Boston University vs Smith College
Boston University is a private university in Boston, MA. Smith College is a private college in Northampton, MA. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants and Smith College about 21%, making Boston University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $24,402 a year at Boston University after aid, and about $27,579 at Smith College. About 89% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, Boston University alumni earn a median of about $83,238, against $64,027 for Smith College.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
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.
- Is Boston University or Smith College harder to get into?
- Boston University is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 21% at Smith 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, Boston University or Smith College?
- Boston University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,402 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,579 at Smith 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 Boston University and Smith College?
- Before aid, Smith College costs about $86,030 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, Boston University or Smith College?
- Smith College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,363 there, against about $9,500 at Boston University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Boston University or Smith College?
- Boston University is the larger of the two, with about 18,248 undergraduates against 2,544 at Smith College.
- Does Boston University or Smith College have a better graduation rate?
- Both graduate about 89% of their students.
- Do graduates of Boston University or Smith College earn more?
- Boston University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $83,238 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,027 for Smith College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Boston University and Smith College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Boston University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Smith College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Boston University and Smith College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1420–1540 at Smith College. 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.