Washington university vs Boston university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 12.1% 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 ($65,790 vs $68,102 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 graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Boston university for: higher selectivity.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 12.1% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1480).
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 ($65,790 vs $68,102); 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% | 11.1% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 76,776 |
| International students | 27% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $76K |
| 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 | $65,790 | $68,102 |
| 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 Boston university. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Boston university accepts 11.1%.
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 $65,790 per year at Washington university and $68,102 per year at Boston university.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Boston university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1480 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.
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