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Boston University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

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

12
Boston Wins
16
Tied / N/A
18
California Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Far West
18,248
Enrollment
21,996
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
31%
1480
SAT Average
N/A
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1420-1530
SAT Range
N/A

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$13,596
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,665
$24,402
Average Net Price
$16,665
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,529
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$7,253
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,896
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,772
19%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
25%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
86%
95%
Retention Rate
96%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
69%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$12,673
17%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

65%
Female
50%
32%
White
48%
11%
Hispanic
25%
6%
Black
1%
21%
Asian
14%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.68

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$72,358
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$82,835
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$90,768
$23,250
Median Debt
$18,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
81%
Earning Above HS
79%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$126,800
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.85
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
7.0%

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.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

31% accept 86% grad $90,768 earnings $16,665 net

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has an impressive graduation rate of 86%. This high rate indicates strong student support and engagement, contributing to a successful academic environment. With nearly 22,000 students, Cal Poly combines a vibrant campus life with a commitment to academic excellence.

Graduates from Cal Poly earn a median salary of $90,768 ten years post-graduation. This figure reflects the effectiveness of the university's programs in preparing students for the workforce. Although the Pell Grant rate is 19%, the university's focus on practical, career-oriented education significantly enhances economic mobility for many students.

The cost of attendance is relatively affordable, with a net price of $16,665 and a median debt of $18,500. This financial structure positions Cal Poly as a viable option for students seeking quality education without overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here are often those interested in fields like engineering, business, and computer science, where hands-on experience and industry connections are paramount.

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