Is Boston University the right place for you? With an average class size of 30 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, you'll find yourself in classes taught by Pulitzer Prize winners, Fulbright scholars, or a MacArthur fellow. BU offers more than 300 programs of study to choose from, so you can take classes in subjects as varied as biology, broadcast journalism, business, computer engineering, education, film, international relations, psychology, and theatre, just to name a few. If hands-on research is what interests you, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers hundreds of research opportunities across all areas of study. You'll have the rare opportunity to participate in research across the humanities, arts, and sciences as early as your first year. Add hundreds of extracurricular activities and the exciting city of Boston, and you'll never experience a dull moment as a BU student.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Associate Director of Admissions
233 Bay State Rd.
Boston, MA 02215
Experience College Life
George Sherman Student Union
Yawkey Center for Student Services
Build Lab Student Innovation Center
Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre & BU Production Center
Fitness and Recreation Center The Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground EPIC Engineering Product Innovation Center Student Village Residence Halls DeWolfe Boathouse Photonics Center Student Village Residence Halls
Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park
Charles River Esplanade
Newbury Street shopping district
Symphony Hall
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Campus Tours
9 AM-5 PM
617-353-2318
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
The Board of Admissions evaluates each prospective student holistically. The Board's main focus centers on the rigor of a student's high school record but submitting standardized test scores (SAT and ACT) remains test optional for students applying for admission through fall 2025 and spring 2026. Personal qualities and integrity, interests, teacher and counselor references, and other relevant attributes are also considered carefully. All candidates must have graduated from high school or earned an equivalency diploma to be considered. For admission to the College of Fine Arts, most students are not required to submit the SAT or ACT but must either audition or submit a portfolio (some programs also require pre-screening). A few select programs require interviews for admission. Boston University accepts either the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
Students should visit www.bu.edu/admissions for additional information. Boston University also considers students with transferable credit from other institutions for admission. Boston University considers transfer applicants for September or January admission, depending on the program of interest.
Boston University offers early decision and early decision 2 (which are binding agreements), and regular decision programs. Applicants for these programs for fall 2024 are not required to submit SAT and ACT scores. For more details, visit go.bu.edu/apply. All applications for early decision must be submitted by November 1, applications for early decision 2 and regular decision must be submitted by January 6. Applications for admission to qualify for the Presidential or Trustee Scholarships must be submitted by December 1.
Transfer students seeking January admission must submit their application forms by November 1. Those seeking September admission must submit their application forms by March 15.
Transfer students cannot be admitted to the nutrition or six-year, combined AT/DPT and DPT programs in the Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Transfer students may not apply for January admission to the School of Theatre in the College of Fine Arts. They also cannot apply as "undeclared" to any school or college.
Boston University accepts qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender to all of its activities and programs.
Testing Policies: optional
Overview
SAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Decision II — January 6
Regular — January 6
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
What does it mean to study at a world-class research university? As a university receiving more than 645.6 million in research funding in 2023 and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we expect students to formulate bold questions and seek out the answers. You don't have to be science-minded to thrive in BU's culture of inquiry—research takes place in nearly every academic discipline.
The academic flexibility offered by BU can maximize the value of your degree. Choose from more than 300 programs of study, Dual Degree programs, combined BA/MA programs, and chances to take coursework across schools and colleges. Think psychology and economics, or business and international relations.
Students complete general education requirements through the BU Hub, an innovative general education program that is integrated with majors and minors. Students take courses of interest while exploring areas ranging from global citizenship to scientific and social inquiry to ethical reasoning or digital communication. The Hub is robust in its options for experiential learning and co-curriculars, and its signature feature, the BU Cross-College Challenge, offers an opportunity to work with a team of students from across BU's schools and colleges.
BU's most ambitious and high achieving applicants can apply for admission to the Kilachand Honors College. Kilachand offers a challenging liberal arts education grounded in critical and creative thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving related to important global, societal, corporate, and geopolitical challenges. The integrated, four-year curriculum is augmented by an extensive series of enrichment experiences, including visits to cultural institutions, arts events, and discussions with leading scientists, artists, and professionals. All Kilachand students complete a substantial work of empirical or scholarly research, creativity, or invention by the close of their senior year and share the outcomes of their work in a celebratory Symposium.
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES.
Architectural History and Criticism, General.
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African-American/Black Studies.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Area Studies, Other.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
European Studies/Civilization.
Italian Studies.
Latin American Studies.
Near and Middle Eastern Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Conservation Biology.
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography.
Molecular Biology.
Neuroscience.
Physiology, General.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.
Hospitality Administration/Management, Other.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Advertising.
Communication, General.
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other.
Journalism.
Public Relations/Image Management.
Radio and Television.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer Science.
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EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Bilingual and Multilingual Education.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Education, General.
Education, Other.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Special Education and Teaching, General.
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.
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ENGINEERING.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
Computer Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Engineering Physics/Applied Physics.
Engineering, General.
