This article provides a comprehensive comparison between Boston University (BU) and the University at Buffalo (UB). We’ll examine each institution’s overview, costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the differences and similarities between these two esteemed institutions.
Boston University Overview
Founded in 1839, Boston University is a private research institution located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. With over 34,000 students from more than 130 countries, BU is a diverse and vibrant academic community. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 17 schools and colleges.
Boston University Costs & Tuition
Boston University’s tuition rates for the 2021-2022 academic year are $58,560 for full-time undergraduate students and $58,560 for full-time graduate students. Additional fees, room and board, and other expenses bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $75,002 per year for undergraduate students and varying amounts for graduate students, depending on their program and housing choices.
Boston University Admissions
Admission to Boston University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 18.9% in 2021. BU seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership, and community involvement. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1420-1540, and the middle 50% range of ACT scores is 32-35.
Boston University Degrees Offered
Boston University offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its 17 schools and colleges. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Management, Marketing, Communication, Journalism, Health Professions, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
Boston University Academics
BU has a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, ensuring a personalized learning experience for students. The university boasts a 4-year graduation rate of 87% and a 6-year graduation rate of 91%. Furthermore, 92.3% of first-year students continue to their second year at BU, indicating a strong level of student satisfaction.
Boston University Diversity
Boston University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The student body represents more than 130 countries, and 47.3% of undergraduate students identify as students of color. BU also offers various programs and resources to support the diverse needs of its students, such as the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground and the Center for Gender, Sexuality, and Activism.
Boston University Students
BU has a vibrant student life, offering over 450 student organizations and clubs, including academic and professional organizations, cultural and identity groups, and recreational sports teams. The campus is home to various events throughout the year, such as concerts, guest speakers, and cultural celebrations, providing students with numerous opportunities for engagement and personal growth.
Boston University Campus
Boston University’s urban campus stretches along the Charles River, offering a unique blend of modern facilities and historic architecture. The campus is easily accessible by public transportation and is located near numerous cultural attractions, shopping, and dining options. BU also offers multiple housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartment-style living, and special-interest housing communities.
Boston University Alumni
BU has a strong alumni network of more than 375,000 individuals who have gone on to achieve success in various fields. Notable alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Julianne Moore, Howard Stern, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Boston University Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Boston University is ranked #42 in National Universities, #21 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #61 in Best Value Schools.
Boston University Outcomes
Boston University boasts strong post-graduation outcomes, with 93% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for BU graduates is $62,000, and the 10-year salary growth rate is 85%.
University at Buffalo Overview
The University at Buffalo, founded in 1846, is a public research university located in Buffalo, New York. As part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, UB has a strong academic reputation and offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With over 31,000 students, UB is known for its diverse and vibrant campus community.
University at Buffalo Costs & Tuition
Tuition rates at the University at Buffalo for the 2021-2022 academic year are $10,524 for in-state undergraduate students, $28,194 for out-of-state undergraduate students, and varying amounts for graduate students depending on their program and residency status. Including fees, room and board, and other expenses, the total cost of attendance is approximately $30,966 per year for in-state undergraduate students and $48,636 for out-of-state undergraduate students.
University at Buffalo Admissions
Admissions to the University at Buffalo are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 56.3% for the fall 2021 semester. UB seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1160-1340, and the middle 50% range of ACT scores is 24-30.
University at Buffalo Degrees Offered
The University at Buffalo offers more than 125 undergraduate degree programs and over 320 graduate and professional programs across its 13 schools and colleges. Popular majors at UB include Health Professions, Business, Management, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences.
University at Buffalo Academics
UB has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, providing students with access to faculty and personalized learning experiences. The university has a 4-year graduation rate of 61% and a 6-year graduation rate of 76%. The first-year retention rate at UB is 87.1%, indicating a high level of student satisfaction.
University at Buffalo Diversity
The University at Buffalo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment. UB’s student body represents over 100 countries, and 35.2% of undergraduate students identify as students of color. The university offers various resources and programs to support the diverse needs of its students, such as the Intercultural and Diversity Center and the Office of Inclusive Excellence.
University at Buffalo Students
Student life at UB is rich and diverse, with over 600 student clubs and organizations available, including academic and professional clubs, cultural and identity groups, and recreational sports teams. UB’s campus is also home to a wide range of events throughout the year, such as guest speakers, concerts, and cultural celebrations.
University at Buffalo Campus
The University at Buffalo has three distinct campuses: North Campus, South Campus, and Downtown Campus. Each campus offers a unique environment and modern facilities, with easy access to public transportation and the attractions of Buffalo. UB provides various housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartment-style living, and special-interest housing communities.
University at Buffalo Alumni
UB has a strong alumni network of over 273,000 graduates who have gone on to achieve success in various fields. Notable alumni include Wolf Blitzer, Terry Gross, and Khalil Mack.
University at Buffalo Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the University at Buffalo is ranked #94 in National Universities, #53 in Top Public Schools, and #99 in Best Value Schools.
University at Buffalo Outcomes
The University at Buffalo has a strong record of post-graduation outcomes, with 84% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for UB graduates is $50,000, and the 10-year salary growth rate is 77%.
Boston University vs University at Buffalo Cost Comparison
Boston University, being a private institution, has significantly higher tuition rates than the University at Buffalo, a public university. For undergraduate students, the total cost of attendance at BU is approximately $75,002 per year, while the cost at UB is $30,966 for in-state students and $48,636 for out-of-state students. The financial investment required for attending BU is substantially higher, which may be a decisive factor for many families and students.
Boston University vs University at Buffalo Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at Boston University are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 18.9%. In comparison, the University at Buffalo has a more moderate acceptance rate of 56.3%. The middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students are also higher at BU. Therefore, gaining admission to BU is more challenging than gaining admission to UB.
Boston University vs University at Buffalo Academic Difficulty
Both Boston University and the University at Buffalo offer rigorous academic programs and attract talented students. However, with a higher 4-year graduation rate (87% at BU vs 61% at UB) and a lower student-faculty ratio (10:1 at BU vs 13:1 at UB), Boston University may provide a more academically challenging and supportive environment for its students.
Boston University vs University at Buffalo Outcome Comparison
Although both universities have strong post-graduation outcomes, Boston University graduates have a higher median starting salary ($62,000) compared to University at Buffalo graduates ($50,000). Additionally, BU’s 10-year salary growth rate (85%) is higher than UB’s (77%). This suggests that attending Boston University may lead to better long-term financial outcomes for graduates compared to attending the University at Buffalo. However, it’s essential to consider the higher cost of attendance at BU when evaluating these outcomes.
