Boston University
About Boston University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Boston University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the largest private universities in the country and offers strong programs in communications, engineering, business, and health sciences. The campus stretches along Commonwealth Avenue near the Charles River.
Founded
1839
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Students
37,180
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
11.1%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
88.7%
Above national average
Tuition
$68,102
Per year
Avg Net Price
$24,402
After financial aid
SAT Average
1480
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$83,238
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 9 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$80
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 5
Boston University admits about 11.1% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1480. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1480/ 1600
ACT Scores
33/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
88.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
94.7%
4-Year Grad
84%
6-Year Grad
89%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
69.9%
$/Student
$36.0K
Class Size
Medium
84% graduate in 4 years, and 94.7% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$68,102
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,020
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$86,285
After Financial Aid
$24,402
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,500
Receive Grants
19.2%
Take Loans
22.9%
Don't let the $68,102 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $24,402 after financial aid, a 64% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $9,500.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Boston University fund their education.
While in School
19.2%
Get Grants
Free money
22.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$81,244
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$246/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 22.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,250. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Boston University.
Gender
58.1%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
18,248
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
18,932
Graduates
16.9%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
2.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 16.9% are first-generation college students. 21.2% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
18,248
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Charles River campus in the heart of Boston
- +Easy access to the entire city via the T
- +Incredible internship opportunities across industries
- +Diverse, international student body
Cons
- -No central campus quad, spread along Comm Ave
- -Boston cost of living is very high
- -Large student body can feel impersonal
- -Winter weather is harsh and windy
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Boston University fields 11 varsity teams with 725 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Patriot League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
725
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
42% / 58%
306
Men
419
Women
8
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Boston Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$83,238
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$72K
672 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$56K
307 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$90K
305 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$39K
305 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
—
297 grads
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
$37K
195 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $66K six years out, climb to $63K by year eight, and reach $83K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Boston University
What is the acceptance rate at Boston University?▾
How much does Boston University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Boston University?▾
How much do Boston University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.