Boston University (BU) vs Emory University

Boston University and Emory University, two prestigious private research universities located in vibrant cities, offer distinct educational experiences. Boston University, situated in the heart of Boston, boasts a larger student body and a higher acceptance rate compared to Emory University, nestled in the charming city of Atlanta. While both universities excel in various academic disciplines, Boston University is renowned for its strength in engineering, computer science, and business, while Emory University shines in the fields of medicine, nursing, and public health. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including student demographics, graduation rates, and popular majors, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Boston University logo

Boston University

Emory University logo

Emory University

Overview

Location Boston, Massachusetts Atlanta, Georgia
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 94.0% 95.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Methodism

Admission

Acceptance rate 18.6% 13.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $80

Graduate: $95
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1360 - 1520 1420 - 1540
ACT range 31 - 34 32 - 34
Students submitting SAT score 32.0% 37.0%
Students submitting ACT score 13.0% 27.0%
Total number of applicants 75,778 33,435
Total number of admissions given out 14,129 4,364
Admitted students who chose to enroll 4,011 1,494
Yield rate 28.4% 34.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $79,606 $75,594
Average net price $25,852 $28,367
Tuition $58,560 $54,660
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $10,990

Meal plan: $5,850
Room/dormitory: $9,254

Meal plan: $7,048
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

53.0%
Average amount $50,486
56.0%
Average amount $44,517
Students receiving federal student loan 24.0%
Average amount $4,317
21.0%
Average amount $5,029
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $25,248
3.0%
Average amount $24,114

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 18,229
Men 42.3% Women 57.7%
7,130
Men 42.2% Women 57.8%
Graduate students 17,875
Men 42.5% Women 57.5%
7,649
Men 36.3% Women 63.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A 85.8%
International students 26.6% 16.1%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 11,356 4,813
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from New York California New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania New York Georgia California Texas New Jersey

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 11:1 9:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 89.4% 90.0%
Dropout rate 10.3% 9.4%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $115,398
  • Year 2: $125,611
  • Year 3: $147,490
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $110,318
  • Year 2: $110,878
  • Year 3: $142,427
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,155
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $117,665
Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,383
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $115,901
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $104,027
  • Year 2: $106,688
  • Year 3: $113,743
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,380
  • Year 2: $102,306
  • Year 3: $111,308
Insurance (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $112,170
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $108,260
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,069
  • Year 2: $92,743
  • Year 3: $106,517
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,263
  • Year 2: $96,829
  • Year 3: $104,284
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,137
  • Year 2: $83,848
  • Year 3: $99,636
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $172,813
  • Year 2: $162,817
  • Year 3: $170,655
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $131,170
  • Year 2: $134,287
  • Year 3: $154,242
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $133,992
  • Year 2: $135,250
  • Year 3: $149,929
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $103,815
  • Year 2: $104,440
  • Year 3: $115,844
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $97,878
  • Year 2: $100,571
  • Year 3: $109,263
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,250
  • Year 2: $83,177
  • Year 3: $107,288
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,396
  • Year 2: $72,711
  • Year 3: $92,305
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,076
  • Year 2: $77,283
  • Year 3: $89,530
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,923
  • Year 2: $66,325
  • Year 3: $78,482
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,886
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $74,925

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location between Boston University and Emory University?

    Boston University (BU) is located in Boston, Massachusetts, a major metropolitan city with a rich history, diverse culture, and access to numerous industries. Emory University is situated in Atlanta, Georgia, another large city, but with a warmer climate and a different cultural landscape. BU offers a more urban, fast-paced environment, while Emory provides a more suburban feel within a major city.

  • How do the academic programs at Boston University and Emory University compare?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. BU is particularly strong in communications, journalism, engineering, and business. Emory excels in pre-med, business (Goizueta Business School), law, and the humanities. The specific strengths of each program should be considered based on your academic interests. Both universities have strong research opportunities.

  • What is the cost of attendance at Boston University versus Emory University?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between BU and Emory. However, these costs can vary slightly year to year. It's essential to check the most recent tuition and financial aid information on each university's website. Both universities offer financial aid packages to help offset the cost of attendance.

  • How does the student life experience differ at Boston University and Emory University?

    Student life at BU is characterized by a vibrant urban environment with numerous social activities, a strong Greek life presence, and easy access to Boston's cultural attractions. Emory offers a more close-knit campus community with a focus on undergraduate research and a more relaxed social scene. Both universities have a wide variety of student organizations and extracurricular activities.

  • What are the admission requirements for Boston University and Emory University?

    Both universities are highly selective and require a strong academic record, including a rigorous high school curriculum. Applicants typically need to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), though test-optional policies may be in place. Both universities also require letters of recommendation, essays, and a demonstrated interest in the institution. Admission requirements are similar in terms of the application components, but the competitiveness of each school may vary slightly.

  • How do the campus environments of Boston University and Emory University differ?

    BU's campus is integrated into the city of Boston, with buildings spread throughout the city. This provides easy access to city amenities but can feel less contained. Emory has a more traditional, picturesque campus with a more defined boundary, offering a more self-contained environment with green spaces and a sense of community. The campus environment is a significant factor in the overall student experience.

  • What are the career services and opportunities like at Boston University and Emory University?

    Both universities have robust career services departments that assist students with internships, job placement, and career counseling. BU's location in Boston provides access to a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. Emory's location in Atlanta offers strong opportunities in healthcare, business, and non-profit sectors. The specific career opportunities available may vary depending on your chosen field of study.

  • How does the alumni network compare between Boston University and Emory University?

    Both universities have strong and active alumni networks. BU's alumni network is extensive, particularly in the fields of communications, journalism, and engineering, given the university's strengths in these areas. Emory's alumni network is also well-established, especially in the fields of medicine, business, and law. The strength of the alumni network can be a valuable resource for career networking and mentorship.

  • What are the research opportunities like at Boston University and Emory University?

    Both universities are research-intensive institutions, offering numerous research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. BU has strong research programs in engineering, medicine, and the sciences. Emory is particularly known for its research in medicine, public health, and the humanities. The availability of research opportunities will depend on your specific field of study and your initiative.

  • Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as pre-med or business?

    Emory University is generally considered to have a stronger pre-med program, with its affiliation with the Emory Healthcare system providing excellent clinical experience opportunities. Both universities have strong business programs, but Emory's Goizueta Business School is highly regarded. BU's business school is also well-respected. The best choice depends on the specific program and your individual preferences.

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