BU vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Boston University is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (37,737 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boston University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Boston University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boston University 10:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

BU vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BU or Worcester 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 Worcester State University than BU ($12,778 vs. $24,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 24.8% lower than at Boston University ($14,307 vs. $19,020).
• Boston University is 477.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $56,316 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 281.2% higher at BU than at Worcester State University (about $50,236 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester State University than at Boston University (80% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston University students is 553.5% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($61,848 vs. $9,464).

BU vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BU or Worcester 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 Worcester State University and BU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston University (1480) is 330 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 1420/1530; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BU - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BU Jan 4, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BU students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than BU (11.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at BU vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

BU vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BU and Worcester 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Boston University earn a median of about $22,800 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($72,000 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than BU graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BU graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More BU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 66%)

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.