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Boston University vs Vanderbilt University

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

13
Boston Wins
6
Tied / N/A
27
Vanderbilt Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Southeast
18,248
Enrollment
7,208
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
6%
1480
SAT Average
1549
33
ACT Midpoint
35
1420-1530
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$67,498
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,498
$24,402
Average Net Price
$15,846
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$3,414
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,876
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,498
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,145
19%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
10%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
93%
95%
Retention Rate
96%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
85%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,361
17%
First-Gen Students
12%

Student Body

65%
Female
53%
32%
White
39%
11%
Hispanic
11%
6%
Black
9%
21%
Asian
19%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.78

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$73,909
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$84,542
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$91,565
$23,250
Median Debt
$14,000
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.15x
81%
Earning Above HS
82%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
147.18%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5929.6%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
248.2%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$197,900

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
8.3%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#51
53.6
Teaching Score
64.9
51.9
Research Score
59.5
91.4
Citations Score
78.1

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.

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit

6% accept 93% grad $91,565 earnings $15,846 net

With an acceptance rate of just 6%, Vanderbilt University attracts motivated students who are ready to dive into rigorous programs. Located in Nashville, this school is particularly appealing to those interested in Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, and Psychology. The small enrollment of about 7,200 means students often benefit from smaller class sizes, fostering a close-knit academic community where collaboration thrives.

Looking ahead to life after graduation, Vanderbilt graduates can expect to earn a median salary of $91,565 within ten years. This impressive figure reflects the university's strong emphasis on career readiness and networking opportunities. While the data on mobility isn't available, the high graduation rate of 93% speaks to the support students receive, which can help them move into successful careers.

When it comes to the financial aspect, students can expect a net price of around $15,846 after aid, which is quite manageable given the potential earnings. With a median debt of $14,000, graduates usually leave with a reasonable financial burden. Students who thrive here are often those who are driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the university's resources to achieve their goals.

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