College Comparison
Boston University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Cambridge, MA
Total Enrollment
37,737
11,886
Undergrad Enrollment
18,805
4,535
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
3:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.1%
4.5%
Average GPA
3.79
4.00
SAT Range
1420–1530
1520–1580
ACT Range
32–34
34–36
Test Policy
Optional
Required
Application Fee
$80
$75
Total Applicants
78,769
28,232
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$80,070
$77,870
Avg Net Price
$26,996
$20,000
Tuition (In-State)
$61,050
$57,590
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,050
$57,590
Room & Board
$19,020
$20,280
% Receiving Aid
49.0%
59.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$61,848
$61,734
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
97.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
83.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
95.0%
99.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$83,238
$143,372
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Explore by Location
Boston is in Boston, MA
MIT is in Cambridge, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $20,000 at MIT. MIT is $6,996 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At MIT, the typical SAT range is 1520-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while MIT has a graduation rate of 97%. MIT has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while MIT has a ratio of 3:1. MIT 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 MIT, 59% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,734.
The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $143,372 for MIT graduates. Graduates from MIT 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. MIT is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.