Boston College vs. Boston University

In addition to legendary sports and seafood, Boston is known as one of the most historic and vibrant cities in the U.S.—and for good reason! The Massachusetts metropolis is home to world-class universities, rich cultural landmarks, and thriving industries. For the many students considering colleges in New England, Boston College (BC) and Boston University (BU) stand out as two of the most prestigious institutions, each offering unique academic experiences and student life.

Though close in proximity, the schools are rather different in scope. Boston College is known for its Jesuit traditions, liberal arts focus, and suburban campus, while Boston University thrives as a large, research-driven institution in the heart of the city. Both schools have strong alumni networks, competitive academic programs, and deep-rooted school spirit, but they cater to different student preferences and career goals.

To find out which is your best match, you have to be honest; do you prefer a traditional, campus-centered college experience with a focus on Jesuit values and liberal arts education? Or do you envision yourself in a dynamic, urban setting with extensive research opportunities and access to Boston’s industries?

Don’t worry—you don’t have to have all the answers just yet. In this guide, we’ll compare Boston College and Boston University in key areas like academics, student life, cost, and career outcomes to help you make the best decision for your future.

Finding Your Best Fit

Let’s get one thing clear. Choosing between BC bs. BU isn’t just about rankings or reputation—it’s about finding the school that best fits your academic goals, career aspirations, and personal preferences. In other words, there is no “wrong” answer. 

Boston College offers a traditional college experience with a strong liberal arts foundation and a Jesuit mission that emphasizes critical thinking, ethics, and service. The campus fosters a close-knit community with a strong focus on undergraduate education.

Boston University, on the other hand, provides a fast-paced, research-driven environment in an urban setting. With access to Boston’s industries, students benefit from internships, networking, and hands-on learning experiences in a city known for innovation and business growth.

No matter which school you choose, it’s important to consider factors like class size, campus culture, financial aid, and student life. At Empowerly, we help students weigh these aspects and develop strong college applications that highlight their unique strengths and aspirations. 

Let’s get started.

History of Each School: BC vs. BU

First, introductions. These two institutions may be confused with one another due to their names, so let’s get the facts straight from the start.

Boston College (BC)

BC is known for its strong liberal arts foundation and highly ranked programs in business, economics, political science, and theology. Today, the Carroll School of Management is one of the top undergraduate business schools in the country.

• Founded: 1863
• Public/Private: Private
• Mission & Values: As a Jesuit Catholic university, Boston College emphasizes liberal arts education, ethical leadership, and service to others.
• Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, a suburban area just outside of Boston
• Size of Campus: 405 acres, featuring a traditional campus with gothic architecture
• Size of Student Body: Around 9,500 undergraduates

Boston University (BU)

BU offers a wide range of programs and earns acclaim in communications, international relations, engineering, and business. Its College of Communication and Questrom School of Business are nationally ranked.

• Founded: 1839
• Public/Private: Private
• Mission & Values: BU is committed to innovation, research, and global engagement, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning.
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts, in the heart of the city along Commonwealth Avenue
• Size of Campus: 135 acres, featuring an urban campus integrated into the city’s landscape
• Size of Student Body: Around 17,000 undergraduates

Compare and Contrast Features: BC vs. BU

Now that we know the main strokes in the debate between BC vs. BU, we can dive deeper into the details. If you are a prospective student considering which of these two institutions is the right match for your future, here are a few things you should know.

Prestige and Ranking

Both Boston College and Boston University are highly ranked private institutions, but their strengths lie in different areas. 

BC’s liberal arts model focuses on critical thinking, leadership, and ethics, which are highly valued in consulting, law, and finance. BU’s urban setting and research-driven programs provide extensive access to internships in biotech, media, and global business, with partnerships across Boston’s industries.

These strengths are supported by their global rankings:

• Boston College is frequently ranked among the top liberal arts universities in the country. It is especially well-known for its business, economics, and political science programs, as well as its commitment to the Jesuit tradition of education.
• Boston University is recognized as a top-tier research university with strong STEM, business, and communications programs. It is ranked among the best global universities for its research output and international partnerships.

Acceptance Rate

While there’s no guarantee in college admissions, a useful metric for many students to gauge their odds is the previous years’ overall acceptance rates. Both BC and BU have competitive admissions, but BU tends to receive a larger volume of applications.

• Boston College: ~15-18% acceptance rate
• Boston University: ~11-14% acceptance rate

Admissions at both schools consider holistic factors, including academic performance, extracurriculars, essays, and demonstrated interest.

Average Cost of Attendance

As private institutions, both schools have similar tuition rates, but financial aid and scholarships vary. Here’s a quick estimate of the costs at BC vs. BU: 

Ultimately, these numbers can vary from year to year; you’ll need to compare your financial aid offers from each school to get a better picture of exactly what you may pay. 

For the most accurate and up-to-date tuition and financial aid details, visit each university’s official website. Most colleges provide financial aid calculators, allowing students to estimate their costs based on residency, scholarships, and available grants. 

Sports and School Spirit

If you’re wondering what life is like as an Eagle or a Terrier, there’s plenty to see! One of the major facets of your education is school spirit.

• Boston College is a Division I ACC school, meaning sports, particularly football and hockey, play a huge role in campus culture. The BC Eagles have passionate student and alumni support, with events like the Red Bandana Game honoring BC hero Welles Crowther.
• Boston University competes in Division I Hockey East, with ice hockey being the most popular sport on campus. The BU Terriers have a strong rivalry with Boston College, particularly in the annual Battle of Commonwealth Avenue hockey game.

