Academic Comparison between UVA and BU

University of Virginia-Main Campus and Boston University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UVA is a four-year, public school located in Charlottesville, VA and BU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school 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.

  • UVA is a public and BU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • BU has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,168) than UVA ($59,633).
  • It is harder to admit to BU than UVA.
  • UVA has a higher submitted SAT score (1,490) than BU (1,470).
  • Both UVA and BU have the same submitted ACT scores (33).
  • BU has more students with 36,714 students while UVA has 26,082 students.
  • BU has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while UVA's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • BU has more full-time faculties with 3,047 faculties while UVA has 2,484 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Virginia-Main Campusvs.Boston University
Charlottesville, VirginiaLocationBoston, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$22,323
Out-Of-State$59,633
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,168
45%% Receiving Financial Aid49%
$23,989Average Amount of Financial Aid$46,070
17.00 %Acceptance Rates11.00 %
42.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)36.00 %
1,490SAT Score1,470
33ACT Score33
95 %Graduation Rate88 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
97 %Retention Rate94 %
26,082Student Population36,714
2,484Number of Faculties3,047
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 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 services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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