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Boston University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

18
Boston Wins
13
Tied / N/A
15
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
18,248
Enrollment
36,902
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
45%
1480
SAT Average
1427
33
ACT Midpoint
29
1420-1530
SAT Range
1380-1520

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$11,603
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,103
$24,402
Average Net Price
$17,354
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,200
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,101
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,134
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,292
19%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
89%
95%
Retention Rate
96%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,643
17%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

65%
Female
53%
32%
White
59%
11%
Hispanic
9%
6%
Black
2%
21%
Asian
11%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.62

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$61,275
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$69,868
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$73,792
$23,250
Median Debt
$20,484
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
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
1.78
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#27
53.6
Teaching Score
74.3
51.9
Research Score
77.3
91.4
Citations Score
90.6

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 Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

45% accept 89% grad $73,792 earnings $17,354 net

With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.

Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.

When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.

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