College Comparison
Boston University vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
37,737
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
18,805
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.1%
12.1%
Average GPA
3.79
3.96
SAT Range
1420–1530
1500–1570
ACT Range
32–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$75
Total Applicants
78,769
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$80,070
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$26,996
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$61,050
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,050
$59,420
Room & Board
$19,020
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
49.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$61,848
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
83.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
95.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$83,238
$86,182
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Explore by Location
Boston is in Boston, MA
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Washington University in St Louis is $4,879 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Washington University in St Louis has a ratio of 7:1. Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis graduates. Graduates from Washington University in St Louis 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. Washington University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.