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Boston University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

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

25
Boston Wins
14
Tied / N/A
7
Pennsylvania Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
18,248
Enrollment
42,284
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
61%
1480
SAT Average
1337
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1420-1530
SAT Range
1240-1420

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$20,644
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,790
$24,402
Average Net Price
$32,875
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$19,845
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$20,049
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$25,667
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$37,831
19%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
40%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
86%
95%
Retention Rate
93%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,120
17%
First-Gen Students
29%

Student Body

65%
Female
50%
32%
White
63%
11%
Hispanic
9%
6%
Black
5%
21%
Asian
8%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.58

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$55,620
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$60,370
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$23,250
Median Debt
$25,000
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.39x
81%
Earning Above HS
73%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$126,800
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.71
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
6.0%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
N/A
53.6
Teaching Score
N/A
51.9
Research Score
N/A
91.4
Citations Score
N/A

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.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

61% accept 86% grad $63,435 earnings $32,875 net

With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.

After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.

When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.

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