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Boston University

  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Boston, MA
  • 3,363 reviews
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    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?Data Sources
    1. Academics
      A+
    2. Value
      A
    3. Diversity
      A+
    4. Campus
      B+
    5. Athletics
      A-
    6. Party Scene
      A
    7. Professors
      A+
    8. Location
      A+
    9. Dorms
      B-
    10. Campus Food
      A
    11. Student Life
      A+
    12. Safety
      B
    bu.edu
    233 Bay State Road
    Boston, MA 02215
    Learn More
    About Boston University...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I (without football)
    Athletic Conference
    Patriot League
    From Boston University

    Located in the heart of historic Boston, BU is a private teaching and research university. With 10 undergraduate schools and colleges, 300+ majors and minors, more than 650 global courses, $1 million in research funding for undergraduates, and 80+ study abroad programs, the academic opportunities at BU are vast and varied. Thanks to thousands of research and internship opportunities—in the US and abroad—BU graduates are well prepared to lead in an interconnected world. In fact, BU graduates are ranked #18 for employability.

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    Boston University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
    See All Boston University Rankings

    Admissions

    Application Deadline
    January 1
    Acceptance Rate
    22%
    SAT Range
    1330-1500
    ACT Range
    30-33
    Application Fee
    $80
    SAT/ACT
    Considered but not required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Accepts Common App
    Yes
    Read More About Admissions
    Find Student Loans

    Cost

    Net Price
    $29,154/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $41,036/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    58%
    Find Private Student Loans
    Explore Tuition & Cost Breakdown
    Find College Scholarships 

    Academics

    Professors
    A+
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    10:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    Yes
    73%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.183 responses
    57%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.216 responses
    41%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.216 responses
    Read More About Academics

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Business
      940 Graduates
    • Communications
      394 Graduates
    • Economics
      264 Graduates
    • Psychology
      222 Graduates
    • International Relations
      205 Graduates
    • Computer Science
      170 Graduates
    • Health Service Preparatory Studies
      163 Graduates
    • Radio and Television
      162 Graduates
    • Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
      149 Graduates
    • Mechanical Engineering
      145 Graduates
    See All Majors

    Biomedical Engineering at Boston University

    Solve problems in biology and medicine by applying engineering concepts to living systems in one of the world’s highest rated biomedical engineering programs. During you Senior year, you will complete a Design Project that is focused on teamwork, research, and design. After graduating, you can apply your skills toward designing surgical robots, improving techniques for DNA sequencing, and more.

    Online

    Online Programs Offered
    1
    Offers Online Courses
    Yes
    Online Certificate Programs
    0
    Online Associates Programs
    0
    Online Bachelor's Programs
    1
    Explore All Online Majors
    How Students Learn
    • Mix of Online and on Campus
      1%
    • On Campus
      99%
    • Online
      1%

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    17,396Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    1,119
    Undergrads Over 25
    2%
    Pell Grant
    18%
    Varsity Athletes
    4%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 145 responses
    • Motivated
      30%
    • Diverse
      28%
    • Intelligent
      21%
    • There is no typical student
      9%
    • Different yet similar
      6%
    • Intellectual
      3%
    • Basic
      1%
    Read More About the Students

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    99%
    Take a Virtual Tour
    Poll
    54%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.265 responses
    Poll
    55%
    of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.307 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 164 responses
    • Diverse
      40%
    • Competitive
      14%
    • Scholarly
      13%
    • Wide ranging
      10%
    • Exciting
      7%
    • Awesome
      4%
    • Snobby
      3%
    Read More About Campus Life

      After College

      Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
      $65,300/ year
      National
      $33,028
      Graduation Rate
      88%
      National
      49%
      Employed 2 Years After Graduation
      93%
      National
      83%
      78%
      of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.133 responses
      Read More About Life After Graduation

      Boston University Reviews

      3,363 reviews
      All Categories
      I took all of my classes online when it became necessary, and there were few logistical issues with my professors. The only recurring issue was being able to present the slides without initial issue in connection. The professors did an excellent job of encouraging student discussion, continuing with class routines as normal, and making light of the events and acknowledging students' needs for extensions, additional office hours, and other additional requests. The only issue with the online learning experience at BU was the increased apathy by the student body. Even though classes were given the option of being marked "Pass" or "Fail" after the semester's end, many students' grades dropped substantially. Many, including myself, still worry about the potential negative effects of marking required courses with such symbols. Otherwise, Boston University has done an exceptional job in transitioning students to online teaching.
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      I've very much enjoyed my time at BU, the professors are willing to teach beyond the normal classroom and make a great effort to meet with their students. I can't speak for every department, although the professors in the Linguistics and Spanish department are AMAZING! The only reason I didn't give BU a 5 star is because the housing and food situation were a nightmare. Early into my spring semester I decided to move off campus and lose the money that I had already payed on my housing and food deposit because I was having trouble sleeping and digestive problems. These problems were addressed to the school, although they refused to help in any way.
      Excellent School, as a recent grad I cannot praise BU enough. It offers a diverse range of programs and there are numerous small communities within the school. Everyone has a place. Although it seems large with a decent student body, BU has divided into numerous smaller colleges. The professors within the colleges really care about the quality of learning that goes on. Fantastic experience, and a great school!
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