Quick Facts |
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One of the major universities in the country |
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Location |
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Boston, MA |
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Degrees |
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Certificates, Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate |
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Popular Majors |
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Business, Communications, Education, Engineering, Health Care, Dentistry, Law, Medical, Science |
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Total Students |
Undergrad Students |
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37,000 |
17,926 |
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Tuition |
Room and Board |
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$68,102 (Undergrad) |
$19,970 |
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Selectivity |
Average Net Price * |
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$27,829 |
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Distance from Boston |
School Website |
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* Average Net Price is is the actual average cost to students for attending the college. This is calculated by adding the cost of attendance (tuition, fees and room and board where applicable) and subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship. |
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Boston University is one of the largest universities in the country. It offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral, medical, and dental degrees through 18 schools and colleges on two urban campuses. The size of the school and its strong research mission provide students with an abundance of options for study and growth. The university offers over 250 programs, and the most popular are business, communications, education, engineering, social sciences, health professions, law, and science. U.S. News & World Report ranks their undergraduate program 40th among national universities and 46th among global universities.
The core of BU education is its two-year College of General Studies, where students are taught a core curriculum of the liberal arts: natural science, social science, humanities, and rhetoric. From this strong foundation, students then choose their specific fields and degrees.
Students benefit from direct instruction by professors who are actively engaged in original research and scholarship, as well as from the university's combination of a strong liberal arts foundation and exceptional professional programs. Many students work closely with faculty mentors on research projects.
Boston University’s highly ranked graduate schools include the School of Law, School of Management, School of Medicine, College of Engineering, and School of Education. BU’s School of Medicine is the nation’s first combined cancer research and teaching laboratory.
Boston University's NCAA Division I Terriers compete in over 20 sports for men and women, including basketball, cross country, golf, ice hockey, rowing, soccer, swimming, tennis, track, lacrosse, and wrestling. The school recognizes 36 club sports, including synchronized skating, baseball, inline hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, and football. In men's hockey, Boston University has won many national championships.
The BU main campus is located in the Fenway-Kenmore, Allston, and Brookline areas, with many cultural and entertainment options at its doorstep. The Green Line trolley stops at the university, offering a short ride into the city.
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Boston University offers a dynamic academic environment with over 300 programs across 10 undergraduate and 17 graduate schools, serving over 37,000 students. Renowned for its R1 research status and $1 billion+ in research funding, BU excels in business, engineering, health sciences, and communications. The Questrom School of Business stands out, with its BS in Business Administration and MBA programs. Programs emphasize interdisciplinary learning, real-world projects, and global opportunities, with study abroad in 80+ locations. The College of Engineering and College of Communication draw students for cutting-edge research and media training, while the College of Arts & Sciences offers flexible liberal arts majors. BU’s urban Boston location enhances internships and industry ties, particularly in tech, finance, and healthcare.
Admission to Boston University (BU) is highly competitive, attracting talented students from around the world. For Fall 2024, BU received over 78,000 applications and admitted roughly 11%, reflecting its selective standards. Applicants can apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application, with Early Decision I and II options for those who consider BU their top choice. The university is test-optional through Fall 2028, focusing instead on academic rigor, essays, and extracurricular involvement. Successful applicants typically present strong grades (average GPA around 3.8–3.9) and demonstrate leadership, curiosity, and community impact. BU values students who will contribute to its diverse, globally minded community, offering merit-based scholarships such as the full-tuition Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship worth about $20,000 per year.
Boston University graduates have strong career prospects. About 94% of undergraduates secure jobs or enter graduate school within six months (2023), while Questrom undergraduates achieve a 96.7% employment rate (2024) in fields like consulting (including MBB), tech (e.g., Google), finance, and healthcare. MBA graduates see roughly 95% employment within three months, with median salaries of $120,000–$130,000 (Financial Times 2025). Career support comes from the Feld Center, BU’s Career Development office, and a global alumni network of over 300,000, including 50,000 Questrom graduates. Boston’s prime location offers access to major employers like Fidelity and Mass General, though students succeed most by actively networking, especially for top-tier or non-regional roles.
Boston University’s main campus stretches along the Charles River in the heart of Boston, blending an urban setting with a traditional collegiate atmosphere. The Charles River Campus spans about 1.3 miles, running parallel to Commonwealth Avenue, and houses most of BU’s academic buildings, student residences, and recreational facilities. Students enjoy easy access to the city’s public transportation system, with the Green Line running directly through campus, connecting them to downtown Boston, Fenway, and Cambridge. The campus features modern facilities like the Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering, the Questrom School of Business, and the FitRec Center, alongside scenic spots like the BU Beach and the Esplanade. This central location gives students a true city-living experience while maintaining a strong sense of campus community.
