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Boston University vs Princeton University

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
Princeton Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
18,248
Enrollment
5,709
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1480
SAT Average
1553
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1420-1530
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$62,688
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,688
$24,402
Average Net Price
$6,128
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$41
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$352
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,217
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$36,094
19%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
2%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
97%
95%
Retention Rate
98%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,354
17%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

65%
Female
51%
32%
White
34%
11%
Hispanic
10%
6%
Black
9%
21%
Asian
23%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$87,815
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$112,152
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$110,066
$23,250
Median Debt
$10,320
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.09x
81%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
134.58%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6586.5%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
204.3%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$218,100

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.88
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
10.8%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#5
53.6
Teaching Score
90.9
51.9
Research Score
95.4
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.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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