Boston University (BU) vs Stanford

Boston University and Stanford University, two prestigious institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences to their students. With an acceptance rate of 21%, Boston University welcomes a diverse student body, while Stanford's highly selective admissions process results in an acceptance rate of just 4%. Both universities boast strong academic programs, with popular majors in business, engineering, and computer science. However, Stanford's smaller student body and higher graduation rate may appeal to those seeking a more intimate and supportive learning environment. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover more key differences between these two esteemed universities and make an informed decision about your academic future.

	Boston University	Stanford University
Overview
Location	Boston, Massachusetts	Stanford, California
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	98.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	18.6%	3.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $95	Undergraduate: $90 Graduate: $125
SAT range	1360 - 1520	1470 - 1570
ACT range	31 - 34	34 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	11.0%
Total number of applicants	75,778	55,471
Total number of admissions given out	14,129	2,190
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,011	1,757
Yield rate	28.4%	80.2%
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	$78,898
Average net price	$25,852	$14,402
Tuition	$58,560	$55,473
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,990 Meal plan: $5,850	Room/dormitory: $11,166 Meal plan: $6,694
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	53.0% Average amount $50,486	61.0% Average amount $56,211
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $4,317	5.0% Average amount $5,151
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $25,248	1.0% Average amount $17,186

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,229 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%	7,645 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Graduate students	17,875 Men 42.5% Women 57.5%	10,035 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	58.5%
International students	26.6%	24.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,356	14,621
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York California New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania	California Texas Washington New York Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Computer and Information Science Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	5:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.4%	95.5%
Dropout rate	10.3%	1.7%
Transferred out	N/A	0.6%
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: $151,574 Year 2: $170,457 Year 3: $210,837 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $159,729 Year 2: $168,942 Year 3: $203,193 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $164,734 Year 2: $163,337 Year 3: $187,054 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $137,457 Year 2: $150,874 Year 3: $173,548 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $136,126 Year 2: $136,499 Year 3: $165,375 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $128,556 Year 2: $135,709 Year 3: $157,500 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $123,354 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $139,234 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,326 Year 2: $111,435 Year 3: $126,185 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,457 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $107,477 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,475 Year 2: $85,391 Year 3: $104,592

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Boston University (BU) and Stanford University?

Boston University is a large, private research university located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, offering a wide range of programs and a vibrant city experience. Stanford University, on the other hand, is a private research university situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, known for its strong focus on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. BU offers a more traditional East Coast college experience, while Stanford provides a West Coast atmosphere with close ties to the tech industry.
Which university is more selective: Boston University or Stanford University?

Stanford University is significantly more selective than Boston University. Stanford consistently ranks among the most selective universities in the world, with a very low acceptance rate. Boston University, while still highly selective, has a higher acceptance rate, making it comparatively easier to gain admission.
How do the academic programs at BU and Stanford compare?

Both universities offer a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Stanford is particularly renowned for its programs in engineering, computer science, and business, while BU is strong in communications, health sciences, and international relations. Both institutions have excellent liberal arts programs. The best program for you depends on your specific academic interests and career goals.
What is the campus environment like at Boston University versus Stanford University?

Boston University's campus is integrated into the city of Boston, offering students access to a wide range of cultural and social opportunities. The campus is lively and urban. Stanford's campus is more self-contained and suburban, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. It has a more relaxed and outdoorsy atmosphere, with ample space for recreation and research.
What are the tuition costs and financial aid opportunities at BU and Stanford?

Both Boston University and Stanford University have high tuition costs. However, both institutions also offer generous financial aid packages to eligible students. Stanford is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. BU also provides need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants. It's important to explore the financial aid options at both universities to determine which is more affordable for you.
How do the career opportunities differ for graduates of BU and Stanford?

Graduates from both BU and Stanford have excellent career prospects. Stanford graduates often find opportunities in the tech industry, venture capital, and startups, particularly in Silicon Valley. BU graduates have access to a wide range of industries in Boston and beyond, including finance, healthcare, media, and government. Your career path will depend on your chosen field and networking efforts.
What is the student life like at Boston University and Stanford University?

Boston University offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. Students can easily explore the city of Boston and take advantage of its cultural attractions. Stanford also has a rich student life with a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, research, and innovation. The campus offers a more residential experience, with many students living on campus and participating in campus-based events.
Which university is better for international students: Boston University or Stanford University?

Both Boston University and Stanford University are welcoming to international students and have large international student populations. Both offer resources and support services specifically for international students. The 'better' choice depends on your specific program of study and desired location. Boston offers a more traditional American city experience, while Stanford provides a unique Silicon Valley environment.
How do the research opportunities compare at BU and Stanford?

Both Boston University and Stanford University are major research institutions with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Stanford is particularly strong in fields like engineering, computer science, and medicine, while BU has notable research programs in areas such as health sciences, engineering, and emerging media studies. Both universities provide funding and resources to support student research projects.
What are the notable alumni from Boston University and Stanford University?

Both universities boast impressive alumni networks. Boston University's notable alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Stern, and Julianne Moore. Stanford University's notable alumni include Herbert Hoover, John F. Kennedy Jr., and numerous founders of major tech companies like Google, Yahoo!, and Nike. The strength of the alumni network can be a valuable asset for networking and career opportunities.

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