Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Boston University vs University of California-Los Angeles

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

10
Boston Wins
15
Tied / N/A
21
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Far West
18,248
Enrollment
33,475
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
9%
1480
SAT Average
N/A
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1420-1530
SAT Range
N/A

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$15,203
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$49,403
$24,402
Average Net Price
$12,548
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,579
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,682
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,811
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$29,682
19%
Pell Grant Rate
28%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
19%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
93%
95%
Retention Rate
97%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
75%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$22,848
17%
First-Gen Students
38%

Student Body

65%
Female
60%
32%
White
24%
11%
Hispanic
24%
6%
Black
3%
21%
Asian
30%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.78

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$59,063
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$72,864
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$82,511
$23,250
Median Debt
$14,000
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
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
1.74
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.02
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
9.8%

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.

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

9% accept 93% grad $82,511 earnings $12,548 net

Only 9% of applicants gain admission to the University of California-Los Angeles, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. With an enrollment of nearly 33,500 students, UCLA combines a competitive environment with a high graduation rate of 93%. This commitment to student success reflects the university's dedication to academic excellence.

Graduates from UCLA see strong financial outcomes, with a median earnings of $82,511 a decade after graduation. While specific mobility metrics are not available, the university's programs in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, and Engineering contribute to its reputation for fostering upward economic mobility among its graduates. The 28% of students receiving Pell Grants highlights its support for low-income students, balancing accessibility with high achievement.

Attending UCLA comes with a net price of $12,548 and a median debt of $14,000, making it a financially viable option for many students. Those who thrive here are often driven, academically inclined, and eager to engage in a vibrant campus culture. With a strong focus on research and a diverse student body, UCLA is well-suited for those looking to make an impact in their chosen fields.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

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

Ad