Cornell University vs Boston University

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Choosing the right university is a significant decision in a student’s life. In this comparison, we’ll look at two renowned institutions – Cornell University and Boston University. We’ll provide an overview, examine the costs, and discuss admissions, academics, diversity, students, campus life, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Cornell University Overview

Cornell University, founded in 1865, is an Ivy League research institution located in Ithaca, New York. With over 23,000 students and more than 4,000 faculty members, it offers a diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities across seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions.

Cornell University Costs & Tuition

Tuition and fees at Cornell vary by college and degree program. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition ranges from $59,282 to $64,894, with additional fees averaging around $4,000. The total cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and personal expenses, is estimated at $79,000 per year.

Cornell University Admissions

Admissions at Cornell are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 10.9% for the class of 2025. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and letters of recommendation, along with a personal statement and essay.

Cornell University Degrees Offered

Cornell offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 2,000 elective courses across its seven undergraduate colleges. Some of the most popular majors include Engineering, Biological Sciences, Business, and Hotel Administration. Additionally, Cornell has numerous graduate and professional degree programs, including Law, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.

Cornell University Academics

Cornell is renowned for its rigorous academics and cutting-edge research. With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized attention and small class sizes. Faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, and students have ample opportunities for research, internships, and other experiential learning.

Cornell University Diversity

Cornell is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 43% of the undergraduate population identifies as students of color, and 13% are international students. Over 50% of students receive financial aid, with an average need-based grant of around $39,000.

Cornell University Students

Cornell has a vibrant student community with over 1,000 student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports to choose from. Students actively participate in various cultural events, community service, and leadership opportunities, making the campus a lively and engaging place to study and live.

Cornell University Campus

The Cornell campus covers 2,300 acres in Ithaca, offering beautiful natural surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities. It features modern libraries, research centers, and recreational spaces, providing students with an ideal environment for academic and personal growth.

Cornell University Alumni

Notable Cornell alumni include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, author Toni Morrison, and entrepreneur Bill Nye. The university boasts a strong alumni network, providing support and career connections for current students and graduates.

Cornell University Rankings

Cornell consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and worldwide. According to U.S. News & World Report, Cornell is ranked #18 in National Universities and #11 in Best Value Schools.

Cornell University Outcomes

Cornell graduates have a high rate of success, with 95% of students finding employment or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Cornell alumni is $70,900.

Boston University Overview

Boston University, founded in 1839, is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 33,000 students and 4,000 faculty members, BU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its 17 schools and colleges.

Boston University Costs & Tuition

For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition at BU is $58,560, with additional fees-250 averaging around $1,500. The total cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and personal expenses, is estimated at $76,000 per year.

Boston University Admissions

Admissions at BU are competitive, with an acceptance rate of 18.5% for the class of 2025. Applicants are required to submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and letters of recommendation. They must also provide a personal statement and essay.

Boston University Degrees Offered

BU offers more than 250 undergraduate programs and 300 graduate and professional programs across its 17 schools and colleges. Popular majors include Business, Communication, and Health Sciences. Additionally, BU has a wide range of graduate and professional degree programs, including Law, Medicine, and Dental Medicine.

Boston University Academics

BU is known for its strong academics and research opportunities. The university has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, offering small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members who are experts in their fields. Students have numerous opportunities for research, internships, and experiential learning.

Boston University Diversity

BU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Approximately 42% of the undergraduate population identifies as students of color, and 20% are international students. Over 52% of students receive financial aid, with an average need-based grant of around $41,000.

Boston University Students

BU has an active student community, with over 450 student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports to choose from. Students participate in various cultural events, community service projects, and leadership opportunities, contributing to a vibrant campus life.

Boston University Campus

The BU campus stretches along the Charles River and covers 135 acres. It features modern academic buildings, research centers, libraries, and recreational spaces, providing students with an ideal environment for learning and personal growth.

Boston University Alumni

Notable BU alumni include civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., actress Julianne Moore, and radio personality Howard Stern. The university has a strong alumni network, offering support and career connections for current students and graduates.

Boston University Rankings

Boston University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and worldwide. According to U.S. News & World Report, BU is ranked #42 in National Universities and #32 in Best Value Schools.

Boston University Outcomes

BU graduates enjoy a high rate of success, with 93% of students finding employment or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for BU alumni is $62,600.

Cornell University vs Boston University Cost Comparison

When comparing the costs of attending Cornell University and Boston University, the total estimated cost of attendance is relatively similar, with Cornell averaging around $79,000 per year and BU at $76,000 per year. However, the average need-based grant at BU is slightly higher, at approximately $41,000 compared to $39,000 at Cornell.

Cornell University vs Boston University Admissions Difficulty

Both Cornell and BU have competitive admissions processes, with Cornell having an acceptance rate of 10.9% and BU at 18.5%. While both universities require similar application materials, including high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation, Cornell’s lower acceptance rate indicates a higher level of admissions difficulty.

Cornell University vs Boston University Academic Difficulty

Cornell and BU are both known for their rigorous academics and research opportunities. With similar student-to-faculty ratios (9:1 at Cornell and 10:1 at BU), students at both universities can expect small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members.

Cornell University vs Boston University Outcome Comparison

Graduates of both Cornell and BU enjoy high rates of success, with 95% of Cornell graduates and 93% of BU graduates finding employment or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Cornell alumni is $70,900, whereas BU alumni have a median starting salary of $62,600.