Boston University vs Old Dominion - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Old Dominion accepts most of the applications it receives (90.4%), while Boston University turns away the overwhelming majority (12.8%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 20.1% (Boston University) against 1.3% (Old Dominion).
Real money goes to international students at Boston University ($56,639 on average), while Old Dominion stops at $16,000.
On paper the cheaper option is Old Dominion: $33,885 against $71,372, which is $37,487 less a year.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
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 90.4% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #801-900). Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $55K). Old Dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,885 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 Old Dominion 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 90.4% acceptance); Boston University has a higher median SAT (1470 vs 1197).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $55K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 46.3%).
Old Dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,885 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $30,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston University | Old Dominion |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.83% | 90.4% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 19.9% |
| Median SAT | 1470 | 1197 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.86 | 3.45 |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 15,100 |
| International students | 20.1% | 1.3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $55K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $57K | $37K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $80K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 46.3% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 77% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $24,000 |
| Tuition · year | $71,372 | $33,885 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $30,437 |
| % of need met | 92% | 53% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $32,043 |
| Application fee | $80 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 23,743 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston University or Old Dominion?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Boston University accepts 12.83% of applicants, while Old Dominion accepts 90.4%.
Do Boston University or Old Dominion graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Boston University vs Old Dominion?
Sticker-price tuition is $71,372 per year at Boston University and $33,885 per year at Old Dominion.
What SAT score do you need for Boston University or Old Dominion?
The median admitted SAT score is 1470 at Boston University and 1197 at Old Dominion; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Boston University or Old Dominion?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston University vs #801-900 for Old Dominion.
Which university offers more financial aid - Boston University or Old Dominion?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston University and $30,437 at Old Dominion.
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