North Carolina vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The share of international students differs sharply: 20.1% (Boston University) against 6.4% (North Carolina).
North Carolina reports no financial aid for international students, while Boston University awards them $56,639 on average. For an applicant from outside the US that is usually the most important difference on this page.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Boston University lists $94,427 against $60,888 (North Carolina), but after average aid what remains is $25,031 against $40,183.
Ten years on, graduates of Boston University earn noticeably more: $83K against $72K.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
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 15.34% acceptance). North Carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #101-150). Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $72K). North Carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($45,228 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 North Carolina for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Boston University for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston University is more selective (12.83% vs 15.34% acceptance).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $72K); North Carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 88.7%).
North Carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($45,228 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North Carolina | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 15.34% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1470 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.49 | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 76,776 |
| International students | 6.4% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $48K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $45,228 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 100% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $85 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North Carolina or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. North Carolina accepts 15.34% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do North Carolina or Boston University graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North Carolina vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $45,228 per year at North Carolina and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for North Carolina or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1470 at North Carolina and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - North Carolina or Boston University?
North Carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North Carolina vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - North Carolina or Boston University?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North Carolina and $69,396 at Boston University.
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