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Boston University vs Cornell University

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

14
Boston Wins
5
Tied / N/A
27
Cornell Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
18,248
Enrollment
15,995
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
9%
1480
SAT Average
1535
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1420-1530
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$69,314
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,314
$24,402
Average Net Price
$28,690
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,776
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,070
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,796
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,992
19%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
18%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
95%
95%
Retention Rate
98%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,953
17%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

65%
Female
53%
32%
White
31%
11%
Hispanic
13%
6%
Black
7%
21%
Asian
27%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$87,830
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$97,098
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$104,043
$23,250
Median Debt
$14,000
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
81%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
290.70%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5935.4%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
489.8%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$143,300

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
9.3%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#14
53.6
Teaching Score
82.2
51.9
Research Score
88.8
91.4
Citations Score
88.1

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.

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit

9% accept 95% grad $104,043 earnings $28,690 net

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, is a fitting choice for students who are academically driven and eager for a deeply engaging campus experience. With an acceptance rate of just 9%, this school attracts some of the brightest minds, and it has a graduation rate of 95%. Students here dive into popular programs like Computer Science, Business, and Engineering, all of which are designed to prepare them for competitive fields.

After graduation, individuals from Cornell see impressive financial returns, with a median earning of about $104,043 after ten years. This level of income reflects the value of the education received and the strong career paths available to graduates. Although the cost of attendance can be significant, the financial aid landscape is supportive, especially for those who qualify for Pell Grants, which help about 18% of students.

The net price after aid stands at approximately $28,690, which is manageable considering the median debt of $14,000 that graduates carry. This financial framework means that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of debt, allowing them to focus on their careers and aspirations rather than being weighed down by financial burdens. Those who thrive at Cornell are typically motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the many resources and connections available to them.

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