About Boston University
Boston University attracts 17,850 students to its urban campus, where research opportunities blend with professional preparation. The university built its reputation on communications, business, and medical programs that leverage Boston's media and healthcare industries. Notable graduates include civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and radio personality Howard Stern. With a 14.37% acceptance rate, BU competes for top students who score around 1425 on the SAT. The school operates as a major research institution where undergraduates can access graduate-level resources.
Students pay an average net price of $26,996 after financial aid, despite the $65,168 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $83,238 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable for most careers. Only 17.97% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting a relatively affluent student body. The monthly loan payment of $246 represents a reasonable investment given earning potential.
The student body draws heavily from out of state, with only 15.48% of students from Massachusetts. Women outnumber men 58% to 42%. BU fields 19 varsity sports as a Division I program, and the Terriers compete in hockey-crazy Boston where college athletics matter. The 94.51% retention rate indicates students generally find what they expected.
Students pay an average net price of $26,996 after financial aid, despite the $65,168 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $83,238 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable for most careers. Only 17.97% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting a relatively affluent student body. The monthly loan payment of $246 represents a reasonable investment given earning potential.
The student body draws heavily from out of state, with only 15.48% of students from Massachusetts. Women outnumber men 58% to 42%. BU fields 19 varsity sports as a Division I program, and the Terriers compete in hockey-crazy Boston where college athletics matter. The 94.51% retention rate indicates students generally find what they expected.
Academics & Faculty
Boston University operates as a major research university with particularly strong programs in communications, business, and medicine. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors despite the school's research focus. Students benefit from BU's reputation in journalism and media, with the College of Communication drawing aspiring broadcasters and reporters to Boston's media market. The School of Management attracts business students seeking internships in the city's financial sector. With an 89.46% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their degrees on schedule. The university's medical and dental programs consistently rank among the nation's top professional schools, preparing students for competitive healthcare careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 89.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 90.0%
- Retention Rate
- 94.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $83,238
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $190,536 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $125,611 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $110,878 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $106,688 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $106,421 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $106,421 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $102,306 |
| Insurance. | Master | $97,959 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Master | $97,071 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $96,829 |
Campus Life
Boston University sits directly in the heart of Massachusetts' capital, giving students immediate access to internships, nightlife, and cultural attractions without needing transportation. The campus spans both sides of Commonwealth Avenue, creating an urban environment where academic buildings blend seamlessly with city blocks. Winter temperatures regularly drop into the 20s, making heavy coats essential for the long walks between classes along the Charles River.
With housing capacity for 11,767 students and total enrollment of 17,850, about two-thirds of undergraduates live on campus in high-rise residence halls. The 58.29% female student body creates a active social scene centered around Fenway Park, North End restaurants, and weekend trips to nearby Cambridge. Students often gather at the George Sherman Union or head to nearby Newbury Street for shopping and dining. The Terriers' 19 varsity sports teams compete in NCAA Division I, with hockey games at Agganis Arena drawing particularly passionate crowds. The semester calendar system allows for traditional college rhythms despite the urban setting.
With housing capacity for 11,767 students and total enrollment of 17,850, about two-thirds of undergraduates live on campus in high-rise residence halls. The 58.29% female student body creates a active social scene centered around Fenway Park, North End restaurants, and weekend trips to nearby Cambridge. Students often gather at the George Sherman Union or head to nearby Newbury Street for shopping and dining. The Terriers' 19 varsity sports teams compete in NCAA Division I, with hockey games at Agganis Arena drawing particularly passionate crowds. The semester calendar system allows for traditional college rhythms despite the urban setting.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 11,767 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1869
Campus Safety (2023)
131 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 34 | 8 | 0 | 10 |
| Aggravated Assault | 17 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Burglary | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–37°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.2"
Student Demographics
Boston University draws ambitious students from across the country, with 85% coming from outside Massachusetts. The student body reflects the school's strength in diverse fields, from communications to pre-med, with women comprising 58% of enrollment. Students typically score around 1425 on the SAT and come from families earning above $110,000 annually. Only 18% receive Pell Grants, indicating a predominantly affluent student population. The mix of 33% white, 20% Asian, and growing Hispanic and Black populations creates a cosmopolitan environment that mirrors Boston's international character and the university's research mission.
- Men
- 41.7%
- Women
- 58.3%
- White
- 32.9%
- Black
- 6.0%
- Hispanic
- 11.3%
- Asian
- 19.9%
- In-State Students
- 15.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.0%
Location
Boston University sits in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, one of America's most historic college cities. The campus stretches along Commonwealth Avenue in the bustling Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods, putting students directly in a major metropolitan area of 685,000 people. Boston's dense concentration of universities creates an unmatched college atmosphere where BU students share the city with peers from Harvard, MIT, Northeastern, and dozens of other institutions. The Charles River runs alongside campus, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. Students can walk to Fenway Park, explore the Freedom Trail, or take the Green Line anywhere in the city. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Boston University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Boston, Massachusetts 02215
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $83,238
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $77,307
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $52,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Boston University?
Boston University accepts 14.37% of applicants, making it highly competitive. Admitted students typically score between 1350-1500 on the SAT, reflecting the university's reputation as a top-tier research institution in downtown Boston.
How much does Boston University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Boston University is $26,996, lower than the $84,278 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $11,453, while the university provides substantial institutional grants averaging $51,565.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Boston University?
Boston University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio across its 17,850 undergraduate students. The university is known for its strong research programs and world-well-known schools of communications, business, and medicine.
What do Boston University graduates earn after graduation?
Boston University graduates earn a median salary of $83,238 ten years after graduation. The employment rate stands at 94.4%, reflecting the university's strong alumni network and reputation among employers in major metropolitan areas.
Where do Boston University students live on campus?
Boston University houses 11,767 students in residence halls throughout its urban campus along the Charles River. The 94.51% retention rate suggests students appreciate both the active city setting and the tight-knit community within this large research university.
Does Boston University have a diverse student body?
Boston University enrolls students from across the country, with only 15.48% coming from Massachusetts. The student body is 32.85% white, 19.88% Asian, 11.31% Hispanic, and 5.96% Black, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere that reflects the international city of Boston.
