College Comparison
Stanford University 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
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
School
Boston University
Boston, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Stanford | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.9%wins | 10.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | 1400–1520 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 32–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,484wins | $65,168 |
| Avg Net Price | $12,136wins | $26,996 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $124,080wins | $83,238 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.8%wins | 90.0% |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 94.5% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 10:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,841 | 17,850wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Stanford 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.
Stanford Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,484
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.