Boston university vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #23). Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $83K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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: higher selectivity.
Choose Washington university for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 12.1% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1480).
Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $83K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 88.7%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $68,102); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $69,396).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 32,754 |
| International students | 32% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 95% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 92% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Boston university or Washington university graduates earn more?
Washington university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston university or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston university vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Washington university?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $75,604 at Washington university.
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