Virginia vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
A place is harder to win where the bar sits higher: Boston University admits 12.8%, Virginia admits 16.8%.
The more international environment is at Boston University (20.1% international students) than Virginia (4.9%).
Virginia 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 $80,859 (Virginia), but after average aid what remains is $25,031 against $43,736.
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 16.81% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #101-150). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $83K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,923 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 Virginia for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Boston University for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, 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 16.81% acceptance).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $83K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 88.7%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,923 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Virginia | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.81% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 40% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1470 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | - | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 58,951 | 76,776 |
| International students | 4.9% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $87K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $130K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 97.9% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $62,923 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $37,123 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 100% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,137 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 26,470 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Virginia or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Virginia accepts 16.81% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Virginia or Boston University graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Virginia vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $62,923 per year at Virginia and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Virginia or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1470 at Virginia and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Virginia or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Virginia vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Virginia or Boston University?
The average aid package is $37,123 at Virginia and $69,396 at Boston University.
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