Student Body ↓

About

About Boston University

highly selective private universityhigh research activitystrong premed programstest optional

Boston University is a private research university in Boston, MA, known for its strong premed programs and test optional. With an acceptance rate of 14%, BU is highly selective, typically enrolling around 3,635 students each year. BU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1430–1510, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Students who apply Early Decision are admitted at 28%, meaningfully higher than the regular decision rate of 14%, making Early Decision a meaningful strategic consideration. BU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $51,684 per year; the sticker price of $79,606 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Boston University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

14%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1470
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1430 – 1510 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 32 – 34

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ED advantage at Boston University: ED acceptance rate is 28% vs 14% regular decision, roughly double. If Boston Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Boston University

Essay Strategy
BU asks why you want to attend their specific college or program, so name actual faculty, research labs, or BU-specific resources like the UROP or Kilachand Honors College that connect directly to your academic goals.
Application Strategy
BU admits students into specific schools and colleges like Questrom, COM, or CAS, so frame every part of your application around a clear academic direction that matches the school you are applying to rather than presenting yourself as undecided.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Boston University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$80k/yr$9.5k
30k-48k~$80k/yr$9.3k
48k-75k~$80k/yr$11.8k
75k-110k~$80k/yr$22.5k
110k+~$80k/yr$47.5k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

90%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$66k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
22,953
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

32%White
21%International
21%Asian
12%Hispanic
6%Black / African American
5%Two or More Races
4%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender42% Men · 58% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status79% Citizens and Immigrants · 21% International
BU, Boston Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch