NJIT vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
NJIT accepts most of the applications it receives (65.1%), while Boston University turns away the overwhelming majority (12.8%).
The larger international cohort belongs to Boston University: 20.1% of students against 6.2% (NJIT).
Average aid for an international student is $56,639 (Boston University) and $28,025 (NJIT).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Boston University lists $94,427 against $62,714 (NJIT), but after average aid what remains is $25,031 against $44,053.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
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 65.08% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#701-800 vs #101-150). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($84K vs $83K). NJIT has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,664 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 NJIT for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Boston University for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston University is more selective (12.83% vs 65.08% acceptance); Boston University has a higher median SAT (1470 vs 1340).
NJIT graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($84K vs $83K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 72.8%).
NJIT has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,664 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $18,661).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | NJIT | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #701-800 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 65.08% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 17.2% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1340 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.73 | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 15,607 | 76,776 |
| International students | 6.2% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $113K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 72.8% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 90% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $37,664 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $18,661 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 56.8% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,459 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 13,247 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into NJIT or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. NJIT accepts 65.08% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do NJIT or Boston University graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal - 10 years after enrollment, the median is $84K at NJIT and $83K at Boston University.
How much is tuition at NJIT vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,664 per year at NJIT and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for NJIT or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1340 at NJIT and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - NJIT or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #701-800 for NJIT vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - NJIT or Boston University?
The average aid package is $18,661 at NJIT and $69,396 at Boston University.
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