Graduate Schools
Boston University offers approximately 400 graduate programs across 17 schools, serving around 18,324 graduate students (Fall 2024, preliminary). With an R1 research designation and over $1 billion in annual research funding, BU’s graduate education emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, professional training, and strong ties to Boston’s urban ecosystem for industry and innovation. Below is a concise overview of BU’s major graduate schools, highlighting programs and academic strengths.
Boston University Graduate Schools Overview
| School | Key Programs | Focus & Strengths |
| Questrom School of Business | MBA (Full-Time, Part-Time, Online), MS in Business Analytics, Mathematical Finance | Focuses on health sector management, social impact, and digital technology; leverages Boston’s finance and tech hubs. Read more... |
| Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine | MD, MD/PhD, MS in Biomedical Sciences | Emphasizes neuroscience, health equity, and clinical training at Boston Medical Center. |
| School of Dental Medicine | DMD, MS in Orthodontics, Periodontology | Offers advanced clinical training and international outreach initiatives. |
| School of Public Health | MPH, DrPH, MS in Epidemiology, Global Health | Centers on urban health and global partnerships through Boston’s healthcare ecosystem. |
| College of Engineering | MS/PhD in Biomedical, Electrical, Systems Engineering | Specializes in AI, robotics, and sustainable energy innovation. |
| Wheelock College of Education & Human Development | EdM, EdD in Counseling, Special Education | Focuses on urban education, equity, and child advocacy programs. |
| School of Law | JD, LLM in Health Law, Intellectual Property Law | Features experiential learning through clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. |
| Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | MA/PhD in Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences | Promotes interdisciplinary research and globally recognized faculty expertise. |
| College of Fine Arts | MM, MFA in Music, Theatre, Visual Arts | Provides exceptional performance and exhibition opportunities across BU venues. |
| College of Communication | MS in Journalism, Film, Emerging Media | Hands-on experience through media labs, newsroom work, and film production training. |
| Pardee School of Global Studies | MA/PhD in International Relations, Diplomacy | Global immersions, policy research, and interdisciplinary collaboration with law and business schools. |
| School of Social Work | MSW, PhD in Clinical Practice, Policy | Emphasizes trauma-informed care, social justice, and extensive fieldwork experience. |
| Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences | MS/DPT in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy | Focuses on clinical practice, rehabilitation research, and international site access. |
| School of Theology | MDiv, ThD in Ministry, Ethics | Ecumenical and interfaith education with urban ministry projects. |
| School of Hospitality Administration | MS in Hospitality Management | Covers sustainable tourism and operations; partnerships with major hospitality organizations. |
| Metropolitan College | Online/Hybrid MS in Cybersecurity, Analytics | Designed for working professionals seeking flexible, industry-relevant training. |
| Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences | MS/PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science | Emerging leader in ethical computing and interdisciplinary data-driven research. |
International Students
Boston University hosts one of the largest international student communities in the U.S., with about 7,000–10,000 students from over 140 countries, making up roughly 20–27% of its total student body of 37,500. Represented nations include China, India, Canada, Norway, and Italy. BU consistently ranks among the top universities for international enrollment and fosters a global campus culture through events, organizations, and programs that celebrate diversity.
Admissions
International applicants apply via the Common or Coalition Application with a $95 fee (waivers available). Required materials include academic records, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo 120+), and a passport copy. SAT/ACT scores are optional through Fall 2028, and interviews via InitialView or Vericant are encouraged. Competitive applicants typically hold a GPA of 3.0+ (average 3.8). The international undergraduate acceptance rate is around 11%, so applying early is recommended.
Support Services
BU’s International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) provides visa and immigration advising, orientation, and social programming such as the International Student Reception. The Center for English Language & Orientation Programs (CELOP) offers English preparation and cultural adjustment courses. International students also benefit from academic advising, wellness resources, and student associations such as the Indian Student Association and the Global House Living-Learning Community.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
BU offers limited financial aid to international students, focusing primarily on merit-based awards:
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Trustee Scholarship: Full tuition for exceptional applicants.
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Presidential Scholarship: About $25,000 per year.
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Alumni & Friends Scholarships: $10,000 to full tuition
Graduate programs may provide fellowships or assistantships. Students must show proof of financial support for visa processing.
Student Life and Opportunities
International students thrive on BU’s vibrant Charles River Campus, home to 450+ clubs, 180+ study abroad options, and extensive research facilities. Popular majors include Business, Economics, and Engineering. BU’s location in Boston—a hub for tech, finance, and healthcare—creates strong internship and networking opportunities. While adjusting to visa requirements (OPT/CPT) and high living costs can be challenging, BU’s global alumni network of 300,000+ and strong career services help students succeed during and after their studies.
