Boston University is a private university in Boston, MA with 45,548 students. Its 10.8% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Business/Marketing, and Communication. Graduates earn a median of $83,238 ten years after enrollment.
With an acceptance rate of 10.8%, Boston University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
Your Profile
Boston University Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
Boston University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Boston University. Families earning $30-48k pay around $9,342 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $47,504. 18% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Boston University enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $23,250, which is reasonable against the $65,655 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$9,500
$38,000
$30-48k
$9,342
$37,368
$48-75k
$11,778
$47,112
$75-110k
$22,517
$90,068
$110k+
$47,504
$190,016
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$18,110
Total Cost of Attendance
$86,285
Popular Majors at Boston University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Social Sciences
15.8%
Business/Marketing
15.5%
Communication
13.3%
Biological Sciences
11.3%
Engineering
8.3%
Computer Science
6.4%
Psychology
6.3%
Health Professions
5.1%
Visual/Performing Arts
3.6%
Mathematics/Statistics
3.3%
Multidisciplinary
2.5%
Student Demographics
White
31.8%
Black/African American
4.6%
Hispanic/Latino
10.5%
Asian
18.0%
International
22.3%
How to Get Into Boston University
Boston University is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1460+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Boston University wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
1460
Target SAT Score
33
Target ACT Score
10.8%
Acceptance Rate
80,495
Total Applicants
What Boston University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Considered
Application Essay
Very Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Boston University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Boston University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Decision
Nov 1
Early Decision II
Jan 4
Regular Decision
Jan 4
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 15
Early Decision: Boston University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Boston University is your clear first choice.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
18.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$23,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$65,655
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston University
What is Boston University's acceptance rate?
Boston University has an acceptance rate of 10.8%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Boston University?
The middle 50% SAT range at Boston University is 1400-1520. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 32-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Boston University?
The most popular majors at Boston University by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (15.8%), Business/Marketing (15.5%), Communication (13.3%), Biological Sciences (11.3%), Engineering (8.3%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Boston University graduates earn?
Boston University graduates earn a median salary of $83,238 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Boston University worth the cost?
With median earnings of $83,238 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $23,250, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Boston University a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
Can I transfer to Boston University?
Boston University accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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