Boston University campus
Boston University logo

Boston University

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Large
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 11,356
Student to faculty ratio 11 to 1
Acceptance rate 19%
Students retention rate 94%
On-time graduation rate 89%

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, BU is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate at BU is 19%, indicating that the institution is quite selective in its admissions process. This can be seen as a positive aspect for those seeking a competitive and academically rigorous environment.

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1, BU emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

BU boasts an impressive student retention rate of 94% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 76% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

18.6%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$59,816

Cost of attendance at Boston University in 2022 for students from Massachusetts.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Massachusetts's average $12,584
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$59,816

Cost of attendance at Boston University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Massachusetts's average $24,972
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 53 of freshman students at Boston University received on average $50,486 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$50,486
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 577 20% $5,101 $2,943,354
Other Federal Grant 585 20% $7,411 $4,335,718
State Grant/Scholarships 109 4% $3,410 $371,680
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 1,541 53% $47,824 $73,696,886
Total Grant & Scholarships 1,553 53% $50,486 $78,404,284

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Boston University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Boston University students is 89.4%. Female students graduated at a rate of 90.2%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 87.9%.

89.4%

  • asian 94.1% 465 students
  • African American 83.2% 114 students
  • white 88.1% 1,243 students
  • unknown 83.6% 117 students
  • hawaiian 87.5% 7 students
  • hispanic 87.6% 390 students
  • International Students 91.1% 769 students
  • Mixed Race 91.9% 113 students

Sport Conferences

  • Basketball Patriot League
  • Track and Cross Country Patriot League

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Boston University provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Boston University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Weekend/evening classes
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Navy
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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