Old Dominion vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Old Dominion accepts most of the applications it receives (90.4%), while Boston University turns away the overwhelming majority (12.8%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 20.1% (Boston University) against 1.3% (Old Dominion).
Real money goes to international students at Boston University ($56,639 on average), while Old Dominion stops at $16,000.
On paper the cheaper option is Old Dominion: $33,885 against $71,372, which is $37,487 less a year.
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 90.4% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #101-150). Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $55K). Old Dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,885 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 Old Dominion 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 90.4% acceptance); Boston University has a higher median SAT (1470 vs 1197).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $55K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 46.3%).
Old Dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,885 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $30,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Old Dominion | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 90.4% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 19.9% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1197 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.45 | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 15,100 | 76,776 |
| International students | 1.3% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $55K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $37K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 46.3% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 77% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $33,885 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $30,437 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 53% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,043 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $50 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 23,743 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Old Dominion or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Old Dominion accepts 90.4% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Old Dominion or Boston University graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Old Dominion vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $33,885 per year at Old Dominion and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Old Dominion or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1197 at Old Dominion and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Old Dominion or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Old Dominion vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Old Dominion or Boston University?
The average aid package is $30,437 at Old Dominion and $69,396 at Boston University.
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