Washington College vs. BU

Comparable Facts

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

Boston University is larger than Washington College based on total student enrollment (37,737 students vs. 923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting); Boston University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Washington College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Boston University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington College 8:1; Boston University 10:1.

Washington College vs. BU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington College or BU? 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 Washington College ($24,420 vs. $29,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington College are 4% lower than at Boston University ($18,250 vs. $19,020).
• Boston University is 23.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington College (about $12,776 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $55,326.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.1% higher at BU than at Washington College (about $12,776 more per year; $68,102.00 vs. $55,326.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington College than at Boston University (100% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston University students is 42.2% larger than aid received by Washington College students ($61,848 vs. $43,485).

Washington College vs. BU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington College or BU? 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 BU and Washington College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston University (1480) is 210 points higher than at Washington College (1270).
• Incoming BU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Washington College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 1140/1390; Boston University 1420/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 27/31; Boston University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington College - Test optional; BU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington College Feb 15, 2027; BU Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Washington College (3.71).
• Washington College has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than BU (11.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Washington College vs. 37.4% at BU.

Washington College vs. BU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington College and BU? 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 Washington College's (75%).
• Graduates from Boston University earn a median of about $21,200 more per year than Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($72,000 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington College graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than BU graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington College graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BU graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Washington College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BU students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.