Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Boston University vs Purdue University-Main Campus

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

19
Boston Wins
13
Tied / N/A
14
Purdue Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
18,248
Enrollment
44,503
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
50%
1480
SAT Average
1364
33
ACT Midpoint
30
1420-1530
SAT Range
1200-1480

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$9,992
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,794
$24,402
Average Net Price
$14,600
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,098
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,241
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,438
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$22,742
19%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
22%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
83%
95%
Retention Rate
93%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,473
17%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

65%
Female
47%
32%
White
54%
11%
Hispanic
8%
6%
Black
3%
21%
Asian
15%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$60,838
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$66,951
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$23,250
Median Debt
$19,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27x
81%
Earning Above HS
80%

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
1.67
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public

50% accept 83% grad $72,424 earnings $14,600 net

With an enrollment of over 44,500 students, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a solid choice for those who thrive in a large, dynamic environment. It’s particularly appealing for students interested in engineering, business, computer science, biology, and social sciences. The 50% acceptance rate suggests a competitive atmosphere, and the 83% graduation rate indicates that many students are successfully completing their degrees.

After graduation, students can expect a median earning of $72,424 after ten years. That’s a significant number, especially for graduates entering fields like engineering and technology. While the cost of attendance is reasonable, the long-term financial outlook is promising, making it clear that a degree from Purdue can lead to solid career opportunities.

When it comes to affordability, the net price after aid averages around $14,600, which is manageable for many families. With a median debt of $19,500, students leave with a debt load that is relatively low compared to potential earnings. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated, ambitious, and ready to take advantage of the university's strong programs and supportive resources.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

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

Ad