Boston University vs Kansas State - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Kansas State accepts most of the applications it receives (82%), while Boston University turns away the overwhelming majority (12.8%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 20.1% (Boston University) against 1.7% (Kansas State).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Boston University awards international students $56,639 on average, Kansas State awards $5,729.
The cheaper tuition belongs to Kansas State: $28,568 against $71,372, or $42,804 less a year.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Boston University is the more selective of the two (12.83% vs 82% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #501-600). Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $57K). Kansas State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $71,372 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 State 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 (12.83% vs 82% acceptance); Boston University has a higher median SAT (1470 vs 1150).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $57K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 71.1%).
Kansas State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston University | Kansas State |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.83% | 82% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1470 | 1150 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.86 | 3.81 |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 15,432 |
| International students | 20.1% | 1.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $57K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $57K | $39K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $71,372 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 92% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | $80 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston University or Kansas State?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Boston University accepts 12.83% of applicants, while Kansas State accepts 82%.
Do Boston University or Kansas State graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Boston University vs Kansas State?
Sticker-price tuition is $71,372 per year at Boston University and $28,568 per year at Kansas State.
What SAT score do you need for Boston University or Kansas State?
The median admitted SAT score is 1470 at Boston University and 1150 at Kansas State; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Boston University or Kansas State?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston University vs #501-600 for Kansas State.
Which university offers more financial aid - Boston University or Kansas State?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston University and $15,968 at Kansas State.
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