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College Comparison

Boston University vs Cornell University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Boston University
#60
Boston University
Boston, MA
Private
Cornell University
#21
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Ithaca, NY

Total Enrollment

37,737

26,793

Undergrad Enrollment

18,805

16,128

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.1%

8.8%

Average GPA

3.79

4.00

SAT Range

1420–1530

1500–1570

ACT Range

32–34

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$80

Total Applicants

78,769

62,993


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$80,070

$81,884

Avg Net Price

$26,996

$32,337

Tuition (In-State)

$61,050

$62,456

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,050

$62,456

Room & Board

$19,020

$19,428

% Receiving Aid

49.0%

48.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,848

$61,779


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

91.0%

Retention Rate

95.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$83,238

$104,043

More Comparisons
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Boston is in Boston, MA

Cornell is in Ithaca, NY

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, while Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. This means Cornell University is more selective than Boston University.

The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $32,337 at Cornell University. Boston University is $5,341 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Cornell University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%. Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Cornell University has a ratio of 9:1. Cornell University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Boston University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Cornell University, 48% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,779.

The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $104,043 for Cornell University graduates. Graduates from Cornell University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY in a city: small setting.