BU vs. Manhattan University

Comparable Facts

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

Boston University is larger than Manhattan University based on total student enrollment (37,737 students vs. 3,225 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boston University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Manhattan University is in Riverdale, NY (Large City setting).
• Boston University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Manhattan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boston University 10:1; Manhattan University 15:1.

BU vs. Manhattan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BU or Manhattan 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 Boston University than Manhattan University ($24,420 vs. $29,717).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Manhattan University are 1.2% lower than at Boston University ($18,800 vs. $19,020).
• Boston University is 27.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Manhattan University (about $14,702 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $53,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.5% higher at BU than at Manhattan University (about $14,702 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $53,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Manhattan University than at Boston University (100% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston University students is 81.5% larger than aid received by Manhattan University students ($61,848 vs. $34,078).

BU vs. Manhattan University Admissions comparison

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

• Manhattan University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston University (1480) is 210 points higher than at Manhattan University (1270).
• Incoming BU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 27 at Manhattan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 1420/1530; Manhattan University 1180/1358.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 32/34; Manhattan University 25/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BU - Test optional; Manhattan University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: BU Jan 4, 2027; Manhattan University Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Manhattan University (3.63).
• Manhattan University has a higher acceptance rate (78.9%) than BU (11.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at BU vs. 8% at Manhattan University.

BU vs. Manhattan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BU and Manhattan 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 Manhattan University's (72%).
• Graduates from Boston University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Manhattan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($72,000 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Manhattan University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than BU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Manhattan University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More BU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Manhattan University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 82%)

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.