Manufacturing Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature.
Chinese Language and Literature.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.
Comparative Literature.
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Korean Language and Literature.
Latin Language and Literature.
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services, Other.
Linguistics.
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.
Russian Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.
Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist.
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other.
Rehabilitation Science.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Computational Mathematics.
Mathematics, General.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Ancient Studies/Civilization.
Holocaust and Related Studies.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Nutrition Sciences.
Systems Science and Theory.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Astronomy.
Astrophysics.
Chemistry, General.
Chemistry, Other.
Physical Sciences.
Physics, General.
Theoretical and Mathematical Physics.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Youth Services/Administration.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Archeology.
Cultural Anthropology.
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Medical Anthropology.
Physical and Biological Anthropology.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, Other.
Sociology.
Urban Studies/Affairs.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Acting.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Directing and Theatrical Production.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Graphic Design.
Keyboard Instruments.
Music Performance, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Music, General.
Musicology and Ethnomusicology.
Painting.
Printmaking.
Sculpture.
Stringed Instruments.
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Students Say
Degrees
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Tuition for the 2023-24 academic year is $63,798; standard room and board is $18,110. Additional mandatory fees are $1,370. Allowances for the cost of books, supplies, travel, and other incidental expenses brings the total cost of attendance for a student to $86,363.
Financial Aid
Boston University offers expanded financial aid packages that will make up the difference between the cost of attendance and what students can afford. The total cost varies from family to family. BU will calculate your family contribution based on a student's FAFSA and CSS Profile. This will be subtracted from the full cost of attendance. The difference—your calculated need—will be made up by financial aid. The same amount is guaranteed for each of your undergraduate years through The BU Scholarship Assurance.
Dates
Required Forms
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Boston University is one of the most diverse research universities in the country. Students come from all 50 U.S. states, more than 118 countries, and a myriad of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In fact, BU ranked among the top universities hosting the most international students in the US by Open Doors.
Boston University students are extremely engaged, participating in academic clubs, cultural or religious organizations, and community service groups. There are more than 450 student organizations and more than 40 intramural and club sports that students can participate in. You can get involved with organizations such as Alianza Latina, BU Habitat for Humanity, the Debate Society, or the Alpine Ski Team. A separate student government exists at each school and college to manage student affairs, and the Student Union includes members who represent all schools and colleges within the university.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Located in the heart of Boston, students experience the city as an extension of the campus. No other city can compete with Boston's remarkable concentration of higher education institutions, world-renowned medical centers, and historic and cultural attractions. The city provides many opportunities for impressive internship and research positions and is home to world-class attractions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The nation's first transit system runs right down the spine of out 1.3-mile campus, and the Charles River flows by our side. With four years of guaranteed campus housing, and 75 percent of undergraduates living on campus all four years, the campus feels like a true residential community in the heart of Boston.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Boston University's academic, research, athletic facilities are some of the best in the country. The Center for Computing & Data Sciences provides an exceptional work space. The 19-story structure features convention-bending design inside and out that makes it an iconic presence on Central Campus. That design is state of the art in every way: striking architecture, advanced resources, environmental sensitivity, and open, flexible interior spaces. The Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC) is home to a full carpentry and machine shop, 3D printers, a metals foundry, and laboratories. The University's Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering brings together life scientists, engineers, and physicians to speed life-changing developments in the fields of human health, environment, and energy. The IDG Capital Student Innovation Center fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across the campus. Students can connect with advisers, collaborate with other students, and get help with matters from design and prototyping to legal advice and marketing. The Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre and College of Fine Arts Production Center is home to studio space for visual arts students, practice rooms for music, and a 575-seat music performance center. The Student Village provides first-rate recreation and athletics with the Fitness & Recreation Center and Agganis Arena, as well as high-rise apartments and dining. The University also offers the Yawkey Center for Student Services, which houses the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Pre-Professional Advising Offices, and two stories of dining in Marciano Commons.
Off-Campus Opportunities
The opportunities to learn outside the classroom are limitless thanks to BU's location in the heart of the city. In fact 2 out of 3 undergraduates participate in at least one internship before graduating. Students can intern with top-tier financial services, biomedical, or engineering companies. The city is also home to world-class museums and art galleries, top-ranked hospitals and health services facilities, numerous advertising and public relations firms, and more. BU's Center for Career Development works to provide students with the resources to secure internships in any number of fields.
Boston University has one of the world's most extensive study abroad programs. Among the University's 80+ programs are language and liberal arts programs; programs that combine studies with internships; fieldwork programs for students wishing to pursue academic or scientific research; and summer programs. Programs are available in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, and Turkey. There are also programs available in Los Angeles, New York, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Cooperative
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Students Say
Special Needs Admissions
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Field Hockey
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Student Services
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Navy ROTC Offered on-campus
Air Force ROTC Offered on-campus
Sustainability
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2024.
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Education & Training
Available for faculty & staff;
Available for faculty & staff;
Available for faculty & staff;