Boston University (BU) vs George Mason University (GMU)

Boston University and George Mason University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences to their students. Boston University, a private research university, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a higher graduation rate compared to George Mason University, a public research university. While both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, Boston University is known for its strengths in the fields of medicine, engineering, and business, while George Mason University excels in the areas of law, public policy, and computer science. Additionally, the student body demographics and campus environments of these universities differ, with Boston University having a more urban setting and a larger international student population compared to George Mason University's suburban location and a higher proportion of in-state students. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve deeper into the key differences between these two universities and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Boston University	George Mason University
Overview
Location	Boston, Massachusetts	Fairfax, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	84.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	18.6%	91.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $95	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1360 - 1520	1140 - 1350
ACT range	31 - 34	25 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	37.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	3.0%
Total number of applicants	75,778	20,527
Total number of admissions given out	14,129	18,741
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,011	3,986
Yield rate	28.4%	21.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$79,606	In state: $35,263 Out of state: $58,723
Average net price	$25,852	$18,841
Tuition	$58,560	In state: $9,510 Out of state: $32,970
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,990 Meal plan: $5,850	Room/dormitory: $7,620 Meal plan: $5,010
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	70.0% Average amount $10,110
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $4,317	43.0% Average amount $5,006
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $25,248	6.0% Average amount $18,474

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,229 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%	26,882 Men 50.4% Women 49.6%
Graduate students	17,875 Men 42.5% Women 57.5%	11,746 Men 40.7% Women 59.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	18.9%
International students	26.6%	8.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,356	6,513
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	Virginia Maryland District of Columbia Pennsylvania New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Education Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.4%	70.1%
Dropout rate	10.3%	9.6%
Transferred out	N/A	16.5%
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	Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,837 Year 2: $109,763 Year 3: $127,586 Homeland Security (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,476 Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $120,573 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,886 Year 2: $99,709 Year 3: $117,377 Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,424 Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $115,693 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,841 Year 2: $105,585 Year 3: $113,896 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $121,226 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $105,664 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $101,843 Year 2: $100,690 Year 3: $101,702 Medical Illustration and Informatics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,386 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,604 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,911 Year 2: $91,448 Year 3: $99,722 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,065 Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $94,785

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location between Boston University and George Mason University?

Boston University (BU) is located in Boston, Massachusetts, a major metropolitan city with a rich history, diverse culture, and access to numerous industries. George Mason University (GMU) is situated in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburban area in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. While GMU offers proximity to the nation's capital and its associated opportunities, BU provides a quintessential urban college experience.
How do the academic programs compare at Boston University and George Mason University?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. Boston University is known for its strong programs in communications, journalism, engineering, and business. George Mason University excels in programs related to government, public policy, and computer science. The specific strengths of each institution should be considered based on your intended major and career goals.
What is the cost of attendance like at Boston University versus George Mason University?

Generally, Boston University has a higher overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, compared to George Mason University. GMU, as a public university, often has lower tuition rates, especially for in-state students. However, financial aid packages can significantly impact the net cost at both institutions, so it's crucial to compare your individual financial aid offers.
How does the student life and campus environment differ between BU and GMU?

Boston University offers a vibrant urban campus experience with a diverse student body and access to the cultural and social opportunities of Boston. George Mason University provides a more suburban campus environment with a strong sense of community and easy access to Washington, D.C. Both universities have active student organizations, sports teams, and social events, but the overall atmosphere differs based on location and campus culture.
What are the research opportunities like at Boston University and George Mason University?

Both universities offer significant research opportunities. Boston University is a major research institution with extensive research facilities and funding across various disciplines. George Mason University is also a growing research institution, particularly strong in areas related to its location near Washington, D.C., such as public policy and cybersecurity. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your field of study.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare at BU and GMU?

Both universities have career services departments that assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. Boston University's location in a major city provides access to a wide range of industries and employers. George Mason University's proximity to Washington, D.C., offers unique career opportunities in government, non-profits, and related fields. Job placement rates are generally competitive at both institutions, but the specific outcomes may vary depending on the program and individual student efforts.
What are the admission requirements like for Boston University and George Mason University?

Admission requirements vary, but both universities generally require a completed application, high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT - though many schools are test-optional now), letters of recommendation, and an essay. Boston University is generally considered more selective than George Mason University. It's important to check the specific requirements for your intended program at each university.
How does the size of the student body compare at Boston University and George Mason University?

Boston University has a larger undergraduate student population than George Mason University. This can influence the classroom sizes, the availability of resources, and the overall campus feel. BU's larger size can offer more diverse social opportunities, while GMU's size can foster a stronger sense of community.
What are the athletic programs like at Boston University and George Mason University?

Both universities have Division I athletic programs. Boston University competes in the Patriot League, while George Mason University competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Both offer a variety of sports, providing opportunities for student athletes and fans to engage in campus life.
Which university is better for me, Boston University or George Mason University?

The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences, academic interests, and career goals. Consider your desired location, the specific programs offered, the cost of attendance, and the campus environment. Researching the programs that interest you at each university and visiting the campuses (if possible) will help you make the best decision for your future.

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