Boston University

BU's urban campus along Commonwealth Avenue lacks the insular quad vibe of traditional colleges—students describe it as 'a mosaic like no other' with 500+ clubs and a socially decentralized culture. Greek life exists but isn't dominant (only 15% participation), and the social scene leans toward intellectual pursuits, city exploration, and niche student groups. The student body is remarkably diverse: 24% international students, with a linguistic and cultural mix that reflects Boston's global character. As one Redditor put it: 'We don’t have one campus culture... you can make friends pretty easily even if you aren’t the party type.'

BU delivers strong ROI: a 90% six-year graduation rate (92% for women, 87% for men) and median early-career earnings of $53,000—$6,000 above the national average for similar institutions. The payback period is just 4.9 years, with 94% of graduates employed or in grad school within six months. Engineering and business majors typically outearn peers in liberal arts, but even the latter benefit from BU's strong alumni network in Boston's tech, healthcare, and finance sectors. The Career Development office tracks outcomes meticulously, with recent surveys showing 82% of grads landing jobs directly related to their majors.

At $82,760 total annual cost (2024), BU isn't cheap—but 43% of students receive need-based aid?Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements., bringing the average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $28,985. The MyinTuition calculator provides quick estimates, with typical aid packages covering 60-80% of demonstrated need. Merit scholarships are rare; most aid is need-based, with grants (not loans) comprising 85% of the average $68,216 aid package. Notably, BU meets 100% of demonstrated need for domestic students, though international applicants face stricter aid limitations.

BU distinguishes itself through three key attributes:

1. Urban Academics: Its integration with Boston—through internships at Mass General Hospital, research partnerships with MIT, and alumni networks in finance/tech—creates unparalleled professional opportunities. 2. Flexible Rigor: The 300+ programs allow students to combine, say, neuroscience with music performance, all while learning from faculty who've won Nobel Prizes and Tonys. 3. Global Vibe: With 24% international students and language departments covering Swahili to Kazakh, BU feels more like a U.N. assembly than a typical American campus.

As one alum noted: 'At BU, you're not just attending a university—you're inheriting a global city as your campus.'