Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Boston University vs Western Governors University

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

12
Boston Wins
19
Tied / N/A
15
Western Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Rocky Mountains
18,248
Enrollment
155,088
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
N/A
1480
SAT Average
N/A
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1420-1530
SAT Range
N/A

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$8,658
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,658
$24,402
Average Net Price
$12,548
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$12,064
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$12,436
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$12,578
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$12,734
19%
Pell Grant Rate
39%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
43%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
48%
95%
Retention Rate
65%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
75%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$6,375
17%
First-Gen Students
47%

Student Body

65%
Female
69%
32%
White
50%
11%
Hispanic
16%
6%
Black
14%
21%
Asian
4%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.70

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$69,572
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$68,924
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$60,615
$23,250
Median Debt
$11,116
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
81%
Earning Above HS
71%

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
N/A
-0.00
Friending Bias
N/A
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
N/A

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
N/A
53.6
Teaching Score
N/A
51.9
Research Score
N/A
91.4
Citations Score
N/A

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.

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit

48% grad $60,615 earnings $12,548 net

With an enrollment of 155,088 students, Western Governors University in Salt Lake City stands out as a solid choice for those seeking flexibility in their education. It caters well to non-traditional students, particularly in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Education, and Engineering. The online format allows for self-paced learning, which is ideal for working adults or those balancing multiple responsibilities.

Looking at life after graduation, students can expect a median earning of $60,615 ten years post-degree. This figure suggests that graduates are finding solid job opportunities. While the graduation rate is 48%, the income potential indicates that those who complete their programs are likely to see a good return on their investment, despite the challenges that might come with juggling work and studies.

On the practical side, the net price after aid comes in at $12,548, with a median debt of $11,116. This suggests that many students can manage their educational expenses without overwhelming debt. Those who thrive here are typically self-motivated individuals who appreciate the autonomy of an online learning environment, making it a good fit for those ready to take charge of their education and career paths.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad