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#9 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts

 9 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

36,714
Boston University overview
Location Boston, Massachusetts
Online bu.edu
School Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large City
Boston University overview
Size Large
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Boston University occupies an urban campus along the Charles River in Boston's Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, integrating academic buildings and residential facilities within the city's metropolitan landscape. Founded in 1839 and originally located in Vermont, the institution relocated to Boston in 1867 and has grown into one of the largest private research universities in the United States. The university maintains a selective admission process and is recognized for its programs in business, communications, engineering, and fine arts, with the College of Communication and School of Management being particularly notable. BU's campus stretches over 1.5 miles along Commonwealth Avenue, featuring a mix of historic brownstones and modern academic facilities, with most freshmen residing in traditional dormitories primarily located on the eastern end of campus. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Boston University Terriers, with its men's hockey program having achieved multiple national championships.

Ratings

9/10

Overall

10/10

Academics

10/10

Resources

8/10

Outcomes

10/10

Value

BU is rated within the top 18% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Getting In

Admission Standards

Elite
Boston University overview
SAT 1350/1500
ACT 31/34
GPA 3.79

Applications Accepted

14.4% 
Boston University overview
Applications Due Jan 4, 2025
Applicant Competition Very High
Application Fee $80

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$61,050
Costs for Boston University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,000
Other Fees$1,310
Room and Board $17,400
Budget for Other Expenses$2,000
Total One Year Cost$82,760

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$72,000 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

85% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by Boston University students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 21%
Social Sciences 16%
Communication 15%
Health Professions 8%
Engineering 7%

View All 89 Majors

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Students considering BU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=164988 IPEDS survey data for Boston University.

Current students may use the Boston University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024