Boston university vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 16.8% acceptance). Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $83K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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, a larger aid package.
Choose Virginia for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 16.8% acceptance).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $83K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 88.7%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $68,102); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 58,951 |
| International students | 32% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 92% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Boston university or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston university or Virginia?
Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston university vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Virginia?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $37,123 at Virginia.
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