Campus Identity
Boston University is a large private nonprofit university in Boston, MA. Approximately 18,248 students are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 11% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 7 miles from the ocean. Ski resorts are within 41 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 56/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Boston University is a large private nonprofit university in Boston, MA. Approximately 18,248 students are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 11% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 7 miles from the ocean. Ski resorts are within 41 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 56/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Boston University is a 20,000+, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics and a moderate greek life Greek scene. The campus is 7 miles from Revere Beach, MA and 10 miles from Blue Hills Ski Area.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Patriot League
Greek Life
Moderate Greek Life
n/r frats · 11% sororities
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Beach Access
7 miles
Revere Beach, MA
Weather
Cold Climate
44°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Boston University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Blue Hills Ski Area, 10 miles away with 4 lifts and 60 skiable acres. All are within 28 miles of campus.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Beach Town
Students at Boston University are 7 miles from Revere Beach, MA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.
Revere Beach, MA
Ocean access within 7.4 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Boston, MA
Boston has a cool climate, with winters averaging 28°F in Jan and summers peaking around 74°F in Jul.
Station: JAMAICA PLAIN · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Boston University in MA earns a composite safety score of 56/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $68,102 |
| Fees | $1,256 |
| Room & Board | $19,020 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $88,378 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
314 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Boston University located?
Boston University is located in Boston, MA. The main campus address is One Silber Way, Boston, MA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Boston University?
Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, making it highly selective. Out of 78,769 applicants, 8,749 were admitted in the most recent year. 18,248 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Boston University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Boston University scored between 32 and 34 on the ACT, with a median of 33. About 10% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Boston University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Boston University charges $68,102/year in tuition. Including room and board ($19,020/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $59,816/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $24,402/year — what students actually pay. Use Boston University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Boston University?
The undergraduate application fee at Boston University is $80. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Boston University have college sports?
Yes — Boston University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Patriot League. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Boston University the right fit for me?
Whether Boston University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (11% admit rate), avg net price ($24,402/year after aid), campus culture in Boston, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Boston University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Boston University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Patriot League
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 44°F avg
- App Fee
- $80
- On Campus Safety Score
- 56/100
- Nearest Airport
- Boston, MA (BOS) · 5 mialso OWD (12 mi), BED (12 mi)
Location
Boston, MA