Boston, MA · Private · 18,248 undergraduates · urban
Boston University
Highly selective
Boston University is a large urban university held together by the BU Hub: a university-wide general-education system that lets students satisfy common requirements through courses across different undergraduate schools. It is breadth with connective tissue, not simply a long list of majors.
Institutional profile
Highly regarded Strong in academic standing, and strong in career outcomes.- Admission
- 10.9% admitted
- Price by income
- Varies across five income ranges
- Completion
- 87.4%
80,495 applicants in the reported year
Compare recent average annual costs by household income
$83,238 median earnings 10 years after enrollment
What sets Boston University apart
The BU Hub
All undergraduate schools participate in the BU Hub. Students complete 26 requirements, usually across 10–12 courses that may also count toward a major or minor.
An urban campus across Boston
First-years generally live on campus, and eligible students can secure four years of university housing across traditional residences, brownstones, high-rises, and apartments.
Four-year housing access
The Charles River Campus runs through central Boston neighborhoods rather than operating as a sealed residential enclave.
The BU connector
One general-education system across many schools
The Hub gives students a shared framework while allowing professional and liberal-arts paths to mix.
Meet Hub requirements
Broad skills and perspectives remain part of every undergraduate path.
Use multiple schools
Courses may overlap with major and minor requirements.
Apply learning in Boston
The urban setting widens work, culture, and community options.
Can I get in?
10.9% admitted
The application should pair a clear academic direction with a reason to use cross-school academic flexibility in an urban university.
Recent applicant pool
80,495About 11 in every 100 applicants were admitted.
Academic range
Of admitted students, 28% submitted an SAT, and 10% submitted an ACT. Because ACT scores came from few admitted students, the range describes that self-selected group rather than the full class.
In the season card
Where your GPA sits in the entering class
The full entering-class GPA distribution for Boston University, in nine bands from 4.0 down, with your own record marked on it.
See where I landIn the season card
What Boston University weighs when it reads a file
See how this college describes the role of grades, testing, essays, recommendations, activities, and demonstrated interest.
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Extracurriculars
- Demonstrated interest
What moves the application
The evidence that separates a strong file
Show preparation for this curriculum
All undergraduate schools participate in the BU Hub. Students complete 26 requirements, usually across 10–12 courses that may also count toward a major or minor.
Make the institutional fit specific
The application should pair a clear academic direction with a reason to use cross-school academic flexibility in an urban university.
Use the application route carefully
Boston University remains test-optional for first-year applicants through fall 2028 and spring 2029.
Give commitments a clear through-line
Activities and recommendations should show sustained contribution, not a collection of disconnected credentials.
How to apply
Rounds, route, and required materials
Boston University remains test-optional for first-year applicants through fall 2028 and spring 2029.
Fee waiver: accepted
Major and program admission
Some fields have their own entry path.
The college admit rate above covers the university as a whole. These requirements apply only to the named program.
Performing and visual artsAdmits separately
What this program asks for, and when it closes.
BusinessAdmits separately
What this program asks for, and when it closes.
EngineeringAdmits separately
What this program asks for, and when it closes.
Hospitality and hotel managementAdmits separately
What this program asks for, and when it closes.
Can I afford it?
Compare annual cost by household income.
Start with the average net price for your income range, then set that estimate beside your other realistic options.
College funding
Scholarships and financial aid
Review available aid, application requirements, and renewal terms.
Boston University publishes one merit award.
Open across the university · Merit
In the season card
This award, by name
What each one is called, what it pays, the grades and scores it asks for, and what to send.
- The name of each award
- What it pays
- The grades and scores it asks for
- How to be considered
- What to send, and where
In the season card
Average annual cost by household income at Boston University
Compare recent average net prices across five federal income ranges and estimate a 4-year cost for yours.
- $0–30k
- $30–48k
- $48–75k
- $75–110k
- $110k+
Is it worth it?
Completion, debt, and earnings
Read the outcomes panel alongside the charles river campus runs through central boston neighborhoods rather than operating as a sealed residential enclave. Completion, borrowing, and field mix matter more than one university-wide earnings figure.
Degree completion across the reported entering cohort
First-year students who return for year two
And what that comes to against what they earn.
Reported 10 years after enrollment
Academic portfolio
Largest bachelor’s fields
How many students finish in each field, and median earnings four years after completing the program.
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Admits separately
Economics
Computer Science
Admits separately
Psychology, General
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Admits separately
What is campus life like?
Boston University beyond the classroom
The Charles River Campus runs through central Boston neighborhoods rather than operating as a sealed residential enclave.
The BU Hub
All undergraduate schools participate in the BU Hub. Students complete 26 requirements, usually across 10–12 courses that may also count toward a major or minor.
The residential structure matters
First-years generally live on campus, and eligible students can secure four years of university housing across traditional residences, brownstones, high-rises, and apartments.
Dining follows the residential map
Campus dining is part of the daily social pattern; compare the meal-plan structure and nearby options against the routine you expect.
An urban campus across Boston
The Charles River Campus runs through central Boston neighborhoods rather than operating as a sealed residential enclave.
Use the institution beyond class
Student organizations, faculty programs, research, service, and campus events are most useful when they reinforce a clear academic or personal direction.
Four-year housing access
The strongest social fit comes from understanding how housing, traditions, organizations, and the surrounding setting shape an ordinary week.