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Boston University vs Northeastern University

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

18
Boston Wins
6
Tied / N/A
22
Northeastern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
New England
18,248
Enrollment
17,326
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1480
SAT Average
1497
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1420-1530
SAT Range
1440-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$66,162
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,162
$24,402
Average Net Price
$30,915
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,264
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,436
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,301
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$47,696
19%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
27%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
90%
95%
Retention Rate
97%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
70%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,218
17%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

65%
Female
54%
32%
White
40%
11%
Hispanic
10%
6%
Black
5%
21%
Asian
22%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$78,413
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$82,813
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$92,538
$23,250
Median Debt
$24,250
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
81%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
243.76%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4736.7%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
514.6%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$108,300

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.79
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.03
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
8.4%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#201-225
53.6
Teaching Score
30.4
51.9
Research Score
18.9
91.4
Citations Score
70

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.

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 90% grad $92,538 earnings $30,915 net

Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.

When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.

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