Head-to-head comparison
Boston University vs. University of Miami
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs BU or Miami harder to get into?
BU is harder to get into than Miami. BU's 11.1% acceptance rate is lower than Miami's 18.9%.
Which is cheaper, BU or Miami?
BU costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, BU's average net price is $24,402 vs $37,244 at Miami.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
BU graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $83,238 at BU and $75,328 at Miami.
Full Comparison
| Metric | BU | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 18.9% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1420–1530 | 1320–1480 |
| ACT mid-50% | 32–34 | 30–33 |
| Cost of attendance | $86,285 | $86,078 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $24,402 | $37,244 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 18,248 | 12,913 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 88.7% | 83.7% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $83,238 | $75,328 |
| Setting | Boston, Massachusetts | Coral Gables, Florida |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
BU is meaningfully harder to get into. A 7.8-percentage-point gap between 11.1% (BU) and 18.9% (Miami) reflects real selectivity differences. Miami is the more realistic target for a balanced college list.
BU draws stronger test scores. Mid-50% SAT range tops out at 1530 vs 1480 at the other school. Differences in test profile usually reflect a school's STEM-vs-humanities mix and the self-selection of applicants, not raw academic quality.
BU is significantly cheaper after aid. The average net price gap is $12,842 per year, $51,368 over four years. For most families that difference is the deciding factor when both schools admit you.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. BU is in Boston, Massachusetts; Miami is in Coral Gables, Florida. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
BU has a more international student body (21.2% non-resident students vs 7.6%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
BU's graduation rate is meaningfully higher (88.7% vs 83.7% 6-year completion). Graduation gaps at this level usually reflect support-system differences, financial aid adequacy, or degree-flexibility — worth verifying with each school's first-year retention and major-change policies.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. BU is 58.1% women, 21.2% international, and 20.5% Asian-American. Miami is 54.5% women, 7.6% international, and 5.0% Asian-American.
| Demographic | BU | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 58.1% | 54.5% |
| International | 21.2% | 7.6% |
| White | 32.2% | 48.5% |
| Asian | 20.5% | 5.0% |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 24.3% |
| Black | 5.9% | 7.0% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at BU vs. Miami?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick BU if
- Net price matters: BU costs $12,842 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($83,238 vs $75,328)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the Kilachand Honors College
Pick Miami if
- Your odds are realistic at Miami (slightly easier admit)
- the Frost School of Music
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Boston University
11.1% accept · Boston, Massachusetts
Full profile
University of Miami
18.9% accept · Coral Gables, Florida
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.