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Boston University vs University of Chicago

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

12
Boston Wins
5
Tied / N/A
29
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
18,248
Enrollment
7,569
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1480
SAT Average
1554
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1420-1530
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$70,662
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,662
$24,402
Average Net Price
$14,860
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,264
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$914
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$226
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,524
19%
Pell Grant Rate
15%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
95%
95%
Retention Rate
99%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
85%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$19,806
17%
First-Gen Students
20%

Student Body

65%
Female
52%
32%
White
30%
11%
Hispanic
17%
6%
Black
7%
21%
Asian
19%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$80,870
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$87,164
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$91,885
$23,250
Median Debt
$15,000
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.16x
81%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
194.09%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4508.7%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
430.5%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$132,000

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.81
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
15.6%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#12
53.6
Teaching Score
79.1
51.9
Research Score
87.9
91.4
Citations Score
96.9

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.

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit

4% accept 95% grad $91,885 earnings $14,860 net

The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.

Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.

The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.

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