Boston,
MA
Find Scholarships That Fit You
Want funding for college that doesn't need to be paid back? Explore College Confidential's new scholarship tool and search for scholarships that are tailored to you.
Saved to My Favorites.
View My Favorites
Media (6)
About BU
A BU education: world-class, well-rounded.
Study with leading experts. Choose from a plethora of top-ranked programs. Learn next to standout students every day. Live in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Whatever you're seeking from your college experience, you'll find it at BU.
Why we love Boston
With the city literally right outside your dorm room, we can promise you one thing about your BU experience—you'll never be bored.
◦ It’s a college town. Boston embraces more than 250,000 students as an essential part of what makes this city so special.
◦ Access to internships and career opportunities. Healthcare, the arts, finance, engineering, public relations…Boston has it all.
◦ The Boston Public Library. Fenway Park. The Institute of Contemporary Art. The Freedom Trail. Boston is home to many historic sites and cultural opportunities—and you can get into many museums for free with your BU student ID.
◦ The magic of the first snowfall of the season (and if you're lucky, a snow day)!
Check out My Own Boston
Take BU's Virtual Tour
Chat with BU Students
Getting Around Campus
Curious about what life at BU is like?
Hear from a current BU student describe how easy it is to get around the campus of Boston University,and the city of Boston as a whole. Watch our video and follow us on Instagram to check out our #TerrierTakeover highlights where current BU students sharemore about life on campus.
BU Facts
Boston University is a private, nonprofit university in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. BU was founded in 1839. The university enrolls around 36,714 students a year, including 18,463 undergrad students.
BU Acceptance Rate
It is very difficult to get into BU. In 2022, BU accepted 14% of applicants. In 2022, 11,607 out of 80,796 total applicants were accepted.
| Boston University Admissions Facts At-A-Glance | |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | 14% |
| Early Decision Acceptance Rate | 25% |
| Early Action Acceptance Rate | EA not offered |
| Average GPA | 3.9 |
| Test Optional | Yes |
| Applicants Submitting SAT scores | 23% |
Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.
Boston University Community Forums
Save BU To Your College List
Click the heart icon in the top left to save BU to the list of schools you're interested in applying to.
Looking For Colleges in Massachusetts?
See a full list of colleges in Massachusetts and save your favorites to your college list.
Visit Boston University
Boston University is located Boston.
If you would like to see BU for yourself, be sure to plan a visit! The best way to reach campus is to take Massachusetts Turnpike to Boston, or book a flight to the nearest airport, Logan International.
You can also take a virtual campus tour to get a sense of what Boston University and Boston are like without leaving home.
College Info
BU Application Deadline
First-Year Applications are Due
Jan 4
Transfer Applications are Due
Mar 15
The deadline for Fall first-year applications to BU is Jan 4.
The deadline for Fall transfer applications to BU is Mar 15.
Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs
Boston University is a member of the Coalition for College.
More than an application, the Coalition provides free tools and resources to help students through the college admissions process, beginning as early as 9th grade.
BU SAT Scores
Composite SAT Range
1370 - 1480
Math SAT Range
690 - 770
Reading SAT Range
660 - 730
Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
SAT Score
Estimated Chance
1480 and Above
Good
1370 to 1480
Avg
1370 and Less
Low
SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted
The median SAT score for BU students is 1418. Applicants with SAT scores of 1480 and above have a good chance of being admitted to BU, while applicants with SAT scores between 1370 to 1480 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1370 have a low chance of being offered a spot at BU.
BU Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees
$83,278
In State$83,278
Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$63,798
$63,798
Fees
$1,370
$1,370
Housing
$18,110
$18,110
Books
Unknown
Unknown
Student Life
Wondering what life at BU is like? There are approximately 36,714 students enrolled at BU, including 18,463 undergraduate students and 18,251 graduate students. 96% percent of students attend school full-time, 27% percent are from MA and 73% percent of students are from other states.
96%
Full Time4%
Part Time27%
In State73%
Out-of-StateData Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved
Quick Facts
Total Enrollment
36,714
Campus Setting
Urban
Acceptance Rate
14%
Tuition and Fees
In State
$65,168
Out-of-State
$65,168
Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline
Jan 4
Find Your Scholarship
Want to find money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back? Access insights and advice on how to search and apply for scholarships!
Do You Work at a University?
Claim your page to customize your profile and connect with students!
Need Advice or Have a Question About BU?
Connect with the world's largest college forum for candid, authentic discussion.