

65%
Female
51%
32%
White
53%
11%
Hispanic
15%
6%
Black
5%
21%
Asian
11%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$61,692
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$79,520
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$82,735
$23,250
Median Debt
$18,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.22x
81%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
109.47%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4153.2%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
263.6%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$177,600

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.81
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
10.4%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
N/A
53.6
Teaching Score
N/A
51.9
Research Score
N/A
91.4
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

11% accept 89% grad $83,238 earnings $24,402 net

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.

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 95% grad $82,735 earnings $14,398 net

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Bowdoin College is an excellent fit for students who are academically driven and ready to engage in a tight-knit community. With a total enrollment of 1,873, this private nonprofit institution in Brunswick, Maine, stands out for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts. Students here often delve into social sciences, biology, physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics, allowing them to develop a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths.

When it comes to life after graduation, Bowdoin graduates see solid earnings, with a 10-year median income of $82,735. This financial stability highlights the value of a Bowdoin degree in the job market. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting those with financial need, the college’s overall affordability makes it a viable option for many families looking for a meaningful investment in education.

Looking at the numbers, the net price after aid is $14,398, and the median debt for graduates is $18,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook. Bowdoin tends to attract students who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment and are eager to contribute to their communities, both on campus and beyond.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad