Boston College vs Boston University: Which One Is Better?

When deciding between Boston College vs Boston University, it’s easy to get confused. Both are top-tier universities in the heart of Boston, offering distinct experiences, academic structures, and campus cultures. You might wonder: Which one is the better fit for you?

In this guide, we’ll cover key factors such as acceptance rates, rankings, academic programs, campus life, and cost to help you make an informed decision. 

• Boston College vs Boston University: Acceptance Rates
• Boston College vs Boston University: Rankings
• Boston College vs Boston University: Admission Requirements
• Boston College vs Boston University: Cost of Attendance
• Boston College vs Boston University: Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Boston College vs Boston University: Acceptance Rates

You probably already know that both Boston College (BC) and Boston University (BU) are tough schools to get into. But how competitive are they really? Let’s break down their Class of 2028 stats:

When you compare Boston College vs Boston University, the acceptance rate tells you something important: BU is more selective than BC. Not by a huge margin, but it matters especially when you’re building your college list.

Let’s say you’re applying to both. At BU, only about 1 in 9 students got in. At BC, it was closer to 1 in 6. So even though BU accepted more students in total, that’s only because it had more than double the number of applicants.

Here’s something else to think about: both schools use holistic admissions. That means they’re not just looking at your GPA or test scores. They care about how you spend your time outside of class, what your teachers say about you, and how you express yourself in your essays.

So yes, the numbers matter, but they don’t tell the whole story. You’re more than your stats, and both BC and BU know that. Just make sure your application shows who you really are.

Boston College vs Boston University: Rankings

When you’re deciding where to apply, rankings aren’t everything, but they do give you a sense of a school’s reputation. If you’re comparing Boston College vs Boston University, here’s how they stack up across three major rankings:

BC comes in ahead of BU in the U.S. News national ranking, but just by a few spots. That’s not a huge difference, and in day-to-day campus life, it probably won’t change much for you.

But look at the global rankings, and that’s where BU clearly pulls ahead. BU ranks #75 globally with Times Higher Ed and #108 with QS, while BC falls into broader ranges that put it much further down the list. That gap mostly comes from BU’s stronger international research output and its larger global presence.

If you’re thinking about grad school abroad, working internationally, or joining a more research-driven environment, BU might give you an edge. But if your goal is a strong undergrad education with a national reputation, BC still holds its own.

Boston College vs Boston University: Admission Requirements

When you’re comparing Boston College and Boston University as a high school student planning your next big step, it’s important to get a clear look at what each school expects from you during the application process.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison table to break it all down for you:

If you’re trying to figure out how different Boston College and Boston University are when it comes to applying, they’re really not that different. Most of the basic requirements, like the application platform, fee, transcripts, and even the essay requirement, are similar.

That said, there are a few small things to keep in mind. One is letters of recommendation. Boston College wants two teacher recommendations plus one from your counselor, while BU only asks for one teacher and one counselor. If you’ve got more than one teacher who’s seen you at your best, BC gives you more space to show off those strong relationships.

Now let’s talk test scores. Both schools are test-optional, which is awesome if standardized tests just aren’t your thing. But if you’re thinking of submitting your scores, here’s how they stack up:

• Boston College’s students have average scores around 34 ACT / 1482 SAT, with the middle 50% ranging from 33–34 ACT and 1430–1510 SAT.
• Boston University is in a similar range, with a middle 50% of 32–34 ACT and 1430–1510 SAT scores and an average score right around 33 ACT / 1470 SAT.

Even though tests aren’t required, most students who do submit scores are scoring pretty high. If your scores fall in that range or higher, it’s definitely worth including them; they might give you a leg up.

In the end, the process for each school is mostly the same, but these small details can help you figure out where you might feel more at home or which school best suits your strengths.

Boston College vs Boston University: Cost of Attendance

Let’s break down the cost of attending Boston College and Boston University. These are estimates, and some fees can vary depending on your course load and personal choices:

Looking at these numbers, you can see that Boston College and Boston University have pretty similar overall costs, but there are some differences to keep in mind.

Boston College’s tuition is a bit higher, about $2,310 more per year, and their housing costs are noticeably more expensive compared to BU’s. On the other hand, BU’s food costs are listed separately and add up to a bit more than what’s included in Boston College’s housing/food combined estimate.

Fees and personal expenses are fairly close between the two schools, though BC’s mandatory fees are a little higher. Health insurance costs can also make a difference; both schools require it unless you waive it with your coverage, but BC’s fixed rate of $4,281 is something to budget for.

Once you add everything up, the estimated total cost of attendance for both schools is around $93,514 to $94,427, but your budget might shift depending on factors like where you live (on or off campus), your meal plan choice, and travel expenses.

So, when you’re thinking about the cost, remember it’s not just tuition but all these other expenses that add up, and making a smart financial plan early on can really help you manage it all smoothly.

