uniRank World Universities Rankings & Reviews
United States Top Universities & Colleges

Boston University

country rank  40
world rank  45

Publish your
uniRank University Ranking™

Overview

Founded in 1869, the Boston University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Boston (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Massachusetts. This institution also has branch campuses in Los Angeles, Washington DC, London, Paris and Sydney. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Boston University (BU) is a large-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Boston University (BU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 155-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. BU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

University Snapshot

Control

Boston University's Control Typeprivate

Entity

Boston University's Entity Typenon-profit

Size

Boston University' Size by Total Enrollmentlarge-sized

Selectivity

Boston University's Selectivity by Acceptance Rateextremely selective

University Identity

Name
Acronym BU
Founded 1869 Origins date back to 1839
Motto Learning, Virtue, Piety
Colours Scarlet and white
Mascot Rhett the Boston Terrier
Video Presentation

n.a.; please submit an official Boston University general video presentation.

University Location

Address One Silber Way
Boston
02215 Massachusetts
United States
Boston University's location map and satellite view Location Map and Satellite View
Boston University Phone Number +1 (617) 353 2000
Boston University Fax Number +1 (617) 353 2053
Other locations Los Angeles, Washington DC, London, Paris and Sydney

Search Engine

for programs, online courses, tuition fees, admission policy and requirements, acceptance rate, accreditation, facilities, services, affiliations or any other information you want to search and learn about Boston University.
Our search engine is powered by Google.

Fields of Study / Degree Levels

Introduction

What is the difference between comprehensive/generalist and specialized universities in terms of the range of fields of study they offer, degree levels available and academic and carreer paths pros and cons? Read our guide article about generalist and specialized universities to learn more.


Fields of Study and Degree Levels Matrix

The following Boston University's Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix is divided into 6 main fields of study and 4 levels of degrees, from the lowest undergraduate degree to the highest postgraduate degree. This matrix aims to help quickly identify Boston University's academic range and degree level offering.



Boston University: Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix
PreBach
degrees		 Bachelor
degrees		 Master
degrees		 Doctoral
degrees

 
 
 
 
A&H
L&C
B&S
M&H
S&T
Eng

Notice: please contact or visit the university website for detailed information on Boston University's areas of study and degree levels currently offered; the above matrix may not be complete or up-to-date.

Programs and Courses

Courses and Programs

Click here to explore a list of or, if not available yet, search for them with our powered by Google. We are constantly adding university courses and programs worldwide with the cooperation of university representatives.

You can also explore our new A-Z Guide to 8,100 University Programs, Courses and Degrees to learn more about study outlines and typical duration, tuition ranges, career prospects, salary expectations of each course/program/degree.

Tuition Fees

Introduction

Yearly tuition fees refers to the amount of money that a student is charged by a University for one academic year of full-time study. Read our guide article about tuition fees and financial aid options to learn more.


Yearly Tuition Fees Range Matrix

This Boston University's Tuition Fees Range Matrix is divided into 2 types of students, local and international students, and 2 degree levels, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and aims to help students to have an approximate idea of the yearly tuition range they might expect to pay at Boston University.

Boston University: Tuition Fees Range Matrix
Undergraduate Postgraduate
Local
students		 over 50,000 US$
(over 45,570 Euro)		 over 50,000 US$
(over 45,570 Euro)
International
students		 over 50,000 US$
(over 45,570 Euro)		 over 50,000 US$
(over 45,570 Euro)

Tip: search for Boston University's tuition fees with the uniRank Search Engine

Notice: please contact the university's Admission Office for detailed information on Boston University's yearly tuition fees which apply to your specific situation and study interest; tuition fees may vary by program, citizenship/residency, study mode (i.e. face to face or online, part time or full time), as well as other factors. The above matrix is indicative only and may not be up-to-date.

Admissions

Introduction

Applying for admission is the first step towards achieving students' academic and career goals and accessing the many opportunities and resources that a university has to offer. Read our "Introduction to University Admissions" article to learn more.


