Choosing the right university is a crucial decision for anyone planning to pursue higher education. In this comparison, we will examine two prominent institutions: Harvard University and Boston University. We will provide an overview of each school, including costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comprehensive analysis will help you make an informed decision based on the factors that matter most to you.
Harvard University Overview
Harvard University, established in 1636, is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and a rich history of academic excellence. With a diverse student body, Harvard offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study.
Harvard University Costs & Tuition
Harvard has a need-blind admission policy, meaning students are accepted based on their academic achievements, not their ability to pay the tuition. The average cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is $72,391, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, Harvard offers significant financial aid packages, with 55% of students receiving need-based scholarships.
Harvard University Admissions
Admission to Harvard is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 4.5%. Prospective students must submit their SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Harvard also considers applicants’ extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and commitment to community service.
Harvard University Degrees Offered
Harvard offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including arts and humanities, social sciences, engineering, and natural sciences. It also has several professional schools, such as the Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Medical School.
Harvard University Academics
Harvard is known for its rigorous academic programs and a high level of faculty-student interaction. The student-faculty ratio is 6:1, with 73% of classes having fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and a strong focus on independent research and critical thinking.
Harvard University Diversity
Harvard is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. As of fall 2020, 46.7% of undergraduates identify as racial or ethnic minorities, and international students make up 12.3% of the student body. The university also provides various resources and support services for students from diverse backgrounds.
Harvard University Students
Students at Harvard have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 450 recognized student organizations, athletic programs, and community service opportunities. The university also offers a residential college system, which promotes a sense of community and belonging.
Harvard University Campus
The Harvard campus is renowned for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. It covers approximately 210 acres and features numerous libraries, museums, research centers, and recreational facilities. The campus is located in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Cambridge, providing students with numerous opportunities for entertainment, shopping, and dining.
Harvard University Alumni
Harvard boasts an impressive network of alumni, including notable figures such as Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, and Natalie Portman. The university’s alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, business, and entertainment.
Harvard University Rankings
Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. According to the 2021 QS World University Rankings, it ranks second globally and first in the United States.
Harvard University Outcomes
Graduates of Harvard enjoy high levels of success in their chosen careers. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for Harvard alumni is $74,800, and the average mid-career salary is $141,000.
Boston University Overview
Boston University (BU) is a private research university located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1839, BU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 17 schools and colleges. The university has a strong focus on research and innovation and is known for its vibrant campus culture.
Boston University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year at BU is $76,574, including tuition, fees, room, and board. The university offers financial aid to help students reduce costs, with over 50% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Boston University Admissions
Admission to BU is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 18.9%. Applicants are required to submit their SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
Boston University Degrees Offered
BU offers more than 300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines. Some popular areas of study include business, engineering, communication, and health sciences.
Boston University Academics
Boston University has a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, allowing for small class sizes and personalized attention to students. The university is dedicated to fostering a strong academic environment, with 58% of classes having fewer than 20 students.
Boston University Diversity
BU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. In fall 2020, 31.4% of undergraduates identified as racial or ethnic minorities, and international students made up 24.1% of the student body. The university also offers various resources and support services to help students from diverse backgrounds succeed.
Boston University Students
Students at BU can participate in over 450 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and community service groups. The university’s campus is located in the vibrant city of Boston, providing students with numerous opportunities for entertainment, cultural events, and networking.
Boston University Campus
BU’s urban campus spans over 135 acres along Boston’s historic Charles River. The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational spaces.
Boston University Alumni
BU has a strong alumni network, with notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Julianne Moore, and Howard Stern among its graduates. Alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, business, and entertainment.
Boston University Rankings
Boston University ranks 110th in the 2021 QS World University Rankings and 42nd in the United States.
Boston University Outcomes
BU graduates enjoy successful careers in their chosen fields. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for BU alumni is $58,300, and the average mid-career salary is $108,000.
Harvard University vs Boston University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Harvard and BU, both universities have similar sticker prices. For the 2021-2022 academic year, Harvard’s estimated cost of attendance is $72,391, while BU’s is $76,574.
However, both universities offer substantial financial aid packages to help students reduce their financial burden. At Harvard, 55% of students receive need-based scholarships, while over 50% of BU students receive some form of financial assistance.
It is essential to consider the financial aid opportunities available at each institution when comparing costs, as the net price may differ significantly from the sticker price.
Harvard University vs Boston University Admissions Difficulty
Both Harvard and BU are competitive in terms of admissions. Harvard has an acceptance rate of 4.5%, while BU’s acceptance rate is 18.9%. Both universities require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
While the admissions process is rigorous for both institutions, Harvard is considerably more selective. Prospective students must have exceptional academic records, extracurricular achievements, and leadership qualities to be considered for admission at Harvard.
Harvard University vs Boston University Academic Difficulty
Both Harvard and BU are known for their rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on research and innovation. Harvard has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1, while BU’s ratio is 10:1. Both universities offer small class sizes, with a majority of classes containing fewer than 20 students.
While both institutions are committed to academic excellence, the overall level of academic difficulty may vary depending on the specific program and individual student experience. It is essential to research the programs of interest at both universities to gauge their academic rigor and align with your academic goals.
Harvard University vs Boston University Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, Harvard graduates tend to have higher average early career and mid-career salaries than their BU counterparts. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for Harvard alumni is $74,800, and the average mid-career salary is $141,000. In contrast, the average early career salary for BU alumni is $58,300, and the average mid-career salary is $108,000.
However, it is crucial to consider other factors such as job satisfaction, growth opportunities, and work-life balance when assessing career outcomes. Both universities have a strong alumni network and a reputation for producing successful graduates.
