Boston University

9/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Boston, MA
3.4 11 reviews

#9 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

37,737

Location Boston, Massachusetts
Website bu.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large City

Best Colleges Rank

#73

Size Large
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

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.

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Ratings

BU is rated within the top 16% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10.

Overall Rating

9 out of 10
Academics

10 out of 10
Resources

10 out of 10
Outcomes

8 out of 10
Value

10 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Boston University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#73
Best Private Colleges in the U.S.

#67
Best Colleges in Massachusetts

#9
Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

#9
Best Value Colleges in the U.S.

#43
Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts

#6

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Elite

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1420/1530
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 32/34
GPA 3.79

Acceptance Rate

11.1%

Applications Due Jan 4, 2027
Enrollment Rate 37.4%
Application Fee $80

Applicant Competition Very High

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$68,102

Costs for Boston University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$68,102
Books and Supplies		$1,000
Other Fees		$1,432
Room and Board		$19,020
Budget for Other Expenses		$2,085
Total One Year Cost		$91,639

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$72,000 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

85% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Boston University are Business, Social Sciences, and Communication. 21% of students major in Business, 16% in Social Sciences, and 15% in Communication.