Would you consider Boston University to be a top notch or prestigious school? What comes to mind when you think of Boston University? Would it be up there with schools like NYU, Villanova, and Northeastern?
All those schools are in roughly the same category. Each is quite unique and different. All are several notches below the Ivies.
BU is certainly on the rise. NYU has a high reputation but is honestly nothing special without its location. Boston is special anywhere. I think of a school with a great existing rep that is working to get even better. Villanova is maybe a little below but in the same range, but berg different, smaller and very Catholic and less urban. Northeastern is academically the best you named and reputation wise it’s catching up to NYU. Northeastern I would say is the best choice of the three but all are on the same level.
@MCheung12 Boston University is prestigious, but so are the other schools you list. In USN&WR NYU is ranked slightly higher (32) vs. 41 for BU and 47 for Northeastern in the National University category. Villanova has a more regional appeal than the others and is ranked #1 in regional universities. I would pick the school which has the best program that matches your interests, where you feel most comfortable (e.,g., fit), taking into account location, student body, size, etc…and which you can afford. To provide some perspective, 30 years ago when I went to College, Boston U and NYU and Villanova were considered mid tier and expensive schools. They still are pricey, but each have increased in reputation since that time. Northeastern was not prestigious at all and wasn’t even considered by many. However, today it has a well regarded Work/coop program and has rebuilt and reinvented itself from years ago. But it is also pricey. I think of BU as an excellent school which certainly holds its own when considered against the other schools you list.
Yes, Boston University is a top notch school. Of course, I am an alum so naturally that’s my view! (Biased! :D) But it’s supported by my experiences there and out in the world since. BU doesn’t have the same national “brand recognition” that, say, NYU has, but that has to do with some smart media savvy on NYU’s part (I know it’s facsimile on the show Felicity made me want to attend!), not them being innately superior. They started playing the prestige game before BU did, but BU is on the rise. They’ve recruited a LOT of top research scientists, Nobel Peace Prize winners, etc. etc. and are improving in the prestige game every year, from what I’ve seen. I would rank it above both Northeastern and Villanova, especially in specific areas (Communications comes to mind–both the JO and Film/TV programs are highly regarded and ranked).
I majored in journalism and work in the media: BU is a recognized and respected name in media fields. I tell people out in Hollywood where I went and they are impressed. Several alum literally run Hollywood–some of the top entertainment execs at NBC and Viacom went to BU. Everything I’ve heard from friends/acquaintances is BU has a solid rep for admission to grad programs and the like–most institutions are aware of the academic rigor at BU (and grade deflation) and evaluate students’ GPAs accordingly. Several specific schools (including COM, hence good rep in media) have very good reps in their respective fields: Sargent, CFA, Questrom, SED, ENG–and graduates from those schools can use BU on their resumes to get good jobs. I was certainly impressed where some of my friends ended up working.
In terms of raw prestige, BU is several tiers below Ivy, and below NYU (as I mentioned), but that doesn’t mean it’s not top notch—quality of academics and prestige are different things. I think generally BU’s prestige suffers because it is, honestly, easier to get into than more elite schools–especially and particularly because they aren’t sticklers for sky-high test scores. But I found the actual education you received once you’re there just as good as more prestigious schools. I know Ivy kids, and don’t feel I was at any real disadvantage going to BU. Now, there are some things where BU is no better or worse than any other school–I wouldn’t go into debt for an English degree or anything 
You could say the same of a LOT of schools that are in the same, or higher echelons. But ever since BU started playing the ranking game (which they didn’t when I attended), I’ve been kind of floored at how quickly their reputation has climbed. I imagine in ten years, it will have a lot more general prestige.
Perspective from a BU alum and now father of college kids. Graduated decades ago, but most of my profs back then had PhD from very prestigious schools, Harvard and MIT were common, and others also highly respected. The school helped me quite a bit out in the real world when I graduated, though I think at the time only helped regionally. Had no problem getting really good internships in the area as a BU student, often interviewed and hired at the same firms
that hire Harvard grads. Had friends at Northeastern back then, and frankly it was a much lower caliber school years ago. Much more of a local school and not particularly selective back then. Now it is as or more selective than BU, if you read stats (though I know someone who was recently admitted to NU but not BU FWIW). NU has come a long way, but I don’t fee as good as BU as an academic institution.
NU’s attraction is their coop program, which seems very good from kids I know there right now.
That said, you are paying a college for your academic education. What you learn in the classroom
should be the primary judge of the school, not how well they get you off campus to be trained by others, IMO.
I was able to get really good career oriented internships at BU, just structured differently than NU.
You would be surrounded by very smart kids at both schools since applications soared and they have top students
who could go to Ivy’s but choose not to (I was one of those back in the day and do not regret it).
NYU is fine too, don’t know much about Villanova.
IMO, whichever one you get into and can afford, they would all be good.
It’s what you major in, your grades, your internships etc that will determine what you do after graduation,
more than which of these schools you end up at.
BU’s reputation is growing. Sadly it is a lot like NYU, especially when it comes to financial aid. Many students are “gapped”. NYU attracts many students who want to go to university in NYC. BU attracts students who want to go to school in Boston. People love to argue whether BU or BC is better. About the same I’d say.
@proud terrier, regarding your previous statement “Everything I’ve heard from friends/acquaintances is BU has a solid rep for admission to grad programs and the like–most institutions are aware of the academic rigor at BU (and grade deflation) and evaluate students’ GPAs accordingly.” I was wondering if you could elaborate a bit more on this comment. My son is a recent grad of BU who is currently working in the healthcare field, while studying for the MCAT & will be applying to med school. In your opinion do med school admissions really consider BU’s “academic rigor” when evaluating candidates or does your comment relate purely to graduate programs and not med school? Any other comments from others would be appreciated.
I’m honestly not the best person to ask about med school, unfortunately. I’m very much lacking in personal anecdata there–my social circle went off to get PhDs mostly, so that’s my sample size. I wish there were more posters here on CC who can speak to BU pre-med, as I know the question comes up a lot! Sorry I can’t help more.
@proudterrier thanks for taking the time to respond.