Academic Comparison between BU and American

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

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 (1,480) than American (1,370).
  • BU has higher submitted ACT score (33) 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

Boston Universityvs.American University
Boston, MassachusettsLocationWashington, District of Columbia
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$68,1022025 Tuition & Fees$58,771
50%% Receiving Financial Aid51%
$54,501Average Amount of Financial Aid$33,548
11.11 %Acceptance Rates61.96 %
37.35 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.62 %
1,480SAT Score1,370
33ACT Score31
89 %Graduation Rate75 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
95 %Retention Rate88 %
37,737Student Population12,321
3,236Number of Faculties846
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services
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