Skip to content

Boston University vs Franklin W Olin College of Engineering

Boston University is a private university in Boston, MA, and Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private college in Needham, MA. Boston University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 25% at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. Boston University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,402 a year against $25,171 at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. About 94% of students graduate at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering, compared with 89% at Boston University. Ten years after enrolling, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering alumni earn a median of about $129,455, against $83,238 for Boston University.

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private

Franklin W Olin College of Engineering

Needham, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Needham, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
18,248
377
Acceptance rate
11%
25%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1420–1530
1493–1558
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,402
$25,171
Full cost / yr
$86,285
$86,474
In-state tuition
$68,102
$66,398
Out-of-state tuition
$68,102
$66,398
Application fee
$80
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,500
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$9,342
$3,100
$48k - $75k
$11,778
$9,528
$75k - $110k
$22,517
$12,271
Over $110k
$47,504
$27,096
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
94%
Freshman retention
95%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,655
$105,483
Median earnings (10 yr)
$83,238
$129,455
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
12%
First-generation students
17%
Not reported
International students
21%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Dec 15

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 Boston University or Franklin W Olin College of Engineering harder to get into?
Boston University is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 25% at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Boston University or Franklin W Olin College of Engineering?
Boston University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,402 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,171 at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. 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 Boston University and Franklin W Olin College of Engineering?
Before aid, Boston University costs about $86,285 a year and Franklin W Olin College of Engineering about $86,474. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is bigger, Boston University or Franklin W Olin College of Engineering?
Boston University is the larger of the two, with about 18,248 undergraduates against 377 at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering.
Does Boston University or Franklin W Olin College of Engineering have a better graduation rate?
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 89% at Boston University.
Do graduates of Boston University or Franklin W Olin College of Engineering earn more?
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering alumni earn more on average: a median of about $129,455 ten years after enrolling, against about $83,238 for Boston University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Boston University and Franklin W Olin College of Engineering require SAT or ACT scores?
Boston University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Boston University and Franklin W Olin College of Engineering look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1493–1558 at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. 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