Quick Summary
Private research university in Boston, United States — Boston University, est. 1839. Ranked #108 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 37557 students including 24% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Communication and Media Studies, Medicine, Law, it maintains an acceptance rate of 11%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Boston University offers a world-class education in the heart of one of the world's greatest student cities, combining rigorous academics with extensive research opportunities and a global alumni network.
Subject Strengths
Communication and Media StudiesMedicineLawBiomedical EngineeringBusiness and ManagementPhilosophyEconomics
Founded1839
TypePrivate Research University
Total Students37557
Intl Students24%
Faculty Ratio11
CampusUrban
Campus Size140 acres
Affiliated HospitalsBoston Medical Center,St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#108
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#78
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
300
Programs
PhD in Biology,PhD in Economics,PhD in Physics,PhD in Philosophy,PhD in Biomedical Engineering,PhD in Clinical Psychology
PhD Programs
Online MBA (Questrom),MS in Computer Information Systems,MS in Health Communication,MS in Applied Business Analytics
Online Programs
Center for Space Physics,Photonics Center,National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL),Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate11%
IELTS7
TOEFL90
Min GPA3.8
GREOptional for many programs
GMATOptional/Required for specific Questrom tracks
SATTest Optional
ACTTest Optional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on a strong personal statement and demonstrating community engagement. BU values high academic rigor and students who show significant extracurricular commitment.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$66,670/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$23,537/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$66,670/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$90,207/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableTrustee Scholarship,Presidential Scholarship,National Merit Scholarship,Athletic Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$42,000
Financial AidBU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted first-year domestic students.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 300 programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Communication | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| International Relations | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biological Sciences | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$75,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh placement through BU's Center for Career Development and the 'BU in DC' or 'BU in LA' programs.
Industry Connections
AmazonGoogleBoston Consulting GroupFidelity InvestmentsMass General Brigham
Notable Alumni
Martin Luther King Jr.,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,Julianne Moore,Howard Stern,Geena Davis
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Agganis Arena,FitRec Center,Nickerson Field
Student Clubs
450
Library Resources
Mugar Memorial Library,Pardee Management Library,Fineman and Pappas Law Libraries
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available