BU vs. Framingham State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Boston University in Boston, MA with Framingham State University in Framingham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Boston University is larger than Framingham State University based on total student enrollment (37,737 students vs. 4,002 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boston University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Framingham State University is in Framingham, MA (Small City setting).
• Boston University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Framingham State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boston University 10:1; Framingham State University 12:1.

BU vs. Framingham State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BU or Framingham State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Framingham State University than BU ($16,114 vs. $24,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Framingham State University are 19.5% lower than at Boston University ($15,310 vs. $19,020).
• Boston University is 471.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Framingham State University (about $56,182 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $11,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 278.3% higher at BU than at Framingham State University (about $50,102 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $18,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Framingham State University than at Boston University (86% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston University students is 445.5% larger than aid received by Framingham State University students ($61,848 vs. $11,338).

BU vs. Framingham State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BU or Framingham State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Framingham State University and BU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston University (1480) is 290 points higher than at Framingham State University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 1420/1530; Framingham State University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BU - Test optional; Framingham State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BU Jan 4, 2027; Framingham State University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BU students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Framingham State University (3.07).
• Framingham State University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than BU (11.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at BU vs. 15.5% at Framingham State University.

BU vs. Framingham State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BU and Framingham State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Boston University's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Framingham State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Boston University earn a median of about $24,400 more per year than Framingham State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($72,000 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Framingham State University graduates have a $2,295 lower median loan debt than BU graduates ($24,705 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Framingham State University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BU graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More BU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Framingham State University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.