ic S/general/checkmark circled Thanks for subscribing! Be on the lookout for our next newsletter.
ic S/general/checkmark circled
Saved to My Favorites. View My Favorites
Colleges / Boston University

Boston University

Boston, MA 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate19%
Acceptance Rate19%

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.

Boston University is a private, nonprofit college in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. BU was founded in 1839. The college currently enrolls around 36,104 students a year, including 18,229 undergrads.

BU Acceptance Rate

It is very difficult to get into BU. BU admitted 19% of all applicants in 2022. Out of 75,778 applications received in 2022, 14,129 students were offered admission.

Boston University Admissions Facts At-A-Glance
Overall Acceptance Rate 19%
Early Decision Acceptance Rate 33%
Early Action Acceptance Rate EA not offered
Average GPA 3.8
Test Optional Yes
Applicants Submitting SAT scores 32%

To learn more about Boston University, choose from the options below:

Admissions

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

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.

Considering Schools 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 in the city of Boston.

If you are interested in seeing 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 02215

Campus Setting: Urban

BU Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Jan 4

Transfer Applications are Due

Mar 1

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to BU is Jan 4.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to BU is Mar 1.

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 ACT Scores

ic_reflect

ACT Range

31 - 34

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

ACT Score

Estimated Chance

34 and Above

Good

31 to 34

Avg

31 and Less

Low

Stand out on your college application

  • • Qualify for scholarships
  • • Most students who retest improve their score
Sponsored by ACT
Take the Next ACT Test

ACT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median ACT score of an admitted student to BU is 32. Students with an ACT score of 34 and above have a good chance of getting into BU. Students with an ACT score that falls between 31 and 34 have an average chance of getting admitted, and students with an ACT score of 31 or below have a low chance of being offered admission.

BU SAT Scores

ic_reflect

Composite SAT Range

1390 - 1490

ic_reflect

Math SAT Range

700 - 780

ic_reflect

Reading SAT Range

660 - 740

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1490 and Above

Good

1390 to 1490

Avg

1390 and Less

Low

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for BU students is 1434. Applicants with SAT scores of 1490 and above have a good chance of being admitted to BU, while applicants with SAT scores between 1390 to 1490 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1390 have a low chance of being offered a spot at BU.

BU Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

$80,760

In State

$80,760

Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$61,050
$61,050
Fees
$1,310
$1,310
Housing
$17,400
$17,400
Books
$1,000
$1,000

Student Life

Wondering what life at BU is like? There are approximately 36,104 students enrolled at BU, including 18,229 undergraduate students and 17,875 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

36,104

Campus Setting

Urban

Acceptance Rate

19%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$62,360

Out-of-State

$62,360

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Jan 4
Do You Work at a University?

Claim your page to customize your profile and connect with students!

Claim Free Account
F43DB07C-E631-43A5-9C99-000231808F35
Scholarship Tips

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!

Find Scholarships
ECE68226-946A-49FB-9EBE-25C918B98643
Need Advice or Have a Question About BU?

Connect with the world's largest college forum for candid, authentic discussion.

Join the Conversation