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Boston University vs Williams College

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

15
Boston Wins
11
Tied / N/A
20
Williams Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
New England
Region
New England
18,248
Enrollment
2,076
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1480
SAT Average
1533
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1420-1530
SAT Range
1490-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$68,560
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,560
$24,402
Average Net Price
$17,716
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-2,610
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$-1,727
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$-1,978
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,594
19%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
95%
95%
Retention Rate
97%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,317
17%
First-Gen Students
22%

Student Body

65%
Female
51%
32%
White
47%
11%
Hispanic
14%
6%
Black
6%
21%
Asian
12%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.73

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$71,754
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$79,082
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$88,665
$23,250
Median Debt
$12,761
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
81%
Earning Above HS
68%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
98.66%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3087.0%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
319.6%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$184,000

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.85
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
10.6%

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.

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit

8% accept 95% grad $88,665 earnings $17,716 net

With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.

Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.

When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.

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