Boston College (BC) and Boston University (BU) differ primarily in their campus environments and academic focuses: BC is a private Jesuit, suburban school with a traditional campus feel, while BU is a large, urban, non-sectarian research institution located in the city. BC is known for liberal arts, smaller undergraduate enrollment (~9,500), and a more unified student culture, whereas BU offers a high-intensity city experience, larger enrollment (~18,000+), and a stronger research focus.