Private nonprofit Institution

Boston University — Boston, Massachusetts

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Annual Tuition $65,168

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 10.9%

Most Selective

Enrollment 17,850

Active Students

Avg. Salary $83,238

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Boston, Massachusetts

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Boston University stands as a pillar of higher education in Boston, providing a robust academic foundation for 17,850 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Boston University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Boston University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

17.3%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

15.2%

Enrollment Share

Communications

12.6%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

11%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

7.9%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

6.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Boston University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Boston University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Boston University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Boston University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 10.9%

Difficulty Extremely High

Boston University maintains an acceptance rate of 10.9%, reflecting its status as a most selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 41.7%

Women Enrollment 58.3%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 680 - 740

SAT Mathematics 720 - 780

ACT English 33 - 35

ACT Mathematics 29 - 34

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Boston University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $65,168

Out-of-State Tuition $65,168

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 18%

Median Student Debt $23,250

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $65,168, graduates see a median starting salary of $83,238, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Massachusetts.

What salary can Boston University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $83,238

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 90%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $26,996

Median Salary (6yr) $65,655

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Boston University in Boston?

17,850 Students

Gender Comparison

41.7% Men

58.3% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

94.5%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

19.9%

Black

White

32.9%

Unknown

3.5%

Hispanic

11.3%

Two or More Races

4.6%

International

21.8%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 19

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First-Generation 16.9%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 36.1%

💍

Married Students 0.9%

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Retention (Part-time) 100%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$83,140
Average Family Income	$105,821
Median Family Income	$81,244

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.8%

51.3%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Boston Campus Environment

Located at One Silber Way, Boston University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Massachusetts. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Boston University compare?

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Common Questions about Boston University

Is Boston University a good college in Boston, Massachusetts?

Boston University is a recognized institution in Boston with an enrollment of 17,850 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Massachusetts.

Is Boston University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $83,238 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Boston University cost for Massachusetts residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Boston University is approximately $65,168. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $65,168. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Boston University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Boston University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 36.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Boston University good for Business & Marketing and Social Sciences programs?

Boston University reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Social Sciences. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Boston University?

Graduates of Boston University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $83,238, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Boston University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Boston University's official admissions website.

Does Boston University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Boston University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Boston University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Boston University earn a median salary of $83,238 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Boston University a good investment compared to other MA colleges?

Compare Boston University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Massachusetts to judge value for your goals.

Where is Boston University located and what is the campus like?

Boston University is located at One Silber Way in Boston, MA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 17,850 learners.

Who typically attends Boston University in Boston, MA?

The student body at Boston University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 16.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Massachusetts

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Boston University with other leading institutions in Massachusetts across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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