Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Boston University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

7
Boston Wins
8
Tied / N/A
31
Massachusetts Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
New England
18,248
Enrollment
4,535
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1480
SAT Average
1560
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1420-1530
SAT Range
1520-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$62,396
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,396
$24,402
Average Net Price
$20,111
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-2,533
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$93
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,480
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,479
19%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
7%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
96%
95%
Retention Rate
99%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
99%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$24,177
17%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

65%
Female
37%
32%
White
21%
11%
Hispanic
14%
6%
Black
8%
21%
Asian
35%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$131,633
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$135,278
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$143,372
$23,250
Median Debt
$14,768
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.1x
81%
Earning Above HS
87%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
339.82%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6652.9%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
510.8%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$141,000

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.86
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
6.1%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#3
53.6
Teaching Score
97.8
51.9
Research Score
91.4
91.4
Citations Score
99.9

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.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 96% grad $143,372 earnings $20,111 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.

The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad