Overview
Boston University is a private, non-profit university with a heavy emphasis on research. BU’s main location is right in its name—Boston, MA—but the university has flagship locations around the world, including in London, Sydney, and Washington, DC, as well as more than 90 study abroad programs on 6 continents. Boston’s 300+ program catalogue is taught through 17 colleges, divisions, and schools, including a Division of Military Education, College of Fine Arts, and School of Global Studies. The 134-acre campus is home to a multitude of centers and institutes, including the Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future and Center for Global Health Development.
Acceptance Rate:
14%
Average Net Price:
$29,154
Campus Setting:
Major city
Average GPA
3.9
Average ACT Composite
33
Average SAT Composite
1433
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $65,168 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $65,168 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $18,110 |
| Books and Supplies | $1000 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
Aid & Grants
0
100
90%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
17%
Average Aid Per Year
$51,565
17%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,494
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$48,974
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
4%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3386
17%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,494
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$436,625,888
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$35,490,716
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
23%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$10,425
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$22,250
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$239
Students receiving federal loans
21%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$4,196
Average Other Loans Per Year
$27,776
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
80796
Students Applied
43%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
930
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Yes
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
No
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted. | November 1 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 6 | |
| Spring Regular Decision | November 1 | |
| Other | January 6 |
Application Fee
$80
Applications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
12%
Submitting ACT
23%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 33
Average SAT Composite: 1433
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.9
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
36,714
Total Number of Undergrads
18,459
0
100
84%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
89%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
11:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- ROTC Army
- ROTC Air Force
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
230
Faculty Overview
0
100
89%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Major city
US States Represented
56
Countries Represented
119
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
17%
Student Organizations
450
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
75%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
69%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Terrirers
School Colors
scarlett and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Total Male Athletes
253
Total Female Athletes
324
Intramural Sports
13
Sports Club
24
Sports Team (Men)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Crew-Rowing
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
Sports Team (Women)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Crew-Rowing
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
Boston University Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$75,900
Top 5 Cities
Boston
New York
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Washington
Top 5 Employers
Boston University
IBM
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Google
Microsoft
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Education
Media and Communication
Operations
Information Technology
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$22,250
Loan Default Rate
2%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$239
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingThe faculty is usually attentive and pretty entertaining. Most professors know exactly what they're talking about and provide insight into difficult fields with ease. I took the Core Curriculum and am learning much about history and philosophy. I have enjoyed all my classes and am looking forward to my courses next semester!
Alex from Waco, TX
As a freshman at Sargent College, I did a lot of research before picking a school. I felt that BU is a great school, and Sargent College is the best if you are looking for something in the medical field.
The classes of pre-med are VERY difficult, but you can tell that the professors love teaching and are there to help if you put in the effort they will work with you.
I learned espicially to use ratemyprofessors.com because I had a terrible writing teacher, and should have read the reviews before taking that class.
The classes of pre-med are VERY difficult, but you can tell that the professors love teaching and are there to help if you put in the effort they will work with you.
I learned espicially to use ratemyprofessors.com because I had a terrible writing teacher, and should have read the reviews before taking that class.
Gabby from NJ
I've only given four stars due to my lack of interest in the required courses. I understand the purpose behind them, but they really put a damper on my enjoyment of my classes for my major. I absolutely love those classes (SMG Business) and the Professors are amazing!
Cristina from Haverstraw, NY
BU has so many resources it's almost overwhelming. Everyone is there to help you. What you learn is very relevant to the real world.
JR from Boston, MA
very prestigious, well ranked university. beautiful campus and great location. all the resources you could ever need!
elizabeth from northern virginia
The university has evolved into a community that lets you choose your future. It's definitely expensive; but coming from a lower-middle class family, it's possible. BU allows you to grow and learn academically and personally, completely at your speed.
Katherine from Joliet, IL
Boston University is an elite university that is constantly improving. It is a very expensive college but has a lot of resources for its students. Students who wish to attend should be somewhat independent and not afraid to take full advantage of the school's resources as well as the resources in the city of Boston.
Daniel from Staten Island, NY
This year I've taken General and Quantitative Analytical Chemistry, Principles of Biology I, Principles of Biology II, Fourth Semester French, college writing, college research writing, and Introduction to Religion. I have learned more than I ever imagined I would in my first year. There have been times when one of my friends from Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences brought her chemistry exams over and I was astonished to see they were multiple choice and the questions were pretty much about high school chemistry topics! Then I realized just how much more I've learned at BU compared to other schools.
Chelsea from Rumford, ME
The vast array of courses offered here at Boston University are truly refreshing, and the professors are truly passionate about their courses. The emphasis placed by the professors and the really well structured classes are great. I find myself learning a lot and most of the time, effortlessly.
Michelle from Miami, FL
This is a great school if you're looking for something in a very urban environment. It was not the right fit for me for numerous reasons, including the lack of a normal campus, grade deflation and lack of school spirit. It's a good school, but I don't think it's worth the expensive tuition in the end.
Anonymous from NH
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