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Boston University vs Columbia University in the City of New York

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

11
Boston Wins
8
Tied / N/A
27
Columbia Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
18,248
Enrollment
8,973
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1480
SAT Average
1553
33
ACT Midpoint
35
1420-1530
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$71,845
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$71,845
$24,402
Average Net Price
$21,590
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,570
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,275
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,866
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$50,621
19%
Pell Grant Rate
23%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
96%
95%
Retention Rate
98%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
43%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$21,516
17%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

65%
Female
45%
32%
White
29%
11%
Hispanic
15%
6%
Black
8%
21%
Asian
19%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$88,535
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$98,435
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$23,250
Median Debt
$21,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
81%
Earning Above HS
86%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
307.36%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6121.7%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
502.1%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$169,600

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.03
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
10.3%

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.

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

4% accept 96% grad $102,491 earnings $21,590 net

Columbia University in the City of New York is an excellent fit for ambitious students who are ready to dive deep into their studies. With an acceptance rate of just 4%, it attracts driven individuals who excel academically. Students here often focus on top programs such as Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and English & Literature. The tight-knit community and diverse course offerings create an environment where students can thrive.

Life after graduation looks promising for Columbia alumni, with a ten-year earnings average of $102,491. This figure indicates the long-term financial benefits of attending this university. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and often find themselves in positions that allow for upward mobility. The high graduation rate of 96% suggests that most students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of the support and resources available.

When it comes to the practical aspects of attending Columbia, the net price after aid is approximately $21,590, which is quite manageable given the high earning potential. With a median debt of $21,500, most graduates come out with a reasonable financial burden. The combination of these factors, along with the strong academic environment, tends to attract students who are not only academically talented but also motivated to make the most of their educational experience.

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