Student Life

Though both campuses offer access to the grand city of Boston, your experience as a student is up to you. As with the rest of New England, Boston’s cold winters and mild summers are an inescapable part of the college experience. However, BC students experience a more suburban campus feel, with weekend trips into the city. BU students live Boston’s city life daily, with access to museums, restaurants, and networking events at their doorstep.

• Boston College offers a traditional, close-knit campus environment with a strong residential life. Many students live on campus all four years, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Boston University provides a dynamic urban college experience, with housing spread throughout Boston’s Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods. The school attracts students who enjoy city life and independent living.

Student Outcomes and Career Prospects

Curious about life after graduation? BC has a strong alumni network in law, finance, and public service, with graduates working at top firms. BU’s global alumni network spans media, business, and technology. 

Consider which fields you plan to study:

• Boston College graduates often go into finance, law, consulting, and public policy, with strong recruitment from firms like Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, and government organizations. The Carroll School of Management has excellent career placement in business fields.
• Boston University alumni excel in media, technology, research, and healthcare, with top employers including Google, Pfizer, and major news organizations. BU’s urban location provides strong internship and networking opportunities.

History of the Rivalry: BC vs. BU

The rivalry between BC vs. BU is most prominent in hockey, with their teams competing for the Beanpot Tournament title each year. While BC has a more athletics-driven school spirit, BU prides itself on its academic and research prestige, fueling a friendly but competitive relationship between the two universities.

Advice for Students – Choosing Between BC vs. BU

Academic Priorities

Your academic interests should be a major factor when deciding between BC vs. BU (and any college, honestly).

• Prioritize Boston College if you’re drawn to liberal arts, business, economics, political science, or theology. The Carroll School of Management is highly ranked for business, and BC’s Jesuit tradition places a strong emphasis on ethics and leadership.
• Prioritize Boston University if you prefer a research-focused education with strong programs in communications, international relations, engineering, and health sciences. BU’s College of Communication and Questrom School of Business are well-respected nationwide.

If you’re unsure about your major, both universities offer strong general education programs, but BC leans more toward interdisciplinary liberal arts while BU provides more research-driven opportunities.

Cost and Financial Aid

Both schools have similar tuition costs, but financial aid and scholarships vary.

Boston College offers need-based aid but has limited merit scholarships, meaning high-achieving students may need to explore additional funding sources. Boston University, on the other hand, is known for generous need-based aid and provides merit-based awards, such as the BU Presidential Scholarship, which covers partial tuition for top applicants.

Beyond tuition, students should also consider the cost of living in Boston, which is higher than the national average. Housing, food, and transportation can significantly impact total expenses, especially for off-campus students. While Boston College’s suburban Chestnut Hill location offers a more traditional residential experience with on-campus housing options, Boston University’s urban setting provides access to city life but may come with higher off-campus rent costs. Consider total expenses, including transportation and entertainment.

Before making a decision, compare your financial aid offers, living expenses, and personal budget to determine which school provides the best overall value for your situation.

Campus Culture and Student Experience

Boston College and Boston University offer very different campus lifestyles. BC fosters a strong on-campus community with service organizations, Greek life, and student retreats. BU has a more independent, career-driven student body, with film festivals, tech startups, and global conferences integrated into student life. 

Your ideal college social scene depends on whether you prefer a tight-knit campus or an expansive city environment.

• Boston College provides a traditional college experience with a tight-knit campus community, strong school spirit, and a structured four-year residential plan. Many students stay involved in campus activities, including athletics, clubs, and service organizations.
• Boston University, located in the heart of Boston, attracts independent and career-driven students who thrive in a fast-paced, urban environment. The campus blends with the city, offering students access to internships, professional networking, and cultural events.

If you want quads and a campus bubble, BC is ideal; if you prefer city life integrated with campus, BU is the better fit. It comes down to this: Where will you be happiest and most likely to succeed? 

Final Tip: Visit Both Campuses

The best way to decide between Boston College and Boston University is to visit both campuses. Spend time walking through the Chestnut Hill area of BC and the urban streets of BU, attend a student Q&A, and observe the energy of each school. 

• Do you prefer small discussion-based classes with a focus on ethics and philosophy? Try Boston College.
• Do you thrive in a fast-moving, research-oriented environment with access to professional opportunities? Boston University might be your best fit.

If an in-person visit isn’t possible, take advantage of virtual tours, student forums, and online information sessions.

Choosing the Best Fit in Boston

Here’s the answer you probably suspected all along: BC vs. BU isn’t black and white. Both offer world-class education, strong career networks, and a vibrant student experience, but the right choice depends on your academic goals, campus preferences, and personal learning style.

If you’re looking for a traditional, close-knit campus with a strong liberal arts foundation and Jesuit values, Boston College may be the perfect fit. If you prefer a fast-paced, research-driven university with access to Boston’s industries and urban life, Boston University could be the right choice.

No matter where you go, both universities provide excellent opportunities for academic and professional success. At Empowerly, we help students navigate the college decision process, compare financial aid packages, and develop strong applications that highlight their strengths.

Ready to make the best choice for your future? Schedule a consultation with Empowerly today and take the next step toward your college journey.