BU vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Boston University is larger than Simmons University based on total student enrollment (37,737 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boston University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Boston University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boston University 10:1; Simmons University 9:1.

BU vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BU or Simmons 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 Simmons University ($24,420 vs. $28,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 7.4% lower than at Boston University ($17,618 vs. $19,020).
• Boston University is 45.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $21,228 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.3% higher at BU than at Simmons University (about $21,228 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Boston University (100% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston University students is 76.1% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($61,848 vs. $35,123).

BU vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston University (1480) is 170 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming BU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Simmons University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 1420/1530; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston University 32/34; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BU - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BU Jan 4, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at BU (3.79).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than BU (11.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at BU vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

BU vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BU and Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Boston University earn a median of about $19,200 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($72,000 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simmons University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than BU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Simmons 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 Simmons University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.