Admission Information

uniRank publishes below some basic Boston University's admission information.

Boston University's Gender Admission Policy Gender Admission

This institution admits Men and Women (coed).


Boston University's Admission Selection Admission Selection

Has Boston University a selective admission policy? Yes, based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.


Acceptance Rate Admission Rate

Boston University's acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this institution an extremely selective higher education institution.


Admission Requirements Admission Requirements

  • Secondary school GPA is required
  • Secondary school rank is required
  • Secondary school record is required
  • Completion of college-preparatory program is required
  • Recommendations are required
  • Formal demonstration of competencies is neither required nor recommended
  • Admission test scores are required
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required
  • Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.) is neither required nor recommended

Source: IPDES


Boston University's International Students Admission International Students Admission

International students are welcome to apply for admission at this institution.

Boston University has more than 8400 international students.

Boston University's Admission Office Admission Office

233 Bay State Road
Boston 02215
(617) 353 2300


Tip: search for Boston University's admission policy with the uniRank Search Engine

Notice: admission policy and acceptance rate may vary by areas of study, degree level, student nationality or residence and other criteria. Please contact Boston University's Admission Office for detailed information on their admission selection policy and acceptance rate; the above information may not be complete or up-to-date.

Size and Profile

Introduction

University size and profile can be important factors to consider when choosing a university. Here are some potential reasons why University size and profile can affect students when choosing a university.


Size and Profile

uniRank publishes below some major size and profile indicators for Boston University.

Boston University's Total Student Enrollment Student Enrollment

Boston University has an enrollment range of 25,000-29,999 students making it a large-sized institution.


Boston University's Total Faculty/Academic staff Academic Staff

This institution has a range of 2,500-2,999 academic employees (Faculty).


Boston University's Control Type Control Type

Boston University is a private higher education institution.


Boston University's Entity Type Entity Type

Boston University is a non-profit higher education institution.


Boston University's Campus Setting Campus Setting

This institution's main campus is located in a Urban setting.


Boston University's Academic Calendar Academic Calendar

This institution adopts a Semesters type of academic calendar.


Religious Affiliation

Boston University does not have any religious affiliation.


Carnegie Classification

Introduction

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for categorizing colleges and universities in the United States...


The classification was first created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1970, and it has been updated periodically since then. The Carnegie Classification is based on a set of criteria, such as the level and types of degrees offered, research activity and enrollment size. Institutions are classified into one of several categories based on these criteria, ranging from "doctoral universities" with very high research activity to "special focus institutions" that primarily award degrees in a specific field, such as the arts or health professions. The classification allows for quick comparisons between institutions within and across categories.

Carnegie Classification

uniRank provides below the official Boston University's Carnegie classification.

Basic Classification Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
Size & Setting Four-year, large, highly residential institution
Enrollment Profile Majority undergraduate
Undergraduate Profile Four-year, full-time, more selective, higher transfer-in institution
Undergraduate Instructional Program Balanced arts & sciences/professions, high graduate coexistence
Graduate Instructional Program Research Doctoral: Comprehensive programs, with medical/veterinary school

Facilities and Services

Introduction

What are the most common University facilities and services? Read our two guide articles about University Facilities and University Services to learn more.


University Facilities

uniRank provides below an overview of Boston University's main facilities:


Boston University's Library University Library

This institution has a physical Library. Visit Boston University's Library

Boston University's library has 12 branches. The library collection is comprised of both physical (i.e. books, medium, etc.) and digital/electronic items. In 2021 the library reported 1,304,308 physical volumes, 173,217 physical media, 143,674 digital/electronic media and 466 licensed digital/electronic databases. The library is managed by a total number of 191 full-time employees, including 74 librarians. Boston University's library has a total library expenditure greater than $100,000 per year. Source: IPDES.

Boston University's Housing University Housing

This institution provides housing services such as on-campus residences or dormitories.

