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Colleges / Boston University

Boston University

Boston, MA 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate14%
Acceptance Rate14%

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.

Admissions

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Boston University Community Forums

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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

One Silber Way Boston, MA 2215

Campus Setting: Urban

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.

Learn More

BU SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1370 - 1480

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Math SAT Range

690 - 770

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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

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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 Time

4%

Part Time

27%

In State

73%

Out-of-State

Data 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
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