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College comparison
BU vs Penn
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  BU Boston, MA |  Penn Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Pennsylvania is more selective | 11% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1420–1530 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 18,248 | 10,650 |
| Avg net price | $24,402 | $28,699 |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
| Location | Boston, MA | Philadelphia, PA |
Quick answers
- Is Boston University or University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- University of Pennsylvania is more selective: Boston University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and University of Pennsylvania's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Boston University vs University of Pennsylvania?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.