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College comparison
BU vs Middlebury
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 |  Middlebury Middlebury, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateMiddlebury College is more selective | 11% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1420–1530 | 1445–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 18,248 | 2,738 |
| Avg net price | $24,402 | $31,483 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)BU reports higher median earnings | $83,238 | $76,310 |
| Graduation rate | 89% | 91% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $13,857 |
| Economic mobility | 2.0% | 1.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
BU vs Middlebury: how they compare
Two highly selective institutions offering distinct pathways: a large, pre-professional urban research university and a small, immersive liberal arts college in a rural setting.
By the numbers Both share an 11% acceptance rate, with Middlebury's SAT 25-75th percentile range (1445–1550) slightly edging out Boston University's (1420–1530). Post-graduate financial outcomes diverge: BU's 10-year median earnings ($83k) exceed Middlebury's ($76k), while its average net price is notably lower ($24k vs. $31k). This results in a stronger calculated value return at BU (3.4× earnings per dollar of net price vs. 2.4× at Middlebury). BU also shows a significantly higher economic-mobility rate (202% vs. 127%) and a slightly stronger DOE financial health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.4/3). Middlebury has a marginally higher graduation rate (91% vs. 89%) and exhibits higher year-to-year volatility in its admit rate (109% vs. 83%).
Where they overlap Both are academically rigorous and highly selective, attracting high-achieving students. They share a strong commitment to on-campus residential living, fostering a sense of community within their respective settings.
How they differ The core contrast is environmental and cultural. Boston University is a large, private research university embedded in a major city, offering a fast-paced, pre-professional atmosphere with direct access to urban internships and industries. Middlebury is a quintessential small liberal arts college in a Vermont college town, emphasizing close faculty mentorship, a tight-knit residential community, and a focus on the undergraduate experience.
Quick answers
- Is Boston University or Middlebury College harder to get into?
- Middlebury College is more selective: Boston University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and Middlebury College's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Boston University vs Middlebury College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1445–1550 at Middlebury 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.