<p>The biggest difference between the two is that Northeastern is all about the co-op, whereas BU is a more traditional educational experience. If you’re not on board with the co-op idea, you’ll find Northeastern kind of odd. (At any one time after your sophomore year, many of your friends will disappear off campus because they’re working.) So really ask yourself what you want out of your college experience before deciding between the two. Other than that, the differences are pretty apparent: BU tends to be more classically-academically oriented, NEU is more professionally-oriented, and that’s reflected in the student body as well. Northeastern has more of a traditional campus; BU is more spread out but arguably more architecturally interesting. BU has more of a national reputation; NEU is quickly becoming a school of note due to rising selectivity and a significant rise in rankings.</p>