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Boston University

  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Boston, MA
  • 3,230 reviews
    Apply NowVisit Campus
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    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-
    View Full Report Card
    About Boston University...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I (without football)
    Athletic Conference
    Patriot League
    Address
    One Silber Way
    Boston, MA 02215
    Website
    bu.edu
    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 100+ 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 #21 globally for employability.

    Boston University Rankings

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

    Admissions

    Application Deadline
    January 6
    Acceptance Rate
    25%
    SAT Range
    1300-1480
    ACT Range
    29-32
    Application Fee
    $80
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Accepts Common App
    Yes

    Cost

    Net Price
    $33,728/ 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
    $34,156/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    55%

    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.203 responses
    42%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.203 responses

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Business
      956 Graduates
    • Communications
      337 Graduates
    • Economics
      249 Graduates
    • Psychology
      217 Graduates
    • International Relations
      198 Graduates
    • Radio and Television
      156 Graduates
    • Biology
      154 Graduates
    • Computer Science
      154 Graduates
    • Mechanical Engineering
      149 Graduates
    • Rehabilitation and Therapy
      133 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    16,840Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    1,240
    Undergrads Over 25
    2%
    Pell Grant
    14%
    Varsity Athletes
    4%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 136 responses
    Report
    • Motivated
      30%
    • Diverse
      29%
    • Intelligent
      22%
    • There is no typical student
      9%
    • Different yet similar
      4%
    • Intellectual
      3%
    • Basic
      1%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    99%
    Poll
    54%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.252 responses
    Poll
    54%
    of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.294 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 151 responses
    Report
    • Diverse
      42%
    • Scholarly
      13%
    • Competitive
      13%
    • Wide ranging
      9%
    • Exciting
      7%
    • Awesome
      4%
    • Apathetic
      3%

      After College

      Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
      $65,300/ year
      National
      $33,028
      Graduation Rate
      87%
      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
      Colleges like Boston University
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      Boston University Reviews

      3,230 reviews
      All Categories
      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.
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      There are plenty of academic options. Classes are interesting, professors are good, schedules are not too demanding as long as you're not pre-med, chem, or engineering. Expensive school in pretty much every aspect but you're going to a great school so I'd say it's worth it. There are parties every weekend. Greek life can be big if you're a part of it or small if you aren't, that's up to you. Food is good in West and Bay State. The freshmen dorms are pretty shitty but nothing worse than at any other college. Housing gets much better as you become a sophomore and so on. Hockey games are our football games. Academic advisors, student health services, tutoring services, and other like-services are helpful if you choose to use them. Love that it's so diverse and international. Countless clubs and activities make student life great. Plenty of study abroad options too!
      I had a wonderful experience achieving my BA/MA 2001-2005. I worked closely with my professors, published book chapters and journal articles during my undergraduate experience and had memorable fun! I'm still very close with all of my friends from college. BU's international and strong reputation outside of Boston has really helped my career thrive.