Washington University vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The larger international cohort belongs to Boston University: 20.1% of students against 9.4% (Washington University).
Real money goes to international students at Washington University ($68,438 on average), while Boston University stops at $56,639.
Candidates with higher SAT scores go to Washington University: a midpoint of 1540 against 1470, a difference of 70 points.
These admissions operate at different scales: Boston University reads 76,776 applications a year, its rival 32,754.
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
Washington University is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 12.83% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #101-150). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $83K). Washington University has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,594 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 Washington 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
Washington University is more selective (12.1% vs 12.83% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1470).
Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $83K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 88.7%).
Washington University has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,594 vs $71,372); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $69,396).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 76,776 |
| International students | 9.4% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 100% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Washington University. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Washington University or Boston University graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Boston University?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Boston University?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $69,396 at Boston University.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns Hopkins
Northwestern
North Carolina