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.
TALE OF THE TAPE
Head-to-head by the numbers
Both highly selective
Mid-50% range
Finance recruiting edge for BC
2024-2025 academic year
BC's smaller size helps ratio
BU is R1, BC is not
Category Battles
Vote on who wins each category. Click a side to cast your vote.
Campus Vibe
Dining Quality
Academic Reputation
Athletics & Spirit
Social Scene
Career Outcomes
Location & Access
Value for Money
Unfiltered opinions. Handle with care.
BC students love to brag about their 'tight-knit community' when what they really mean is 'we all look the same and come from the same five prep schools.'
The Carroll School is legitimately one of the best undergrad business programs in the country. BC earns the Wall Street placements.
BC's campus is objectively beautiful. Gothic architecture, green quads, the Reservoir. But you're paying $70k/year to live in the suburbs.
Every BC student will tell you about 'the BC look' with a mix of pride and embarrassment. There's a reason for that.
BC football tailgates are genuinely fun. BU cutting football was the right call financially, but we do miss out on that tradition.
The core curriculum at BC means everyone takes philosophy and theology. Some call it well-rounded, others call it two years of requirements before you study what you want.
BU is where you go to become someone. BC is where you go if you already know exactly who you are (and your parents went there).
THE VERDICT
This rivalry is about what kind of college experience you want. BC offers a beautiful, tight-knit community with strong traditions and excellent finance placement. BU offers urban energy, research opportunities, and exposure to more diverse perspectives.
Choose BU if...
- You want to live in a real city, not near one
- Research opportunities and academic variety matter
- You value diversity of thought and background
- You're interested in medicine, engineering, or media
Choose BC if...
- You want a traditional college campus experience
- You're targeting Wall Street or consulting
- A tight-knit, community feel matters most
- You value the Jesuit liberal arts tradition
BC is a country club with classes. BU is a city with a campus. Pick your adventure.
— The Rivalry Zone
Which School Fits You?
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