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College Comparison

Boston University vs Northwestern University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Boston University
#60
Boston University
Boston, MA
Private
Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

37,737

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

18,805

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.1%

7.7%

Average GPA

3.79

4.00

SAT Range

1420–1530

1510–1570

ACT Range

32–34

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$75

Total Applicants

78,769

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$80,070

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$26,996

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$61,050

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,050

$62,391

Room & Board

$19,020

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

49.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,848

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

95.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$83,238

$89,363

More Comparisons
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Boston is in Boston, MA

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Boston University.

The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Boston University is $147 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Boston University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from Northwestern University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.