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Boston University vs Washington University in St Louis

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

11
Boston Wins
8
Tied / N/A
27
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Plains
18,248
Enrollment
7,857
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
12%
1480
SAT Average
1530
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1420-1530
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$65,790
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,790
$24,402
Average Net Price
$21,786
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,716
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,928
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,578
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,170
19%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
94%
95%
Retention Rate
95%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
73%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,945
17%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

65%
Female
53%
32%
White
40%
11%
Hispanic
13%
6%
Black
9%
21%
Asian
21%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$78,073
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$81,347
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$86,182
$23,250
Median Debt
$17,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
81%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
103.72%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5350.8%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
193.8%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$180,200

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
11.1%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#38
53.6
Teaching Score
58.9
51.9
Research Score
63
91.4
Citations Score
88.6

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.

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit

12% accept 94% grad $86,182 earnings $21,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.

Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.

On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.

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