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Boston University vs University of Georgia

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

11.3% BU acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$164,912 UGA 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
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $34,048
BU
$65,168
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate BU more selective
BU
11.3%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate BU higher
BU
89%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score BU higher
BU
1450
UGA
1340
Starting Salary BU higher
BU
$72,300
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric BU UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,168$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$65,168$12,080UGA
Room & Board$19,270$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate11.3%39.0%BU
Graduation Rate89%88%BU
Average SAT14501340BU
Student-Faculty Ratio10:117:1BU
Enrollment37,11041,652-
Avg Financial Aid$38,100$12,980BU
Starting Salary$72,300$58,700BU
Endowment$3.7B$2.0BBU
Campus Size136 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

BU
$337,752
4-year total (private)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: BU = $185,352 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

BU Top Majors

BusinessCommunicationEngineeringBiologyComputer Science

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
BUUrban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
BU136 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
BUNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
BUNortheast
UGASouth
Founded
BU1839
UGA1785
Enrollment
BU37,110
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is BU or UGA harder to get into?+
BU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.3% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, BU or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $337,752). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. BU offers an average of $38,100/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for BU and UGA?+
The average SAT score at BU is 1450 and at UGA it is 1340. 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 UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of BU have a higher average starting salary ($72,300 vs $58,700). 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 UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do BU and UGA compare for campus life?+
BU is located in Boston, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 136-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. BU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.