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Boston University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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

17
Boston Wins
10
Tied / N/A
19
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
18,248
Enrollment
36,258
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
42%
1480
SAT Average
1440
33
ACT Midpoint
32
1420-1530
SAT Range
1310-1520

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$16,004
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,124
$24,402
Average Net Price
$14,355
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,038
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$5,373
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,982
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$28,761
19%
Pell Grant Rate
23%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
27%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
85%
95%
Retention Rate
95%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
73%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,464
17%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

65%
Female
49%
32%
White
38%
11%
Hispanic
14%
6%
Black
5%
21%
Asian
23%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$64,802
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$74,029
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$81,054
$23,250
Median Debt
$19,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.24x
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
1.73
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
8.1%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#33
53.6
Teaching Score
68.1
51.9
Research Score
80.9
91.4
Citations Score
72.9

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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

42% accept 85% grad $81,054 earnings $14,355 net

More than 36,000 students choose the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 42%, the university maintains a competitive edge while welcoming a diverse student body. The graduation rate stands at an impressive 85%, indicating a supportive environment for student success.

Data from Opportunity Insights highlights that graduates from Illinois Urbana-Champaign can expect solid economic mobility. The average earnings for alumni ten years after graduation reach $81,054, suggesting that degrees from this university translate into significant financial benefits. While specific mobility rates are not available, the school’s emphasis on high-demand fields like Engineering, Business, and Computer Science supports upward mobility for many graduates.

Cost considerations are crucial for students. The net price for attending is approximately $14,355, which is manageable compared to potential earnings. Graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, a figure that aligns with the financial landscape of public universities. Students who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields or business, benefiting from robust programs and a collaborative campus culture.

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