Iowa state vs Boston university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 88.7% acceptance). Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #101-150). Boston university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state 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 (11.1% vs 88.7% acceptance); Boston university has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1204).
Boston university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $63K); Boston university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,102); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Boston university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 11.1% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 76,776 |
| International students | 8% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $76K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $68,102 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 78% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $40 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Boston university?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Boston university accepts 11.1%.
Do Iowa state or Boston university graduates earn more?
Boston university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Boston university?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $68,102 per year at Boston university.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Boston university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1480 at Boston university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Boston university?
Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #101-150 for Boston university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Boston university?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $69,396 at Boston university.
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