Boston University vs Boston College Introduction
Boston University (BU) and Boston College (BC) are two prestigious institutions of higher education in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Both schools have long-standing traditions of excellence, and students often find themselves comparing the two when deciding where to attend college. In this comparison, we will provide an in-depth look at each school’s costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, alumni networks, and outcomes to help students make an informed decision.
Boston University Overview
Boston University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Established in 1839, BU is one of the largest independent nonprofit universities in the United States, with over 34,000 students enrolled. The university has 17 schools and colleges, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Boston University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students at BU totaled $58,560. Room and board costs averaged around $16,640, bringing the total estimated cost of attendance to just over $75,200 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with 55% of full-time undergraduates receiving some form of need-based financial assistance.
Boston University Admissions
Admission to BU is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 18.5% for the Fall 2020 incoming class. The middle 50% of admitted students had a high school GPA between 3.7 and 4.0, and SAT scores between 1340 and 1510.
Boston University Degrees Offered
BU offers over 300 programs of study, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Some of the most popular majors at BU include Business, Management, Marketing, Health Professions, Communication, Journalism, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
Boston University Academics
Boston University is known for its strong academic programs and rigorous coursework. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, providing students with personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. BU also offers numerous research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, with over $574 million in research grants awarded annually.
Boston University Diversity
BU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The undergraduate student body is composed of 43% white students, 20% international students, 14% Hispanic/Latino students, 12% Asian students, and 5% Black/African-American students.
Boston University Students
Student life at BU is vibrant and diverse, with over 450 student organizations, clubs, and activities available. The university has a strong Greek life presence, with approximately 13% of undergraduate students participating in fraternities and sororities. BU also boasts a robust athletics program, with the Terriers competing in Division I sports as a member of the Patriot League.
Boston University Campus
BU’s campus stretches along the Charles River in the Fenway-Kenmore, Allston, and Brookline neighborhoods of Boston. The campus features a mix of modern and historic buildings, as well as numerous green spaces, including the BU Beach and Nickerson Field.
Boston University Alumni
Notable BU alumni include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., actress Julianne Moore, radio host Howard Stern, and television personality Andy Cohen. The BU Alumni Association boasts over 377,000 members in more than 185 countries, providing graduates with networking and professional development opportunities.
Boston University Rankings
Boston University is consistently ranked among the top national and international universities. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, BU was ranked 42nd among national universities and 26th for best value schools.
Boston University Outcomes
BU has a strong record of alumni success, with 92% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for BU graduates is $60,000, and the 10-year salary growth is 104% compared to the national median.
Boston College Overview
Boston College is a private Jesuit Catholic research university located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Newton, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. Founded in 1863, BC enrolls over 14,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Boston College Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students at BC totaled $60,202. Room and board costs averaged around $15,840, bringing the total estimated cost of attendance to just over $76,000 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with 68% of full-time undergraduates receiving some form of need-based financial assistance.
Boston College Admissions
Boston College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 19% for the Fall 2020 incoming class. The middle 50% of admitted students had a high school GPA between 3.9 and 4.0, and SAT scores between 1400 and 1520.
Boston College Degrees Offered
Boston College offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across its eight schools and colleges. Popular majors at BC include Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Education.
Boston College Academics
Academic life at BC is characterized by a strong emphasis on liberal arts education, with a core curriculum designed to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, providing students with individualized attention and mentorship. Research opportunities are available for both undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.
Boston College Diversity
Boston College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. The undergraduate student body is composed of 60% white students, 14% Hispanic/Latino students, 11% Asian students, 5% Black/African-American students, and 6% international students.
Boston College Students
Student life at BC is lively and engaging, with over 300 student organizations, clubs, and activities available. Greek life is not a significant presence on campus, but there are numerous other opportunities for students to get involved in community service, social justice initiatives, and leadership development. BC’s varsity sports teams, the Eagles, compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Boston College Campus
Boston College’s campus is situated on 175 acres in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, offering a suburban environment just a short distance from the city of Boston. The campus is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, including the iconic Gasson Hall, and features ample green spaces for students to enjoy.
Boston College Alumni
Notable BC alumni include U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, and comedian Amy Poehler. The Boston College Alumni Association has over 182,000 members worldwide, providing graduates with networking and professional development opportunities.
Boston College Rankings
Boston College is consistently ranked among the top national and international universities. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, BC was ranked 35th among national universities and 42nd for best value schools.
Boston College Outcomes
Boston College has a strong track record of alumni success, with 93% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for BC graduates is $61,000, and the 10-year salary growth is 108% compared to the national median.
Boston University vs Boston College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending BU and BC, tuition and fees are slightly higher at BC ($60,202) compared to BU ($58,560). Room and board costs are also slightly higher at BC, with an average cost of $15,840 compared to $16,640 at BU. The overall estimated cost of attendance is roughly $76,000 at BC and $75,200 at BU. Both schools offer need-based financial aid opportunities, with a higher percentage of BC students (68%) receiving aid compared to BU students (55%).
Boston University vs Boston College Admissions Difficulty
Admissions to both BU and BC are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of 18.5% and 19% for Fall 2020, respectively. Admitted students at both schools tend to have high school GPAs between 3.7 and 4.0, with slightly higher SAT scores at BC (1400-1520) compared to BU (1340-1510). While both schools are selective, the admissions process may be slightly more challenging at BC due to the slightly lower acceptance rate and higher test scores.
Boston University vs Boston College Academic Difficulty
Academic rigor is a hallmark of both Boston University and Boston College. Both institutions offer challenging coursework and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The student-faculty ratios at BU (10:1) and BC (12:1) are quite similar, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment at both schools. While the academic experiences at BU and BC will be demanding, they will also be rewarding and prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
Boston University vs Boston College Outcome Comparison
Both Boston University and Boston College have strong outcomes for their graduates. The employment and further education rates are nearly identical, with 92% of BU graduates and 93% of BC graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salaries for graduates are also similar, with BU alumni earning an average of $60,000 and BC alumni earning an average of $61,000. The 10-year salary growth for both schools is above the national median, with BC graduates experiencing slightly higher growth (108%) compared to BU graduates (104%).
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