CAMPUS · BOSTON, MA · PRIVATE

Boston University Acceptance Rate

Boston University

10.8%

Why this page exists. I'm a parent who went through college admissions with my own kids, and I got tired of glossy brochures and sticker prices that mean nothing. For Boston University, the gap is real: a $86,285 published sticker, but families actually pay about $20,128/yr after aid. Every number on this page comes straight from federal data (IPEDS & College Scorecard) — the real net price, what graduates actually earn, and your honest odds. No rankings theater, no marketing spin.

FIT

REACH

Boston University is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

10.8%

of 80,495 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$83,238

across all majors

Boston University at a Glance

45,548

Total Enrollment

$23,250

Median Debt

18.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Boston University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	680	740	710
SAT Math	720	780	750
SAT Total	1400	1520	1460
ACT Composite	32	34	33

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	80,495
Students Admitted	8,733
Students Enrolled	3,145
Yield Rate	36.0%

Boston University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#43	2025
QS World University Rankings	#80	2025

Boston University Admissions Overview

Boston University is a private university in Boston, MA with 45,548 students. Its 10.8% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Business/Marketing, and Communication.

Full Name	Boston University
Location	Boston, MA 02215
Type	Private
Website	bu.edu/
Total Enrollment	45,548
Undergrad Enrollment	22,942
Female Students	58.3%

Is Boston University a Reach, Match, or Safety?

With an acceptance rate of 10.8%, Boston University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.

Your Profile	Boston University Is...	What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application	Match	Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths	Reach	Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA	Hard Reach	Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates

Boston University True Cost by Family Income

18% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Boston University enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.

Family Income	Annual Net Price	4-Year Total
$0-30k	$9,500	$38,000
$30-48k	$9,342	$37,368
$48-75k	$11,778	$47,112
$75-110k	$22,517	$90,068
$110k+	$47,504	$190,016

Cost Breakdown

Room & Board	$18,110
Total Cost of Attendance	$86,285

Want to see how Boston University stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.

Popular Majors at Boston University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Social Sciences

15.8%

Business/Marketing

15.5%

Communication

13.3%

Biological Sciences

11.3%

Engineering

8.3%

Best Majors at Boston University →

{sn} Student Demographics

White

31.8%

Black/African American

4.6%

Hispanic/Latino

10.5%

Asian

18.0%

International

22.3%

How to Get Into Boston University

Boston University is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1460+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Boston University wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.

1460

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

10.8%

Acceptance Rate

80,495

Total Applicants

What Boston University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Considered
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Important
Extracurricular Activities	Important
Talent Ability	Important
Character Personal Qualities	Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Not Considered
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at Boston University by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.

Boston University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Boston University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

Deadline	Date
Early Decision	Nov 1
Early Decision II	Jan 4
Regular Decision	Jan 4
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)	Feb 15

Early Decision: Boston University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Boston University is your clear first choice.

See Boston University alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.

{sn} Financial Aid & Student Debt

18.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

Students from low-income families

$23,250

Median Debt at Graduation

Federal loans only

$65,655

Median Earnings (6yr)

6 years after enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions About Boston University

What is Boston University's acceptance rate?

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 10.8%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for Boston University?

The middle 50% SAT range at Boston University is 1400-1520. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 32-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at Boston University?

The most popular majors at Boston University by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (15.8%), Business/Marketing (15.5%), Communication (13.3%), Biological Sciences (11.3%), Engineering (8.3%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

Can I transfer to Boston University?

Boston University accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.