THE RIVALRY ZONE

The original Boston rivalry. One's a major research university in the heart of the city. The other's a Jesuit school in the suburbs with a chip on its shoulder about being confused with the other one. Let's settle this once and for all.

Two premier urban private universities competing for the same students. BU gives you Boston's intellectual ecosystem and startup culture. GWU puts you steps from the White House and Capitol Hill. Where do you want to make your mark?

Two powerhouse Boston universities, separated by a few T stops and a fundamental disagreement about what college should be. BU believes in the traditional four-year experience. NEU thinks you should spend half of it working. Let's settle this.

Two premier urban universities. One in America's best college city. One in America's biggest city. Both expensive, both prestigious, both will take over your personality. The eternal question: Boston or New York?

Two major private research universities in the Northeast, both with strong communications programs. BU gives you Boston's urban energy. Syracuse gives you that isolated college-town intensity. One is in a world-class city, the other IS the city. Big difference.

The large research university versus the small elite school that thinks it should be Ivy League. One has 35,000 students and endless options. The other has 6,000 students and endless opinions about why smaller is better.

Two urban private research universities with very different vibes. BU offers academic rigor in America's college town. Tulane offers that unique New Orleans culture with service-learning at its core. One makes you shovel snow, the other makes you sweat. Choose wisely.

The expensive private school in Boston versus the affordable public flagship in Western Mass. One costs $70k/year. The other costs $16k for in-state students. Is the BU premium worth it? Let's find out.

Two massive private research universities on opposite coasts. BU offers Boston's intellectual energy and four-season character building. USC offers LA sunshine and Hollywood connections. Both cost a fortune. Let's compare.

The classic private vs. public flagship debate. BU offers Boston's urban intensity and smaller classes. Wisconsin offers Big Ten athletics, Madison's charm, and that massive public university experience. Both are red, both are cold, but they're very different schools.