Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
BU
$337,752
4-year total (private)
VS
CMU
$317,480
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: BU = $185,352 | CMU = $153,600. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
BU Top Majors
BusinessCommunicationEngineeringBiologyComputer ScienceCMU Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessInformation SystemsMathematics
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is BU or CMU harder to get into?+
CMU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.0% compared to 11.3%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, BU or CMU?+
At sticker price, CMU costs less over 4 years ($317,480 vs $337,752). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. BU offers an average of $38,100/year in aid while CMU offers $40,970/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for BU and CMU?+
The average SAT score at BU is 1450 and at CMU it is 1530. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do BU or CMU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of CMU have a higher average starting salary ($97,200 vs $72,300). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
BU has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio while CMU has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do BU and CMU compare for campus life?+
BU is located in Boston, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 136-acre campus. CMU is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 155 acres. BU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and CMU in NCAA D3.