Central Florida vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Boston University admits 12.8% of applicants, while Central Florida admits 44.7%.
The more international environment is at Boston University (20.1% international students) than Central Florida (3.3%).
Real money goes to international students at Boston University ($56,639 on average), while Central Florida stops at $928.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Boston University lists $94,427 against $42,038 (Central Florida), but after average aid what remains is $25,031 against $30,224.
None of these figures decides on its own; what decides is which course you want to be on, and on what budget.
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 44.71% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #101-150). Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $58K). Central Florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,076 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 Central Florida for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Boston University for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston University is more selective (12.83% vs 44.71% acceptance); Boston University has a higher median SAT (1470 vs 1260).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $58K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 78%).
Central Florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,076 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Central Florida | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 44.71% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 33.5% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1260 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.16 | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 55,135 | 76,776 |
| International students | 3.3% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $39K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 78% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 92.3% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $24,076 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,814 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 65% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,529 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $30 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 69,338 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Central Florida or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Central Florida accepts 44.71% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Central Florida or Boston University graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Central Florida vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $24,076 per year at Central Florida and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Central Florida or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1260 at Central Florida and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Central Florida or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Central Florida vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Central Florida or Boston University?
The average aid package is $11,814 at Central Florida and $69,396 at Boston University.
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