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Babson College vs Boston University

Babson College is a private college in Wellesley, MA, and Boston University is a private university in Boston, MA. Boston University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 17% at Babson College. Boston University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,402 a year against $40,514 at Babson College. About 93% of students graduate at Babson College, compared with 89% at Boston University. Ten years after enrolling, Babson College alumni earn a median of about $123,938, against $83,238 for Boston University.

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Babson College

Wellesley, MA · Private

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Wellesley, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,728
18,248
Acceptance rate
17%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1390–1530
1420–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,514
$24,402
Full cost / yr
$80,192
$86,285
In-state tuition
$57,152
$68,102
Out-of-state tuition
$57,152
$68,102
Application fee
$75
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,641
$9,500
$30k - $48k
$17,077
$9,342
$48k - $75k
$16,861
$11,778
$75k - $110k
$55,470
$22,517
Over $110k
$80,192
$47,504
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
89%
Freshman retention
95%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$91,354
$65,655
Median earnings (10 yr)
$123,938
$83,238
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
19%
First-generation students
15%
17%
International students
28%
21%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 2
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 5

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Babson College or Boston University harder to get into?
Boston University is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 17% at Babson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Babson College or Boston University?
Boston University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,402 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,514 at Babson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Babson College and Boston University?
Before aid, Babson College costs about $80,192 a year and Boston University about $86,285. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Babson College or Boston University?
Boston University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,500 there, against about $23,641 at Babson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Babson College or Boston University?
Boston University is the larger of the two, with about 18,248 undergraduates against 2,728 at Babson College.
Does Babson College or Boston University have a better graduation rate?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 89% at Boston University.
Do graduates of Babson College or Boston University earn more?
Babson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $123,938 ten years after enrolling, against about $83,238 for Boston University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Babson College and Boston University require SAT or ACT scores?
Babson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Boston University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Babson College and Boston University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1390–1530 at Babson College and 1420–1530 at Boston University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school