When choosing the right university, it’s essential to compare various factors, such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes. In this article, we’ll compare two prestigious private universities in Boston: Boston University (BU) and Northeastern University. By examining the differences and similarities between these two institutions, we hope to help you make an informed decision about which university best fits your needs.
BU Overview
Boston University (BU) is a private research institution founded in 1839. With more than 33,000 students, BU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across 17 schools and colleges. The main campus is located along the Charles River in Boston’s historic Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood.
BU Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for students at BU for the 2021-2022 academic year is $76,000, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. BU offers financial aid packages, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and loans to help students meet these costs.
BU Admissions
BU has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 19%. Applicants are required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1340 and 1500, while the average ACT score ranges from 30 to 34.
BU Degrees Offered
BU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 17 schools and colleges. Some of the most popular majors include Business Administration, Communications, Engineering, Health Professions, and Social Sciences.
BU Academics
BU is well-known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research. With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, students have access to personalized attention and opportunities to participate in research projects. BU also offers study abroad programs in more than 30 countries.
BU Diversity
BU’s student body represents more than 100 countries, with international students making up about 24% of the total population. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, providing support services and resources for multicultural students, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities.
BU Students
BU has a vibrant campus life, with more than 450 student clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational clubs. BU’s Division I sports teams compete in the Patriot League, and the university offers various intramural and club sports for students to engage in.
BU Campus
BU’s campus spans 135 acres along the Charles River, featuring a mix of modern and historic buildings. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, and recreational centers. The city of Boston provides numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities for students.
BU Alumni
BU has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including Martin Luther King Jr., actress Julianne Moore, and radio host Howard Stern. BU alumni have access to career services, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities through the university.
BU Rankings
BU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation and worldwide. In the U.S. News & World Report 2021 rankings, BU is ranked as the 42nd best National University in the United States.
BU Outcomes
According to the university, 94% of BU graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for BU graduates is $61,000.
Northeastern University Overview
Northeastern University is a private research institution founded in 1898. With more than 27,000 students, Northeastern offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine colleges and schools. The main campus is located in the vibrant Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood of Boston.
Northeastern University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for students at Northeastern University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $76,800, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. The university offers financial aid packages, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and loans to help students meet these costs.
Northeastern University Admissions
Northeastern University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 18%. Applicants are required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1390 and 1540, while the average ACT score ranges from 32 to 35.
Northeastern University Degrees Offered
Northeastern University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its nine colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors include Business Administration, Engineering, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.
Northeastern University Academics
Northeastern University is known for its emphasis on experiential learning, which combines classroom education with real-world experiences. The university’s cooperative education program (co-op) is a key component of its academic offerings, allowing students to alternate between periods of study and full-time employment in their field of interest. This approach helps students gain valuable professional experience and build a strong resume before graduation.
Northeastern University Diversity
Northeastern University’s student body represents more than 140 countries, with international students making up about 19% of the total population. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, providing support services and resources for multicultural students, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities.
Northeastern University Students
Northeastern University offers a vibrant campus life, with more than 400 student clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational clubs. The university’s Division I sports teams compete in the Colonial Athletic Association, and various intramural and club sports are available for students to participate in.
Northeastern University Campus
Northeastern University’s campus covers 73 acres in Boston, featuring a mix of modern and historic buildings. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, and recreational centers. The city of Boston offers numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities for students.
Northeastern University Alumni
Notable Northeastern University alumni include actress Wendy Williams, astronaut Christopher Williams, and journalist Mike Wallace. Northeastern alumni have access to career services, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities through the university.
Northeastern University Rankings
In the U.S. News & World Report 2021 rankings, Northeastern University is ranked as the 49th best National University in the United States.
Northeastern University Outcome
According to the university, 93% of Northeastern graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation. The average starting salary for Northeastern graduates is $62,000.
BU vs Northeastern University Cost Comparison
Both BU and Northeastern University have similar costs of attendance, with BU’s estimated cost at $76,000 and Northeastern’s at $76,800 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Both universities offer financial aid packages, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and loans, to help students meet these costs. Students should consider their individual financial aid packages and potential return on investment when comparing the costs of these two institutions.
BU vs Northeastern University Admissions Difficulty
Both BU and Northeastern University have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of around 19% and 18%, respectively. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are also similar, with BU’s average SAT scores ranging from 1340 to 1500 and Northeastern’s from 1390 to 1540. Both universities require applicants to submit standardized test scores, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Students should consider their academic profiles and extracurricular achievements when evaluating their chances of admission at these two institutions.
BU vs Northeastern University Academic Difficulty
Both BU and Northeastern University are renowned for their strong academic programs and commitment to research. BU has a lower student-faculty ratio of 10:1 compared to Northeastern’s 14:1, suggesting more personalized attention for students at BU. However, Northeastern University’s emphasis on experiential learning through its cooperative education program (co-op) provides students with valuable professional experience and a strong resume before graduation. Students should consider their academic interests and learning styles when comparing the academic difficulty of these two institutions.
BU vs Northeastern University Outcome Comparison
Both BU and Northeastern University boast impressive post-graduation outcomes, with BU reporting that 94% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, and Northeastern reporting 93% within nine months. The average starting salaries for graduates are also similar, with BU graduates earning an average of $61,000 and Northeastern graduates earning an average of $62,000. Students should consider their career goals and the potential return on investment when comparing the outcomes of these two institutions.
