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Boston University vs Colby College

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

20
Boston Wins
11
Tied / N/A
15
Colby Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
New England
Region
New England
18,248
Enrollment
2,407
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
7%
1480
SAT Average
1501
33
ACT Midpoint
33
1420-1530
SAT Range
1460-1550

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$69,600
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,600
$24,402
Average Net Price
$17,180
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,049
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,251
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$3,666
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$46,511
19%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
9%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
89%
95%
Retention Rate
94%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,207
17%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

65%
Female
57%
32%
White
55%
11%
Hispanic
8%
6%
Black
5%
21%
Asian
10%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.66

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$60,052
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$68,015
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$80,490
$23,250
Median Debt
$19,157
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.24x
81%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
90.38%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6082.8%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
148.6%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$208,700

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
9.9%

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.

Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 89% grad $80,490 earnings $17,180 net

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Colby College is tailored for students who thrive in a highly selective environment and are eager to dive into topics like Social Sciences, Psychology, Biology, and Computer Science. It’s a small community of about 2,407 students, making it easier to form close connections with peers and professors alike. Those who choose Colby are often passionate about their fields and want to engage deeply in their studies.

Looking at life after graduation, alumni report impressive earnings, with a 10-year median income of $80,490. This suggests that a Colby education can lead to solid financial outcomes, helping graduates secure well-paying jobs. The affordability factor is also notable; with a net price of $17,180, many students find that they can graduate without being burdened by excessive debt, as the median debt sits at $19,157. This balance helps foster mobility for those who want to move up in their careers.

The numbers tell a clear story: Colby is not just about getting a degree but about setting up students for success in the real world. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that support is available for those who need it, the overall environment tends to attract highly motivated individuals. Those who thrive here share a commitment to their studies and benefit from both a strong academic foundation and a supportive community.

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