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Boston University vs Harvard University

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

11.3% BU acceptance
3.2% Harvard acceptance
$19,080 Harvard 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
Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Harvard saves $6,092
BU
$65,168
Harvard
$59,076
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
BU
11.3%
Harvard
3.2%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
BU
89%
Harvard
97%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
BU
1450
Harvard
1550
Starting Salary Harvard higher
BU
$72,300
Harvard
$95,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric BU Harvard Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,168$59,076Harvard
Tuition (In-State)$65,168$59,076Harvard
Room & Board$19,270$20,592BU
Acceptance Rate11.3%3.2%Harvard
Graduation Rate89%97%Harvard
Average SAT14501550Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio10:15:1Harvard
Enrollment37,11031,345-
Avg Financial Aid$38,100$60,157Harvard
Starting Salary$72,300$95,500Harvard
Endowment$3.7B$50.9BHarvard
Campus Size136 acres5,076 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

BU
$337,752
4-year total (private)
VS
Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: BU = $185,352 | Harvard = $78,044. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

BU Top Majors

BusinessCommunicationEngineeringBiologyComputer Science

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
BUUrban
HarvardUrban
Campus Size
BU136 ac
Harvard5,076 ac
Athletics
BUNCAA D1
HarvardNCAA D1
Region
BUNortheast
HarvardNortheast
Founded
BU1839
Harvard1636
Enrollment
BU37,110
Harvard31,345

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is BU or Harvard harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 11.3%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, BU or Harvard?+
At sticker price, Harvard costs less over 4 years ($318,672 vs $337,752). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. BU offers an average of $38,100/year in aid while Harvard offers $60,157/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for BU and Harvard?+
The average SAT score at BU is 1450 and at Harvard it is 1550. 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 Harvard graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 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 Harvard has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do BU and Harvard compare for campus life?+
BU is located in Boston, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 136-acre campus. Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with 5,076 acres. BU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Harvard in NCAA D1.