Boston university vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 40.1% 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 ($67,080 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 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 (11.1% vs 40.1% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1480).
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 ($67,080 vs $68,102); 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 | 11.1% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 21,384 |
| International students | 32% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $74K |
| 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 | $68,102 | $67,080 |
| 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 11.1% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
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 $68,102 per year at Boston university and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1488 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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