Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Online | bu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Boston University (BU), a private research university founded in 1839, is nestled in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, offering a distinctly urban experience for its students. The campus stretches along the scenic Charles River, characterized by a combination of contemporary and historical architecture that reflects its progressive yet rich heritage. BU boasts a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with the Questrom School of Business, College of Communication, and College of Engineering being particularly prominent. The university also offers robust programs in international relations and medicine, backed by extensive research facilities. It has a highly competitive admissions process, seeking students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. On-campus housing is available, providing a variety of living options for undergraduates and graduates alike. While BU is not primarily known for athletic dominance, its Division I sports teams, known as the Terriers, have garnered recognition in sports such as hockey.
In the most recent statistical year 80,796 prospective students applied, and 11,607 were granted admission. Of those admitted 3,635 enrolled in the school. 29,251 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 7,463 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $61,050 plus fees of $1,310. BU is ranked 79 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
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
Rankings
Rankings for Boston University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#79 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#72 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Massachusetts
#9 in Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts
#55 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1350/1500 |
| ACT | 31/34 |
| GPA | 3.79 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 4, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $80 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| 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 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 21% |
| Social Sciences | 16% |
| Communication | 15% |
| Health Professions | 8% |
| Engineering | 7% |
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Students considering BU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Boston University.
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