Boston university vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 93.5% acceptance). Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #301-400). Boston university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $62K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Kansas for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 93.5% acceptance); Boston university has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1190).
Boston university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $62K); Boston university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $68,102); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $19,700).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 22,363 |
| International students | 32% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 86% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 92% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $80 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Boston university or Kansas graduates earn more?
Boston university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston university or Kansas?
Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston university vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Kansas?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $19,700 at Kansas.
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