Boston University vs. Tulane University

BU is modestly harder to get into. The 2.9-point gap matters at the margin but doesn't change the overall difficulty tier. Both schools draw similar applicant pools and admit similar profiles.

BU is significantly cheaper after aid. The average net price gap is $15,547 per year, $62,188 over four years. For most families that difference is the deciding factor when both schools admit you.

BU graduates earn $19,970 more on average at the 10-year mark. This usually reflects major distribution more than school quality — schools that concentrate in CS, engineering, and finance pull higher medians than schools with more humanities and social science graduates. Tulane grads' earnings within the same major category are typically comparable.

BU is substantially larger with 18,248 undergrads vs 7,767 at Tulane. Bigger universities have more major options and broader research opportunities; smaller ones offer more access to faculty and tighter-knit communities.

Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. BU is in Boston, Massachusetts; Tulane is in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 4.9%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.