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Boston University vs Northwestern University

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

13
Boston Wins
7
Tied / N/A
26
Northwestern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
18,248
Enrollment
9,201
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1480
SAT Average
1533
33
ACT Midpoint
35
1420-1530
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$68,322
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,322
$24,402
Average Net Price
$29,167
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,764
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,099
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,898
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,777
19%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
17%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
96%
95%
Retention Rate
98%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$20,322
17%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

65%
Female
52%
32%
White
31%
11%
Hispanic
16%
6%
Black
8%
21%
Asian
21%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$76,844
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$83,487
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$23,250
Median Debt
$15,000
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
81%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
169.42%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5518.6%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
307.0%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$168,500

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
11.3%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#25
53.6
Teaching Score
64.5
51.9
Research Score
68.8
91.4
Citations Score
95.3

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.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit

8% accept 96% grad $89,363 earnings $29,167 net

Northwestern University has an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating strong student support and academic success. This high rate reflects the university’s commitment to helping students complete their degrees on time. With an acceptance rate of just 8%, gaining admission is highly competitive, attracting top talent from across the country.

The earnings potential for graduates is significant, with a 10-year median income of $89,363. This figure suggests that students who attend Northwestern can expect a strong return on their investment. However, 19% of students receive Pell Grants, which highlights that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, yet still have the opportunity to thrive here.

The net price for attending Northwestern is $29,167, and the median debt is relatively low at $15,000, making it more manageable for graduates. Students who excel here often pursue majors in engineering, social sciences, and communications. Those who thrive at Northwestern are typically motivated and high-achieving individuals, ready to engage in a challenging academic environment.

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