College Comparison
Boston University vs Penn State: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Boston University
Boston, MA
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston University | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.8%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1520wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,168 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $26,996wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,238wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 90.0%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 17,850 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Boston University edges out Penn State on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Boston University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1520
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $26,996
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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