Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) vs Boston University (BU)

Case Western Reserve University and Boston University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Case Western, located in Cleveland, Ohio, boasts a lower acceptance rate (18%) compared to Boston University's (27%). While Case Western's student body is predominantly White (54%) and Asian (26%), Boston University's student body is more diverse, with a larger international student population (20%). Both universities excel in different areas; Case Western is known for its strength in engineering and biomedical sciences, while Boston University is renowned for its programs in business, communication, and health sciences. With comparable graduation rates (88% and 87%, respectively), both universities prepare their graduates for successful careers. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' unique offerings and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Boston University	Case Western Reserve University
Overview
Location	Boston, Massachusetts	Cleveland, Ohio
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	94.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	18.6%	30.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $95	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1360 - 1520	1410 - 1530
ACT range	31 - 34	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	39.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	75,778	33,232
Total number of admissions given out	14,129	10,049
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,011	1,606
Yield rate	28.4%	16.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$79,606	$74,114
Average net price	$25,852	$38,166
Tuition	$58,560	$54,020
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,990 Meal plan: $5,850	Room/dormitory: $9,584 Meal plan: $6,898
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	53.0% Average amount $50,486	81.0% Average amount $33,761
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $4,317	61.0% Average amount $5,091
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $25,248	7.0% Average amount $11,016

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,229 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%	5,792 Men 52.5% Women 47.5%
Graduate students	17,875 Men 42.5% Women 57.5%	6,350 Men 45.1% Women 54.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	79.8%
International students	26.6%	19.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,356	4,494
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York California New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania	Ohio New York Illinois Pennsylvania California

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Health Professions Business Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Legal Profession
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	9:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.4%	84.4%
Dropout rate	10.3%	15.1%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,398 Year 2: $125,611 Year 3: $147,490 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $110,318 Year 2: $110,878 Year 3: $142,427 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,155 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $117,665 Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,383 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $115,901 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $104,027 Year 2: $106,688 Year 3: $113,743 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,380 Year 2: $102,306 Year 3: $111,308 Insurance (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,170 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $108,260 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $108,069 Year 2: $92,743 Year 3: $106,517 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,263 Year 2: $96,829 Year 3: $104,284 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,137 Year 2: $83,848 Year 3: $99,636	Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $166,462 Year 2: $165,486 Year 3: $172,180 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $162,463 Year 3: $149,793 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $93,570 Year 2: $106,935 Year 3: $130,724 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,016 Year 2: $104,192 Year 3: $106,740 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $106,684 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,427 Year 2: $85,860 Year 3: $102,295 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $91,016 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $89,798 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,820 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $88,856 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,006 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $87,454 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,394 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $87,134

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in academic focus between Case Western Reserve University and Boston University?

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is renowned for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, medicine, and research, particularly in interdisciplinary fields. Boston University (BU) offers a broader range of strong programs, including communications, journalism, international relations, and the arts, alongside its science and engineering offerings. While both have excellent STEM programs, CWRU is generally considered more heavily focused on research and technical fields, while BU provides a wider array of top-tier programs across various disciplines.
How do the campus environments differ between Case Western Reserve University and Boston University?

CWRU has a more self-contained, traditional campus located in the University Circle cultural district of Cleveland, Ohio. This provides a focused academic environment with close proximity to museums, hospitals, and cultural institutions. BU, on the other hand, has a more integrated urban campus that stretches along Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. This offers students direct access to the city's vibrant cultural scene, professional opportunities, and diverse neighborhoods. CWRU offers a more classic college campus feel, while BU provides a more immersive urban experience.
Which university is larger, and how does that affect the student experience?

Boston University is significantly larger than Case Western Reserve University. BU has a much larger undergraduate and graduate student population. This larger size translates to a wider variety of courses, clubs, and activities. CWRU's smaller size fosters a more close-knit community, potentially leading to more personalized attention from professors and easier access to research opportunities. BU's size offers greater breadth, while CWRU's size offers greater depth of community.
How do the research opportunities compare at Case Western Reserve University and Boston University?

Both universities offer substantial research opportunities, but their strengths differ slightly. CWRU is particularly strong in biomedical engineering, materials science, and other STEM fields, with close ties to the University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic. BU has strong research programs across a wider range of disciplines, including engineering, medicine, public health, and the humanities. Both institutions provide ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in cutting-edge research, but CWRU's focus is more heavily weighted towards STEM and medicine.
What are the differences in location and surrounding city life?

CWRU is located in Cleveland, Ohio, specifically in the University Circle area, a cultural and educational hub. Cleveland offers a growing arts scene, affordable living, and access to Lake Erie. BU is located in Boston, Massachusetts, a major metropolitan city with a rich history, diverse culture, and numerous professional opportunities. Boston is more expensive than Cleveland but offers a wider range of entertainment, dining, and career options. Choosing between the two depends on whether you prefer a more affordable, up-and-coming city or a well-established, bustling metropolis.
How do the costs of attending Case Western Reserve University and Boston University compare?

Both Case Western Reserve University and Boston University are private institutions with similar high costs of attendance. Tuition and fees are comparable. However, the overall cost of living can differ significantly. Boston's cost of living, particularly housing, is considerably higher than Cleveland's. Therefore, while the sticker price might be similar, the total cost of attending BU could be higher due to living expenses. Be sure to carefully consider the cost of living when comparing financial aid packages.
What types of students typically thrive at Case Western Reserve University versus Boston University?

Students who thrive at CWRU are often highly motivated, academically focused, and passionate about research, particularly in STEM fields. They appreciate a close-knit community and a more traditional campus environment. Students who thrive at BU are often independent, adaptable, and eager to take advantage of the opportunities offered by a large university in a vibrant city. They enjoy a diverse student body and a wide range of academic and extracurricular options. CWRU is a great fit for students seeking a focused academic experience, while BU is ideal for those seeking a broader, more urban experience.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. BU's location in Boston provides access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and media. CWRU's location in Cleveland offers strong connections to healthcare institutions, manufacturing companies, and technology firms. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can assist students in their job search. The best fit depends on your specific career interests and desired location after graduation.
What are the strengths of each university's engineering programs?

Both CWRU and BU have strong engineering programs. CWRU's engineering programs are particularly renowned for their focus on biomedical engineering, materials science, and aerospace engineering, often emphasizing hands-on research and collaboration with the nearby hospitals and industries. BU's engineering programs are strong in areas like biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering, with a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research and innovation. Both offer excellent opportunities, but CWRU's strength is more concentrated in specific areas, while BU offers a broader range of engineering specializations.
How do the social scenes differ between Case Western Reserve University and Boston University?

CWRU's social scene is often described as more academically focused and close-knit, with a strong emphasis on student organizations and campus events. The University Circle location provides access to cultural attractions, but the social life is largely centered around the university. BU's social scene is more diverse and integrated with the city of Boston. Students have access to a wide range of bars, restaurants, concerts, and sporting events. The social life at BU is more independent and offers a wider variety of options, while CWRU's social scene is more campus-centric.

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