Boston University vs University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania is extremely selective with a 5.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Boston University (10.8%). Graduates of University of Pennsylvania earn $28,133 more per year at the 10-year mark ($111,371 vs $83,238). For families earning $48k–$75k, Boston University is more affordable at $11,778 net price vs $17,585. Students at University of Pennsylvania graduate with less debt ($15,715 vs $23,250).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Pennsylvania has a higher yield rate (69.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. University of Pennsylvania has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1470).
Boston, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Pennsylvania is more affordable at $1,026 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,504 vs $57,603.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Boston University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Boston University
- 1 Computer Science$84,994
- 2 Computer Engineering$82,440
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$70,829
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$68,858
- 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering$67,660
University of Pennsylvania
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$138,932
- 2 Computer Science$125,015
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$122,725
- 4 Systems Engineering$101,964
- 5 International/Global Studies$84,653
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Boston University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Economics
- 5 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
University of Pennsylvania
- 1 Data Analytics
- 2 Economics
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 4 Philosophy
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Boston University
- International students29%
- Tuition (international)$56,854
- Est. total cost/year$74,712
- School typePublic
University of Pennsylvania
- International students24%
- Tuition (international)$53,166
- Est. total cost/year$76,826
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 29% international enrollment, Boston University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Boston University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is more selective with a 5.9% acceptance rate, compared to 10.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Boston University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $111,371 compared to $83,238. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Boston University or University of Pennsylvania?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Boston University has a lower net price at $11,778 per year vs $17,585. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Boston University vs University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 96.8%, compared to 89.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Boston University or University of Pennsylvania?
Boston University has a larger international student population at 29% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Boston University and University of Pennsylvania?
At Boston University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $84,994 within two years. At University of Pennsylvania, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $138,932. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.