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Boston University vs Duke University

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

15
Boston Wins
7
Tied / N/A
24
Duke Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Southeast
18,248
Enrollment
6,442
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
6%
1480
SAT Average
1548
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1420-1530
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$68,758
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,758
$24,402
Average Net Price
$29,612
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$735
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$-361
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,706
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$54,230
19%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
96%
95%
Retention Rate
98%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
94%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$19,001
17%
First-Gen Students
13%

Student Body

65%
Female
55%
32%
White
35%
11%
Hispanic
11%
6%
Black
9%
21%
Asian
22%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$85,792
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$95,882
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$97,800
$23,250
Median Debt
$13,000
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
81%
Earning Above HS
89%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
160.26%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5039.1%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
318.0%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$196,000

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.72
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.03
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
8.3%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#24
53.6
Teaching Score
66.8
51.9
Research Score
71.5
91.4
Citations Score
92.3

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.

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit

6% accept 96% grad $97,800 earnings $29,612 net

With an acceptance rate of just 6%, Duke University is a place where ambitious students thrive. It attracts those who are serious about their education and want to dive deep into areas like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Engineering, and Health Professions. The community here is vibrant, and students often find themselves surrounded by peers who share a passion for learning and a drive to make an impact.

Looking ahead to life after graduation, students from Duke can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $97,800 a decade after they leave. That’s a solid return on investment, especially considering the affordable nature of the education relative to earnings. Graduates tend to find good job opportunities, reflecting the high graduation rate of 96%. This means that most students not only complete their degrees but also enter the workforce prepared and competitive.

On the financial side, the net price for students, after aid, stands at $29,612, which is manageable given the earnings potential. The typical debt load is $13,000, which is relatively low and suggests that many students can graduate without being weighed down by heavy financial burdens. This creates an environment where motivated individuals can thrive, especially those who are eager to leverage their education into successful careers.

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