Boston university vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #55). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($83K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,102 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: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 42.4% acceptance); Boston university has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1440).
Boston university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $81K); Boston university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $68,102); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 73,742 |
| International students | 32% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 92% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $80 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Boston university or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $83K at Boston university and $81K at Illinois urbana-champaign.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston university or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston university vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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