Academic Comparison between American and BU

American University and Boston University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit). American is located in Washington, DC and BU is located in Boston, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • BU has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,102) than American ($58,771).
  • It is harder to admit to BU than American.
  • BU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,370) than American (1,370).
  • BU has higher submitted ACT score (31) than American (31).
  • BU has more students with 37,737 students while American has 12,321 students.
  • BU has more full-time faculties with 3,236 faculties while American has 846 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

American Universityvs.Boston University
Washington, District of ColumbiaLocationBoston, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$58,7712025 Tuition & Fees$68,102
51%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$33,548Average Amount of Financial Aid$54,501
61.96 %Acceptance Rates11.11 %
15.62 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)37.35 %
1,370SAT Score1,480
31ACT Score33
75 %Graduation Rate89 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
88 %Retention Rate95 %
12,321Student Population37,737
846Number of Faculties3,236
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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