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Boston University vs University of California-San Diego

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

9
Boston Wins
16
Tied / N/A
21
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Far West
18,248
Enrollment
34,948
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
27%
1480
SAT Average
N/A
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1420-1530
SAT Range
N/A

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$16,758
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,958
$24,402
Average Net Price
$12,470
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,525
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$8,155
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,942
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$28,785
19%
Pell Grant Rate
34%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
21%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
87%
95%
Retention Rate
94%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$19,117
17%
First-Gen Students
40%

Student Body

65%
Female
52%
32%
White
17%
11%
Hispanic
27%
6%
Black
2%
21%
Asian
35%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$65,669
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$77,893
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$84,943
$23,250
Median Debt
$15,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
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
1.83
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
12.1%

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-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

27% accept 87% grad $84,943 earnings $12,470 net

The University of California-San Diego has an impressive graduation rate of 87%. This high percentage reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. It stands out in California's competitive higher education landscape, making it an attractive option for many students.

According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC San Diego graduates have a 10-year earning potential of $84,943. This earning figure positions the university as a strong pathway for upward mobility, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. The data indicates that a significant portion of graduates experience substantial economic advancement post-graduation.

Practical considerations are also favorable. The net price for attending UC San Diego is $12,470, making it a relatively affordable option compared to other institutions. Graduates leave with a median debt of $15,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Students who thrive here often pursue degrees in Biology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Computer Science, fields that are in high demand in today's job market.

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