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College comparison
BU vs Haverford
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  BU Boston, MA |  Haverford Haverford, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBoston University is more selective | 11% | 12% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1420–1530 | 1460–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 18,248 | 1,430 |
| Avg net price | $24,402 | $25,314 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)BU reports higher median earnings | $83,238 | $79,966 |
| Graduation rate | 89% | 90% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $13,621 |
| Economic mobility | 2.0% | 1.8% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
BU vs Haverford: how they compare
Boston University and Haverford College represent two distinct models of education: a large research university in a major city versus a small liberal arts college in a quiet suburb.
By the numbers The schools are peers in selectivity and cost, with Boston University having an 11% acceptance rate and Haverford at 12%. Their average net prices are nearly identical at $24k and $25k, respectively. Boston University holds a slight edge in median 10-year earnings ($83k vs. $80k) and value per dollar (3.4x vs. 3.2x earnings per net price dollar), and shows a notably higher economic-mobility rate (202% vs. 180%). Haverford’s admissions process is more stable, with an admit-rate volatility of 43% compared to BU’s 83%. Both share a top-tier DOE financial health score of 3.0/3 and similar graduation rates (89% vs. 90%). Haverford distinguishes itself with a high future-scholar yield of 11.3, indicating strength in preparing undergraduates for research doctorates in science and engineering.
Where they overlap Both institutions deliver strong financial outcomes relative to cost and have high graduation rates and institutional financial health. They attract academically similar student bodies, as reflected in their overlapping SAT ranges.
How they differ The core contrast is one of environment and scale. Boston University offers an urban experience integrated into the city of Boston, with a large and diverse student body and extracurricular landscape. Haverford provides an intimate, residential liberal arts community defined by its student-led honor code, emphasizing close collaboration, shared governance, and a tight-knit campus life.
Who each suits Boston University is a fit for the self-directed student who values independence and access to the internships and cultural offerings of a major metropolitan hub. Haverford suits the student seeking a relational academic community where the focus is on collaborative inquiry, undergraduate teaching, and a defined campus culture.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Boston University or Haverford College harder to get into?
- Boston University is more selective: Boston University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and Haverford College's is approximately 12% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Boston University vs Haverford College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1460–1550 at Haverford College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.