Boston University vs Rochester - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Boston University admits 12.8% of applicants, while Rochester admits 40.1%.
Real money goes to international students at Boston University ($56,639 on average), while Rochester stops at $41,269.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Boston University lists $94,427 against $93,614 (Rochester), but after average aid what remains is $25,031 against $32,735.
The SAT profile is practically identical (1470 against 1470), so a test score will not tip the balance either way.
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 40.08% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #151-200). Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,284 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 Rochester 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 40.08% acceptance).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $79K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,284 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston University | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.83% | 40.08% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1470 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.86 | 3.72 |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 21,384 |
| International students | 20.1% | 22.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $79K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $57K | $50K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $71,372 | $70,284 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 92% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $80 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston University or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Boston University accepts 12.83% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.08%.
Do Boston University or Rochester graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Boston University vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $71,372 per year at Boston University and $70,284 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Boston University or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1470 at Boston University and 1470 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Boston University or Rochester?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston University vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid - Boston University or Rochester?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston University and $60,879 at Rochester.
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