Boston university vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 11.1% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $83K). Boston university has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,102 vs $69,314 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston university for: lower tuition, a larger aid package.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 11.1% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1480).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $83K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 88.7%).
Boston university has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,102 vs $69,314); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 67,846 |
| International students | 32% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 92% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $80 | — |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Boston university or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston university or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston university vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Cornell?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $62,257 at Cornell.
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