Rhode Island vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
These are two different admissions games: Boston University admits 12.8% of applications, Rhode Island admits 72.2%.
The more international environment is at Boston University (20.1% international students) than Rhode Island (1.2%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Boston University awards international students $56,639 on average, Rhode Island awards $26,565.
The order of prices reverses once aid is counted: Boston University starts at $94,427 against $54,758 and ends at $25,031 against $37,163 (Rhode Island).
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 72.2% 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 $70K). Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 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 Rhode Island for: lower tuition.
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 72.2% acceptance); Boston University has a higher median SAT (1470 vs 1160).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $70K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 73.3%).
Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $17,595).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode Island | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 16.4% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.65 | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 28,021 | 76,776 |
| International students | 1.2% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $44K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $38,398 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,595 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 57% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $42,945 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $65 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 14,466 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode Island or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Rhode Island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Rhode Island or Boston University graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode Island vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $38,398 per year at Rhode Island and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode Island or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode Island and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Rhode Island or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode Island vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Rhode Island or Boston University?
The average aid package is $17,595 at Rhode Island and $69,396 at Boston University.
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