Is Boston University or the University of Iowa more affordable for out-of-state students?

For most out-of-state students, the University of Iowa is more affordable than Boston University. Iowa’s nonresident tuition and required charges are substantially lower than BU’s private-university tuition, and living in Iowa City typically costs less than living and studying in Boston.

Housing is a meaningful part of the gap. BU’s on-campus room-and-board charges reflect Boston’s high-cost market, and off-campus housing can be especially expensive and competitive. Iowa City is not inexpensive by Midwest standards, but university housing and local rentals are usually far less costly than comparable Boston options.

Financial aid can change the calculation most for students with significant demonstrated financial need. BU merit scholarships exist but are competitive and should not be assumed.

Iowa offers need-based aid and merit awards for nonresidents, but its lower starting price is its main financial advantage. Compare each school’s official net price calculator results, then compare the actual grants and scholarships in the admission offers rather than loans, work-study, or parent borrowing.