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Boston University vs Lehigh University

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

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

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
18,248
Enrollment
5,898
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
26%
1480
SAT Average
1440
33
ACT Midpoint
32
1420-1530
SAT Range
1370-1500

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$64,980
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,980
$24,402
Average Net Price
$36,931
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$16,917
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$17,140
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$18,722
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,751
19%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
89%
95%
Retention Rate
94%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
85%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,219
17%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

65%
Female
45%
32%
White
60%
11%
Hispanic
11%
6%
Black
5%
21%
Asian
11%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.61

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$88,810
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$97,731
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$105,584
$23,250
Median Debt
$21,960
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
81%
Earning Above HS
90%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
187.40%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5702.7%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
328.6%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$138,300

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.84
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
4.9%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#301-350
53.6
Teaching Score
20.2
51.9
Research Score
18.1
91.4
Citations Score
44.9

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.

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit

26% accept 89% grad $105,584 earnings $36,931 net

Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, is a great fit for students who are looking for a balance of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 26%, it attracts motivated individuals who are interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The strong emphasis on these programs means students can expect a well-rounded education that prepares them for today’s job market.

After graduation, Lehigh alumni see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $105,584 just ten years post-degree. This figure highlights the university's strong return on investment for graduates, especially in high-demand fields. While the affordability of higher education is a concern for many, the net price here is $36,931 after financial aid, making it a manageable option for those willing to invest in their future.

On the financial side, graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,960, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load means that many students can thrive here, particularly those who are proactive about their education and take advantage of the resources available. Lehigh is especially welcoming to students who are ready to engage deeply with both their studies and the community.

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