Rochester vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Boston University admits 12.8% of applicants, while Rochester admits 40.1%.
Real money goes to international students at Boston University ($56,639 on average), while Rochester stops at $41,269.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Boston University lists $94,427 against $93,614 (Rochester), but after average aid what remains is $25,031 against $32,735.
The SAT profile is practically identical (1470 against 1470), so a test score will not tip the balance either way.
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 40.08% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #101-150). Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,284 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 Rochester 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 40.08% acceptance).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $79K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,284 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.08% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1470 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.72 | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 76,776 |
| International students | 22.1% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $50K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $70,284 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $50 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Rochester accepts 40.08% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Rochester or Boston University graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,284 per year at Rochester and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1470 at Rochester and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Rochester or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Rochester or Boston University?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $69,396 at Boston University.
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