Boston University (BU) vs Fordham

Boston University and Fordham University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences to their students. Boston University, located in the heart of Boston, boasts a vibrant urban campus and a diverse student body, while Fordham University, situated in the Bronx, New York, offers a more traditional college experience with a strong emphasis on Jesuit values. With acceptance rates of 26% and 48%, respectively, both universities are highly selective, attracting academically accomplished students. While Boston University is known for its strengths in STEM fields, social sciences, and business, Fordham University excels in liberal arts, business, and health sciences. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including their graduation rates, student demographics, and popular majors, to determine which institution best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Boston University	Fordham University
Overview
Location	Boston, Massachusetts	Bronx, New York
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%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	18.6%	58.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $95	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70
SAT range	1360 - 1520	1300 - 1480
ACT range	31 - 34	30 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	26.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	11.0%
Total number of applicants	75,778	46,275
Total number of admissions given out	14,129	26,980
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,011	2,879
Yield rate	28.4%	10.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$79,606	$72,559
Average net price	$25,852	$37,583
Tuition	$58,560	$54,730
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,990 Meal plan: $5,850	$21,035
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	53.0% Average amount $50,486	94.0% Average amount $34,114
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $4,317	52.0% Average amount $5,280
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $25,248	6.0% Average amount $26,677

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,229 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%	9,904 Men 40.8% Women 59.2%
Graduate students	17,875 Men 42.5% Women 57.5%	7,082 Men 34.3% Women 65.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	60.9%
International students	26.6%	10.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,356	4,749
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 New Jersey California Mississippi Connecticut

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Public Administration and Social Service Legal Profession Computer and Information Science Education
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.4%	83.2%
Dropout rate	10.3%	6.7%
Transferred out	N/A	9.9%
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	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $146,081 Year 2: $100,690 Year 3: $124,166 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,577 Year 2: $113,850 Year 3: $121,893 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,586 Year 2: $85,538 Year 3: $98,267 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,240 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $96,920 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $103,078 Year 3: $95,156 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,465 Year 2: $73,195 Year 3: $87,850 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,578 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $87,004 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,968 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $82,005 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $58,702 Year 2: $79,081 Year 3: $81,526 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,805 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $73,993

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location between Boston University (BU) and Fordham University?

Boston University is located in Boston, Massachusetts, situated along the Charles River, offering a vibrant urban environment with easy access to cultural attractions, historical sites, and a strong academic community. Fordham University has two main campuses: Rose Hill in the Bronx, New York City, providing a classic collegiate experience with a beautiful campus, and Lincoln Center in Manhattan, offering a more urban and integrated experience within the heart of New York City.
How do the academic programs at BU and Fordham compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Boston University is known for its strong programs in communications, engineering, business, and film. Fordham University excels in areas like law, business, and the humanities, with a particularly strong emphasis on Jesuit values and a liberal arts education. The specific strengths of each program will vary, so it's important to research the departments that interest you most.
What is the student life like at Boston University versus Fordham University?

Student life at BU is characterized by a large and diverse student body, with numerous clubs, organizations, and a strong emphasis on campus events and activities. The location in Boston provides ample opportunities for off-campus entertainment and exploration. Fordham offers a more traditional collegiate experience, especially at the Rose Hill campus, with a strong sense of community and a focus on Jesuit values. The Lincoln Center campus provides a more integrated urban experience with access to the cultural offerings of Manhattan.
How does the cost of attendance compare between BU and Fordham?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between Boston University and Fordham University. However, these costs can vary depending on the specific program, housing choices, and financial aid packages. It's recommended to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on tuition and financial aid opportunities.
What are the admission requirements for Boston University and Fordham University?

Both universities are highly selective and require similar application materials, including high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are common), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The specific requirements may vary slightly, so it's crucial to review the admissions websites of both institutions for the most accurate and current information. Both universities consider a holistic review of applicants.
How do the campus environments differ between BU and Fordham?

Boston University has a more urban campus environment, integrated within the city of Boston, with buildings spread along Commonwealth Avenue. Fordham's Rose Hill campus offers a more traditional, picturesque campus setting with Gothic architecture and green spaces. The Lincoln Center campus is located in the heart of Manhattan, providing a fully urban experience. The choice depends on your preference for a bustling city environment versus a more contained campus feel.
What are the career services and opportunities like at BU and Fordham?

Both universities offer robust career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Boston University benefits from its location in a major city with numerous industries, providing access to a wide range of opportunities. Fordham, with its location in New York City, also offers excellent career prospects, particularly in finance, media, and the arts. Both universities have strong alumni networks that support students in their career pursuits.
How do the athletic programs compare at Boston University and Fordham?

Both universities have Division I athletic programs. Boston University competes in the Patriot League and offers a wide range of sports. Fordham University also competes in the Patriot League and has a strong athletic tradition, particularly in football. The level of competition and the specific sports offered may vary, so it's best to check the official athletic websites for details.
What is the overall campus culture like at BU and Fordham?

Boston University has a diverse and dynamic campus culture, reflecting its large and international student body. There's a strong emphasis on academic excellence and a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Fordham University, particularly at Rose Hill, fosters a strong sense of community rooted in Jesuit values, emphasizing service, social justice, and intellectual inquiry. The Lincoln Center campus offers a more integrated urban experience with a focus on the arts and professional programs.
Which university is a better fit for me, Boston University or Fordham University?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you prefer a large, urban university with a wide range of programs and a bustling city environment, Boston University might be a good choice. If you are seeking a strong sense of community, a traditional collegiate experience, and a focus on Jesuit values, Fordham University could be a better fit. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, and career goals when making your decision. Visiting both campuses, if possible, is highly recommended.

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