Boston University vs Pennsylvania State University

Boston University vs Pennsylvania State University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Boston University and Penn State have strong reputations both in the U.S. and internationally, although Boston University tends to do better in global league tables. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Boston University ranks somewhere in the vicinity of #88, while Penn State sits nearer to #82. Times Higher Education rankings also show the same gap, with BU being ranked in the top 75 and Penn State in the top 100.

In discipline-specific rankings, Boston University excels in Business, Social Sciences, Communication, and Health Professions and regularly figures in the top 100 in the world. Penn State excels in Engineering, Business, and Computer Science with firm national rankings and regular global placements in the top 150–200 depending on the field. 

General Information

Boston University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, with an enrollment of about 36,624. It has a lively urban campus as well as a vast selection of undergraduate and graduate programs. Penn State, also called The Pennsylvania State University – University Park, is a public flagship university located in University Park, Pennsylvania, and has a significantly bigger student body numbering approximately 50,399. Penn State's large campus and numerous academic options make it one of the largest universities in America.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Boston University admissions are very competitive with an acceptance rate of around 11%, which indicates its prestigious position among private schools. Penn State's acceptance rate is moderate at around 54% and is more open to a wider section of applicants. BU is recognized for having a robust set of graduate offerings in business, public health, law, and communications, while Penn State has a broad range of graduate degrees, especially in engineering, agriculture, and education.

Research Impact & Facilities

Boston University has state-of-the-art research facilities, such as its Biomedical Imaging Center, Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, and Photonics and Engineering labs, for enabling high-impact research at all disciplines. Penn State also possesses a strong research infrastructure with more than 6,000 academic personnel, large library holdings, and several research institutes dedicated to energy, materials science, and agricultural technology.

Cost & Financial Aid

Boston University is a private university with a tuition of about $63,798, whereas Penn State, being public, has a tuition of $19,672 for in-state and $39,626 for out-of-state. BU provides comprehensive need-based financial aid, with 50% of its students receiving grants averaging $55,080, including assistance for international students. Penn State offers assistance to 36% of its students with average grants of around $11,577, which makes it cheaper for in-state residents.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement

Boston University graduates have a median salary of $72,000 ten years post-graduation, with good placement in business, healthcare, media, and technology industries. BU also has good internship participation and 84% of students take part in experiential learning prior to graduation. Penn State graduates have a median salary of $55,300, with good achievement in engineering, agriculture, and corporate leadership. Penn State's vast alumni network of more than 500,000 offers vast career networks and contacts