Boston University (BU) vs George Washington University (GWU)

Boston University and George Washington University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences to their students. Boston University, nestled in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, boasts a vibrant urban campus and a diverse student body. George Washington University, situated in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., offers a unique blend of academic rigor and proximity to influential institutions. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Boston University	George Washington University
Overview
Location	Boston, Massachusetts	Washington, District of Columbia
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%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	18.6%	49.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $95	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $80
SAT range	1360 - 1520	1310 - 1490
ACT range	31 - 34	30 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	29.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	18.0%
Total number of applicants	75,778	27,236
Total number of admissions given out	14,129	13,539
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,011	2,571
Yield rate	28.4%	19.0%
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	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$79,606	$78,335
Average net price	$25,852	$31,240
Tuition	$58,560	$59,780
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,990 Meal plan: $5,850	Room/dormitory: $15,260 Meal plan: $3,240
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	74.0% Average amount $31,678
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $4,317	30.0% Average amount $5,150
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $25,248	5.0% Average amount $25,366

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,229 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%	11,502 Men 36.3% Women 63.7%
Graduate students	17,875 Men 42.5% Women 57.5%	14,955 Men 38.1% Women 61.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	98.7%
International students	26.6%	11.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,356	6,693
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 Virginia California Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Legal Profession Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.4%	83.7%
Dropout rate	10.3%	16.1%
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	Systems Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $160,692 Year 2: $146,893 Year 3: $153,607 Human Resources Management and Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $124,764 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $130,306 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $124,241 Year 2: $127,142 Year 3: $127,952 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $107,834 Year 2: $114,046 Year 3: $119,393 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,809 Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $112,813 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,922 Year 2: $104,061 Year 3: $111,679 Public Health (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $84,962 Year 2: $104,192 Year 3: $105,816 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $104,747 Year 2: $96,405 Year 3: $105,562 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,274 Year 2: $101,254 Year 3: $103,350 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $77,345 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $102,875

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Boston University (BU) and George Washington University (GWU)?

Boston University (BU) is a large, private research university located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, known for its strong professional programs and global reach. George Washington University (GWU), also a private research university, is situated in Washington, D.C., and is renowned for its focus on politics, international affairs, and public policy. BU offers a more traditional campus feel within a bustling city, while GWU is deeply embedded in the nation's capital, providing unparalleled access to government and international organizations.
Which university is stronger in political science and international affairs?

George Washington University (GWU) generally holds a stronger reputation in political science and international affairs due to its location in Washington, D.C., and its close ties to government agencies, embassies, and international organizations. GWU offers numerous internship and research opportunities in these fields that are readily accessible to its students. While BU has strong programs in these areas, GWU's proximity to the center of U.S. politics gives it a distinct advantage.
How do the campus environments compare?

Boston University (BU) has a more traditional, defined campus that stretches along Commonwealth Avenue. While integrated into the city, it offers a cohesive campus experience. George Washington University (GWU), on the other hand, is more integrated into the urban landscape of Washington, D.C. Its campus is spread throughout the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, offering a more immersive city experience. BU provides a blend of campus life and city access, while GWU offers direct access to the professional and cultural opportunities of the nation's capital.
Which university is better for students interested in journalism and communication?

Both Boston University (BU) and George Washington University (GWU) have excellent journalism and communication programs. BU's College of Communication is highly regarded and offers a wide range of specializations. GWU's School of Media and Public Affairs also provides strong programs, particularly focusing on the intersection of media, politics, and public policy. The 'better' choice depends on your specific interests; BU offers a broader range of communication disciplines, while GWU excels in areas related to political communication and media in the capital.
What are the differences in cost of attendance and financial aid?

Both Boston University (BU) and George Washington University (GWU) have similar high costs of attendance. However, the actual cost for each student will vary depending on the financial aid package they receive. It's crucial to compare the financial aid offers from both institutions based on your individual financial circumstances. Both universities offer merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid, so thoroughly researching and applying for aid is essential.
How do the student bodies differ in terms of diversity and demographics?

Both Boston University (BU) and George Washington University (GWU) attract diverse student bodies from across the United States and around the world. BU has a slightly larger international student population. GWU tends to draw a higher percentage of students interested in politics and government, reflecting its location. Both universities are committed to fostering inclusive environments, but the specific demographics may vary slightly year to year.
Which university offers better access to internships and career opportunities?

Both Boston University (BU) and George Washington University (GWU) provide excellent access to internships and career opportunities, but the types of opportunities differ. BU benefits from its location in Boston, a hub for industries like finance, healthcare, technology, and education. GWU's location in Washington, D.C., provides unparalleled access to internships and jobs in government, international affairs, non-profits, and related fields. Your career interests should heavily influence which university offers a better fit.
How do the academic cultures compare?

Both Boston University (BU) and George Washington University (GWU) foster rigorous academic environments. BU is known for its emphasis on research and its strong professional schools. GWU emphasizes experiential learning and its connections to the policy world. Both universities encourage critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, but GWU's academic culture is more directly influenced by its proximity to the nation's capital.
What are the strengths of each university's science and engineering programs?

Boston University (BU) has a well-regarded College of Engineering and a strong focus on interdisciplinary research in areas like biomedical engineering and photonics. George Washington University (GWU) offers solid engineering programs, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and systems engineering, and benefits from partnerships with government agencies and research institutions in the D.C. area. BU's science programs are generally considered to have a broader scope, while GWU's are often tailored to address challenges relevant to the government and national security.
Which university has a stronger alumni network?

Both Boston University (BU) and George Washington University (GWU) have extensive and active alumni networks. BU's alumni network is geographically diverse, with a strong presence in major cities across the globe. GWU's alumni network is particularly strong in Washington, D.C., and includes many individuals in prominent positions in government, politics, and international affairs. The 'stronger' network depends on your field of interest and where you hope to work after graduation.

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