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College comparison
BU vs NYU
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 |  NYU New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNew York University is more selective | 11% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1420–1530 | 1480–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 18,248 | 28,663 |
| Avg net price | $24,402 | $37,050 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)BU reports higher median earnings | $83,238 | $82,509 |
| Graduation rate | 89% | 88% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $20,500 |
| Economic mobility | 2.0% | 3.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
BU vs NYU: how they compare
Two highly selective, urban private universities where post-graduation earnings are identical, but the paths to get there—and the price paid—differ markedly.
By the numbers AdmitQuant's data shows a clear trade-off between cost and mobility. Both schools report identical 10-year median earnings of $83k. However, the average net price diverges significantly: $24k at Boston University versus $37k at NYU. This creates a stark difference in calculated value, with BU returning 3.4× earnings per dollar of net price compared to NYU's 2.2×. NYU excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 363% versus BU's 202%. NYU is slightly more selective (9% vs. 11% acceptance) with a higher SAT middle-50% range (1480–1560 vs. 1420–1530). BU shows greater year-to-year stability in admissions (83% admit-rate volatility vs. NYU's 127%) and a marginally stronger DOE financial-health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.7/3). Graduation rates are nearly identical (89% vs. 88%).
Where they overlap Both are major, immersive city campuses integrated into Boston and New York City, respectively. They offer similar long-term career earnings potential and are gateways to extensive professional networks in their metropolitan hubs.
How they differ Culturally, the campus experiences diverge. BU is often described as having a more defined, though still urban, campus atmosphere. Its Boston setting is seen as having ample culture but with a more traditional collegiate feel. NYU’s academic and social culture is frequently characterized as more independent and less structured, reflecting the pace of New York City. Social life at NYU is often cited as more integrated into the city itself, though some note it can feel less centralized without a traditional campus core.
suits a student seeking a more cost-efficient, high-value urban education with a more traditional campus feel within a major city. is for the highly independent, self-motivated student who prioritizes economic mobility and thrives in a fast-paced, decentralized environment, and is willing to pay a premium for immersion in New York City.
Quick answers
- Is Boston University or New York University harder to get into?
- New York University is more selective: Boston University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and New York University's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Boston University vs New York University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1480–1560 at New York University. 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.