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Boston University vs Georgia Tech

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

11.3% BU acceptance
16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
$152,008 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

BU
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1839
Enrollment
37,110
Setting
Urban
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $31,374
BU
$65,168
Georgia Tech
$33,794
Acceptance Rate BU more selective
BU
11.3%
Georgia Tech
16.0%
Graduation Rate Georgia Tech higher
BU
89%
Georgia Tech
90%
Avg SAT Score Same
BU
1450
Georgia Tech
1450
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
BU
$72,300
Georgia Tech
$83,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric BU Georgia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,168$33,794Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$65,168$12,682Georgia Tech
Room & Board$19,270$12,642Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate11.3%16.0%BU
Graduation Rate89%90%Georgia Tech
Average SAT14501450Tie
Student-Faculty Ratio10:115:1BU
Enrollment37,11047,285-
Avg Financial Aid$38,100$16,280BU
Starting Salary$72,300$83,600Georgia Tech
Endowment$3.7B$4.2BGeorgia Tech
Campus Size136 acres400 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

BU
$337,752
4-year total (private)
VS
Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: BU = $185,352 | Georgia Tech = $120,624. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

BU Top Majors

BusinessCommunicationEngineeringBiologyComputer Science

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
BUUrban
Georgia TechUrban
Campus Size
BU136 ac
Georgia Tech400 ac
Athletics
BUNCAA D1
Georgia TechNCAA D1
Region
BUNortheast
Georgia TechSouth
Founded
BU1839
Georgia Tech1885
Enrollment
BU37,110
Georgia Tech47,285

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is BU or Georgia Tech harder to get into?+
BU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.3% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, BU or Georgia Tech?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $337,752). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. BU offers an average of $38,100/year in aid while Georgia Tech offers $16,280/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for BU and Georgia Tech?+
The average SAT score at BU is 1450 and at Georgia Tech it is 1450. 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 Georgia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 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 Georgia Tech has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do BU and Georgia Tech compare for campus life?+
BU is located in Boston, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 136-acre campus. Georgia Tech is in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with 400 acres. BU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Georgia Tech in NCAA D1.