Boston University (BU) vs University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA)

Boston University and University of Virginia-Main Campus, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Boston University, nestled in the heart of Boston, boasts a vibrant urban setting, while the University of Virginia-Main Campus flourishes in the picturesque town of Charlottesville. With acceptance rates of 21% and 26%, respectively, both universities are highly selective. Boston University's student body is more diverse, with international students comprising 20% of the population, compared to 11% at the University of Virginia-Main Campus. While Boston University excels in fields like Business, Computer Science, and Engineering, the University of Virginia-Main Campus shines in programs such as Biology, Economics, and Psychology. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, with Boston University at 88% and the University of Virginia-Main Campus at 94%. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences

	Boston University	University of Virginia-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Boston, Massachusetts	Charlottesville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Small
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%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	18.6%	20.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $95	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1360 - 1520	1380 - 1500
ACT range	31 - 34	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	52.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	75,778	47,971
Total number of admissions given out	14,129	9,951
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,011	3,889
Yield rate	28.4%	39.1%
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	In state: $36,314 Out of state: $70,696
Average net price	$25,852	$20,401
Tuition	$58,560	In state: $16,010 Out of state: $49,710
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,990 Meal plan: $5,850	Room/dormitory: $7,110 Meal plan: $5,550
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	53.0% Average amount $50,486	46.0% Average amount $19,612
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $4,317	25.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $25,248	6.0% Average amount $11,030

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,229 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%	17,294 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	17,875 Men 42.5% Women 57.5%	8,711 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	35.2%
International students	26.6%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	11,356	7,645
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 New York Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Health Professions Engineering Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.4%	93.7%
Dropout rate	10.3%	2.3%
Transferred out	N/A	3.6%
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: $185,710 Year 2: $162,255 Year 3: $193,013 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $157,071 Year 2: $155,263 Year 3: $176,237 Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,350 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $125,729 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,426 Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $120,362 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,239 Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $109,956 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,639 Year 2: $92,077 Year 3: $108,272 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,682 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $101,904 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,602 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $95,939 Systems Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,487 Year 2: $82,808 Year 3: $94,931 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,807 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $84,597

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between Boston University (BU) and the University of Virginia (UVA)?

Boston University is located in the heart of Boston, a vibrant and historic city. The campus is integrated into the urban environment, offering easy access to cultural attractions, internships, and a diverse social scene. UVA, on the other hand, is situated in Charlottesville, Virginia, a smaller city with a more traditional college-town atmosphere. UVA's campus is known for its beautiful architecture and historic grounds, fostering a strong sense of community and tradition.
How do the academic programs at BU and UVA compare?

Both BU and UVA offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. BU is particularly strong in communications, engineering, and business, with a focus on practical application and industry connections. UVA excels in its liberal arts programs, law, and medicine, emphasizing a strong foundation in critical thinking and research. The specific strengths of each program will vary, so it's important to research the departments within each university that align with your academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance at Boston University versus the University of Virginia?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary. Generally, private universities like BU tend to have a higher sticker price than public universities like UVA. However, financial aid packages and scholarships can significantly reduce the net cost for both institutions. It's recommended to compare the net cost after financial aid based on your individual circumstances.
How would you describe the student life and social scene at BU and UVA?

BU's student life is characterized by its urban setting, offering a diverse range of social activities, from concerts and sporting events to exploring the city's many neighborhoods. The university has a large student body, providing ample opportunities to meet people with varied interests. UVA's social scene is often described as more close-knit, with a strong emphasis on traditions and a vibrant Greek life. The campus community is very active, with numerous student organizations and events.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity of Boston University and the University of Virginia?

Both BU and UVA are highly selective institutions. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), letters of recommendation, and a compelling application essay. UVA, being a public university, may have slightly different admission criteria for in-state versus out-of-state applicants. The acceptance rates for both universities are competitive, so a strong application is essential.
How do career services and internship opportunities differ between BU and UVA?

Both universities offer robust career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job searching. BU, with its location in Boston, provides extensive internship opportunities in various industries, particularly in media, technology, and finance. UVA, located closer to Washington, D.C., offers strong connections to government, consulting, and non-profit organizations. The specific career services and industry connections will vary depending on your chosen field of study.
What are the housing options like at Boston University and the University of Virginia?

BU offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including dormitories and apartments, catering to different preferences and budgets. Due to its urban location, off-campus housing is also readily available. UVA requires first- and second-year students to live on campus, fostering a strong sense of community. Upperclassmen have the option of living in on-campus housing or off-campus apartments in Charlottesville.
How would you compare the athletic programs and extracurricular activities at BU and UVA?

Both universities have active athletic programs. BU competes in NCAA Division I, with a focus on hockey and other sports. UVA is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball, football, and lacrosse. Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, and volunteer opportunities, catering to diverse interests.
What is the overall reputation and prestige of Boston University and the University of Virginia?

Both Boston University and the University of Virginia are highly respected universities with strong national and international reputations. UVA is particularly known for its history and its public university status, while BU is recognized for its academic breadth and its location in a major city. Both universities consistently rank among the top universities in the United States.
How can I decide which university is the better fit for me, BU or UVA?

The best way to decide is to consider your personal preferences and academic goals. If you thrive in a vibrant urban environment and are interested in practical, industry-focused programs, BU might be a good fit. If you prefer a more traditional college-town atmosphere, a strong emphasis on liberal arts, and a close-knit community, UVA could be a better choice. Visiting both campuses, if possible, and talking to current students can also help you make an informed decision.

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