Boston university vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 11.1% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #33). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $83K). Boston university has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,102 vs $68,322 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 Northwestern 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
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 11.1% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1480).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $83K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 88.7%).
Boston university has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,102 vs $68,322); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $68,110).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 49,474 |
| International students | 32% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 98% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 92% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Boston university or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston university or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston university vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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