College Comparison
MIT vs Boston University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
MIT
Cambridge, MA
School
Boston University
Boston, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | MIT | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.7%wins | 10.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | 1400–1520 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36wins | 32–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $60,156wins | $65,168 |
| Avg Net Price | $19,813wins | $26,996 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $143,372wins | $83,238 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.1%wins | 90.0% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 94.5% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 10:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,571 | 17,850wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, MIT edges out Boston University on 9 of 10 measurable categories — including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
MIT Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $60,156
Boston University Strengths
- ✓Total Enrollment: 17,850
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.