Boston University (BU) and Boston College (BC) are 2 prestigious educational institutes situated in the metropolitan city of Boston, United States.
These 2 schools are the dream of every student wanting to pursue post-secondary education. Choosing any one of them could be trickier, as they both rank among the top 50 universities in the world and offer top-grade faculty and culture.
This article will help you make an informed decision about choosing your dream college between BU and BC. So, without further ado, let’s begin the comparison of Boston University vs. Boston College.
Boston College and Boston University: Overview
Boston University was founded on April 24, 1839, and was known as Newbury Biblical Institute until 1869, when it was given its current name, Boston University. Earlier, the campus was spread across the city, and after 1920 the university purchased 15 acres of land which unified the campus.
Boston College was founded later on 31 March 1863 and started its academic on 5th September 1864 with 3 teachers and 22 students. The total campus size is 405 acres, out of which the main campus situated at Chestnut Hill is 175 acres long. Boston’s average maximum temperature is 30 °C, with a minimum of -7 °C.
The Chestnut Hill campus is located in a village, 6 miles away from the metropolitan city. On the other hand, BU is situated in an urban area just near the Charles River. There will not be any differences in the weather between these two schools because they are only 3 miles apart. Boston’s average maximum temperature is 30 °C, with a minimum of -7 °C.
Admission Requirements for Boston University and Boston College
To get into BU and BC, you must have a GPA higher than 3.80, and non-US citizens must score at least 7.5 in IELTS. SAT or ACT scores may be required for all candidates, including non-citizens of the United States. If English is not your first language, you may also be required to take the Duolingo English Test (DET).
In addition to your scores, you may be required to provide two to three letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other individuals who can attest to your character, intellectual capacity, and likelihood of success in college.
Only 19% of candidates are accepted into these institutes, making them the most difficult schools to get into. Understanding the detailed eligibility criteria is the first step toward admission to BU and BC.
Moving on, let’s discuss the facilities and academics of both institutes.
Boston College vs. Boston University: Facilities and Academics Comparison
BC places a strong emphasis on liberal arts education, encouraging students to explore a broad range of subjects and think critically.
On the other hand, at Boston University’s College of Engineering, students can select from a variety of wide range of specializations, including Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Systems Engineering, Energy Technologies, and Sustainability.
BC boasts several libraries, including the O’Neill Library, the Bapst Art Library, and the Theology and Ministry Library, providing extensive resources for research and study. Additionally, these libraries offer a blended learning model for distance learning with pre-recorded lectures in which students can avail e-books and learn at their own pace.
BU’s library system includes the Mugar Memorial Library, the Science & Engineering Library, and the Alumni Medical Library. These libraries offer extensive collections and study spaces.
Additionally, Boston University hosts numerous research centers and institutes across various fields, providing students with opportunities for hands-on research and collaborative learning with faculty experts.
Also Read: Udemy Free Courses Guide: How to Get Udemy Paid Courses for Free?
BC vs. BU: Campus Lifestyle and Culture
Both Boston College and Boston University offer unique campus lifestyles and cultures that cater to different preferences and needs.
BC offers state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including the Flynn Recreation Complex, the Margot Connell Recreation Center, and the Alumni Stadium. These facilities support a wide range of intramural and varsity sports.
Similarly, BU offers modern athletic facilities, including the Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec), Agganis Arena, and Nickerson Field. These facilities cater to both recreational and competitive sports.
BU’s men’s ice hockey team is highly regarded, having won numerous national championships. The team plays its home games at Agganis Arena and is one of the top teams in college hockey.
Boston College, a Division I university, participates in a variety of sports, including basketball and skiing. The football team is a favorite draw, and Boston College has tied with Boston University for the national title in ice hockey.
In terms of lifestyle and culture, Boston University is known for its diverse student body, attracting students from all over the world. This creates a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a wide range of perspectives and cultural experiences.
Boston College offers over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, service, and special interest groups. A strong emphasis is placed on service and leadership.
The list of well-known alumni demonstrates how prestigious both schools are. In the next section, let’s talk about the alumni network of these institutes.
Also Read: What is Cognitive Learning? Overview, Examples, Benefits, and More
Boston College vs. Boston University: Alumni
Both schools are filled with notable and popular alumni. Boston College has produced several celebrities, including Chris O’Donnell, Kofi Kingston, Leonard Nimoy, and Amy Poehler.
Noticeable alumni from Boston University include the likes of Martin Luther King Jr, Marisa Tomei, Psy, Howard Stern, and a lot more. In terms of popular former students, BU has more wealthy and well-known celebrities, as well as strong alumni networks that can help you advance in your career.
Moving on, let’s look at the fee structures of both institutes to determine their financial feasibility.
Fees and Total Expenses of BU and BC
The living cost and tuition fees of Boston University range from $40,000 to $115,000 approx annually. On the other hand, expenses at Boston College are not so different, you would be charged around $39,000 to $116,000 annually.
Tuition costs $62,950 at Boston College and $61,050 at Boston University.
Apart from this, financial aid is also provided to students in the form of scholarships. At Boston University, $325 million is provided as financial aid to undergraduate students. Additionally, 100% of the financial aid is provided to first-year students residing in the US.
At Boston College, the rate of financial aid provided is less than 50%, and for freshman students the rate goes up to 87%. Both colleges offer financial aid only to US citizens or citizens with green cards.
Also Read: Quizlet Live: A Complete Overview of the Interactive Learning Platform
Boston College or Boston University: Final Verdict
Both institutes have prestigious value and offer exposure to develop students intellectually. We have covered everything you need to know to compare these institutions.
Both institutes are different and offer a rich and positive environment with safety. In terms of programs and courses, BU provides more options, but it all depends on your needs.
Your needs and expectations must be met, and that can only be identified when you visit the campus and talk to students. Overall, both BU and BC are among the best institutes in the United States, and choosing either will be a wise decision.
Read Next: Chegg Books: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying, Renting, and Selling Textbooks
FAQs
Ans: Boston College (BC) is ranked higher than Boston University (BU), which is only a few ranks below.
Ans: Both institutes have a rich sports culture; BC is known for its strong football team, whereas BU has a strong ice hockey team.
Ans: There is not much difference between the schools in terms of fees. You should check the fee structure for individual courses to understand better.
Ans: Yes, it is extremely difficult to get into BU. They select only 14 out of every 100 applicants.
Sources:
