Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Online | bu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Boston University occupies an urban campus along the Charles River in Boston's Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, integrating academic buildings and residential facilities within the city's metropolitan landscape. Founded in 1839 and originally located in Vermont, the institution relocated to Boston in 1867 and has grown into one of the largest private research universities in the United States. The university maintains a selective admission process and is recognized for its programs in business, communications, engineering, and fine arts, with the College of Communication and School of Management being particularly notable. BU's campus stretches over 1.5 miles along Commonwealth Avenue, featuring a mix of historic brownstones and modern academic facilities, with most freshmen residing in traditional dormitories primarily located on the eastern end of campus. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Boston University Terriers, with its men's hockey program having achieved multiple national championships.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
BU is rated within the top 16% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Boston University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#77 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#70 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Massachusetts
#9 in Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts
#56 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#7 in Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1400/1520 |
| ACT | 32/34 |
| GPA | 3.79 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 4, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $80 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $1,370 |
| Room and Board | $18,110 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,085 |
| Total One Year Cost | $86,363 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 21% |
| Social Sciences | 16% |
| Communication | 15% |
| Health Professions | 8% |
| Engineering | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering BU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=164988 IPEDS survey data for Boston University.
Current students may use the Boston University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025