Boston University (BU) vs. Northwestern University Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to BU or Northwestern University?“
Boston University (BU)
Northwestern University
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Boston University (BU) and Northwestern University. This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Boston University (BU) and Northwestern University
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Boston University (BU) and Northwestern University. The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Boston University (BU) | Northwestern University | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $48,436 | $49,047 |
| Net Price | $34,910 | $28,155 |
| Average Financial Aid | $32,975 | $41,439 |
| Total Undergraduates | 16456 | 8576 |
| Average SAT Scores | 1200 - 1410 | 1400 - 1560 |
| Acceptance Rate | 33 | 13 |
| Location | One Silber Way | 633 Clark St |
| City Name | Boston | Evanston |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Northwestern University is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Boston and Evanston. BU is in a New England and Northwestern University is in a East North Central - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Boston University (BU) or Northwestern University Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Northwestern University is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Northwestern University is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Boston University (BU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do BU Dorms Compare to housing Options at Northwestern University?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. BU charges for on-campus living, while Northwestern University charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
BU and Northwestern University student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Boston University (BU), % | Northwestern University,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 43.04 | 50.370000000000005 |
| Hispanic | 10.79 | 11.51 |
| Black | 3.7699999999999996 | 5.99 |
| Foreign | 20.49 | 8.27 |
| Others | 21.9 | 23.9 |
How different is the Boston University (BU) campus compared to Northwestern University campus?
The BU campus is located in Boston, MA and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more). The Northwestern University campus is located in Evanston, IL and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000).
Which school gives more financial aid?
BU provides $32,975 whereas Northwestern University provides an average of $41,439.
How does BU academics compare to Northwestern University?
When analyzing academics between Boston University (BU) and Northwestern University we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | BU | Northwestern University |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | N/A | 15 |
| Architecture and related services | 10 | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 9 | 15 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 593 | 496 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 145 | 91 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 382 | 405 |
| Education | 77 | 12 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | N/A | N/A |
Which is better: Boston University (BU) or Northwestern University?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between BU and Northwestern University. But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does BU social life compare to Northwestern University?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how BU social life differs from Northwestern University.
Check here.
Check here.