CAMPUS · BOSTON, MA · PRIVATE

Boston University

10.8%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

REACH

Boston University is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

10.8%

of 80,495 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$83,238

across all majors

Boston University at a Glance

10.8%

Acceptance Rate

1460

Average SAT

Average ACT

45,548

Total Enrollment

$83,238

Median Salary (10yr)

$23,250

Median Debt

18.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Boston University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	680	740	710
SAT Math	720	780	750
SAT Total	1400	1520	1460
ACT Composite	32	34	33

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	80,495
Students Admitted	8,733
Students Enrolled	3,145
Yield Rate	36.0%

Boston University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#43	2025
QS World University Rankings	#80	2025

Boston University Overview

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.

Full Name	Boston University
Location	Boston, MA 02215
Type	Private
Website	bu.edu/
Total Enrollment	45,548
Undergrad Enrollment	22,942
Female Students	58.3%

How Much Do APs Matter at Boston University?

AP Impact Score: 50/100

APs are considered but not decisive at Boston University. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.

What Boston University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what Boston University officially says matters in admission decisions.

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

Best AP Classes to Take for Boston University

Based on Boston University's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:

For Social Sciences (16% of students)

AP U.S. History
AP Government
AP Economics (Macro/Micro)

For Biological Sciences (11% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics

For Engineering (8% of students)

AP Calculus BC
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: E&M
AP Chemistry

AP Strategy for Boston University Applicants

Take as many APs as you can handle well

At a school this selective, 7-12 AP courses is typical for admitted students. Quality matters more than quantity.

Score high for credit

Most colleges require a 4 or 5 to grant credit. AP credits can save you a semester of tuition — that's $15,000-$30,000 in real savings.

Match APs to your intended major

Admissions officers notice when your AP choices align with your stated interests.

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

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.