Boston College vs Boston University: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Paying for college is a massive part of your decision, and if you’re stuck choosing between Boston College and Boston University, knowing what kind of financial aid and scholarships each school offers can really help. Let’s break down what you can expect:

Boston College financial aid and scholarships

Boston College has a massive $177 million need-based financial aid budget and gave out an average of $58,000 in aid packages last year. They’re even ranked #52 for Best Value by U.S. News & World Report in 2025, which means you’re likely to get solid support if you qualify.

Along with need-based aid, BC offers some standout scholarships, especially if you care about leadership, academics, and making a difference in your community. These are a few you could earn while you’re in college:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship. Awarded to juniors who excel academically and show leadership and service, especially in African American communities.
• Saint Oscar A. Romero Scholarship. Recognizes high-achieving juniors who are active in Hispanic/Latino communities on and off campus.
• Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship. For juniors committed to serving and leading within the Asian American community.
• Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship. Gives you a chance to broaden your horizons with funding for educational travel that builds leadership skills.

While Boston College doesn’t publish exact dollar amounts for these scholarships online, the value often includes tuition support, stipends, or funded travel. If you’re the kind of student who’s already making an impact, these awards could help you go even further.

Boston University financial aid and scholarships

Boston University is ready to invest in you, too. Last year alone, Boston University awarded a massive $473 million in financial aid to undergrads. So if you’ve been grinding in high school, crushing your classes, leading clubs, or shining in sports or the arts, BU has your back with some serious scholarship opportunities.

And here’s the cool part: many of BU’s merit scholarships don’t even require a separate financial aid application. You’re automatically considered when you apply. Some of these awards can even cover full tuition. Check out the big ones:

• Trustee Scholarship. BU’s most competitive award. It covers full tuition and fees, and only 20 students get it each year. You’ll need to show exceptional academic achievement and leadership. Plus, you’ll write one extra essay on your Common App to be considered.
• Presidential Scholarship. This one gives you half the tuition. The scholarship is for students who shine both in and out of the classroom.
• College of Engineering FIRST Robotics Scholarship. If you’re applying to BU’s College of Engineering and have been on a FIRST Robotics team, you might qualify for half tuition here, too.

Most students who land these scholarships are in the top 5% of their high school class. And if you’re submitting test scores, many have SATs over 1500 or ACTs over 33. So if you’re putting in the work now, BU could be a great place to turn that effort into serious financial support.

Final Verdict

Deciding between Boston College (BC) and Boston University (BU) can be tricky, especially since both are fantastic schools in the heart of Boston. To help you out, let’s take a quick look at each school and what makes it unique so you can figure out which one best fits your vibe:

• Boston College offers a strong academic reputation and a focused community environment, perfect if you’re looking for a traditional college experience. The campus is located in a residential area with access to downtown Boston and provides a balance of a peaceful environment while still being close to the city. BC is also known for its emphasis on personal growth, with a strong focus on values and service.
• Boston University, on the other hand, offers a more urban experience and tons of flexibility in terms of academic programs. BU is ideal if you’re looking for a school with a broad range of academic disciplines and a global reach. The campus is located right in the middle of the city, so you’ll have access to all the exciting opportunities Boston has to offer.

Ultimately, choosing between BC and BU depends on what you’re looking for in a college experience. If you want a strong, values-driven community with a quieter atmosphere, BC might be your best fit. However, if you’re drawn to a bustling city environment and greater flexibility in your academic path, BU could be the right choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is harder to get into, Boston College or Boston University?

When looking at acceptance rates, Boston College has a higher acceptance rate at 15.9%, while Boston University is more selective, accepting only 11.1% of applicants. BU is a little tougher to get into, but both schools are still very competitive. If you’re applying to both, your chances at BC are slightly better, but don’t let the numbers discourage you.

2. How do Boston College and Boston University rank nationally?

Boston College ranks higher than Boston University in national rankings, landing at #37, while BU sits at #41. But the global rankings tell a different story. BU has a stronger international reputation, ranking #75 in the Times Higher Education list compared to BC’s lower range. If you’re planning on working internationally or focusing on research, BU might have an edge.

3. Which is more expensive, Boston College or Boston University?

Boston College and Boston University both come with a big price tag. Boston College’s total cost, including tuition, housing, fees, and other expenses, is about $93,514 to $96,764 per year. At the same time, Boston University runs around $94,427. So, if you’re trying to plan your budget, the costs are pretty close, with Boston College’s tuition a bit higher but BU’s housing and food costs lower.

Takeaways

• Boston University is tougher to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 11.1%, while Boston College is a bit more forgiving at 15.9%.
• When it comes to rankings, BU takes the lead globally, but BC holds its ground with a stronger national reputation.
• If money is tight, Boston College and Boston University cost about the same, with Boston College around $93,514 to $96,764 and Boston University about $94,427.
• To increase your chances of getting into either of these prestigious schools, it’s crucial to research thoroughly, build a compelling application, and leverage the expertise of a college admissions expert to help you stand out in a highly competitive field.