In particular, the Boston University provides on-campus housing and the total dormitory capacity, whether on or off campus, was about 11,356 students in the 2021 academic year. Source: IPDES.

Boston University's Sport Facilities/Activities Sport Facilities/Activities

This institution features sporting facilities and organizes sports activities for its students.

  • Men’s Teams
    • Badminton
    • Baseball
    • Basketball
    • Cheerleading
    • Crew (rowing) heavyweight
    • Crew (rowing) lightweight
    • Cricket
    • Cross-country
    • Cycling
    • Equestrian
    • Fencing
    • Figure Skating
    • Football
    • Golf
    • Gymnastics
    • Ice Hockey
    • Inline hockey
    • Jiu-Jitsu
    • Kendo
    • Kung fu
    • Lacrosse
    • Martial Arts
    • Rugby
    • Sailing
    • Shotokan karate
    • Skiing Alpine
    • Ski racing
    • Snowboarding
    • Soccer
    • Softball
    • Squash
    • Swimming and Diving
    • Table Tennis
    • Tennis
    • Track and Field (indoor)
    • Track and Field (outdoor)
    • Triathlon
    • Ultimate Frisbee
    • Volleyball
    • Water Polo
  • Women’s Teams
    • Badminton
    • Basketball
    • Cheerleading
    • Crew (rowing) heavyweight
    • Crew (rowing) lightweight
    • Cross-county
    • Cycling
    • Equestrian
    • Fencing
    • Field Hockey
    • Figure Skating
    • Golf
    • Gymnastics
    • Ice Hockey
    • Jiu-Jitsu
    • Kendo
    • Kung fu
    • Lacrosse
    • Martial Arts
    • Rugby
    • Sailing
    • Shotokan karate
    • Skiing Alpine
    • Ski racing
    • Snowboarding
    • Soccer
    • Softball
    • Squash
    • Swimming and Diving
    • Synchro swimming (women only)
    • Synchro skating (women only)
    • Table Tennis
    • Tennis
    • Track and Field (indoor)
    • Track and Field (outdoor)
    • Triathlon
    • Ultimate Frisbee
    • Volleyball
    • Water Polo



University Services

uniRank provides below an overview of Boston University's main services:


Boston University's Financial Aid Financial Aid

This institution offers one or more of the following financial aid for eligible students: scholarships, grants, loans, tuition waivers, emergency financial aid etc.

  • Boston University financial aids include With affordableBU, BU will meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need for admitted, first-year students who are US citizens or permanent residents.
  • They are offering expanded financial aid packages that will make up the difference between the cost of attendance and what the student can afford.
  • For more details, individuals can visit BU Financial Aid at https://www.bu.edu/finaid/.

Boston University's Study Abroad Study Abroad

This institution offers study abroad and exchange program opportunities for its students.

Boston University offers study abroad opportunities through its Global Programs office. This office collaborates with all 17 schools and colleges, the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, and over 130 centers and institutes to enhance the visibility and impact of the University’s education and research worldwide.

Moreover, the Global Programs office administers Boston University Study Abroad (BUSA) academic year and summer programs across various international locations:

  • Australia
  • Chile
  • China
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Ecuador
  • England
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan

Additionally, BUSA operates programs within the United States, specifically in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. These programs, serving around 2,400 students annually (undergraduates and graduates), are not degree-granting and fall under the academic supervision of the applicable school or college of the University.

Boston University's Distance Learning Distance Learning

This institution provides a distance learning mode for certain programs or courses.

In particular, this institution offers some programs fully via distance education at the undergraduate level and at the graduate level. Source: IPDES.

Boston University's Academic Counseling Academic Counseling

Not reported

Boston University's Career Services Career Services

Not reported


Notice: please contact or visit the university website for detailed information on Boston University's facilities and services; the information above is indicative only and may not be complete or up-to-date.

Recognition and Accreditation

Introduction

There are different types of legal recognition and quality assessment of higher education institutions around the world, depending on the country and its legal and higher education system... read our article about university accreditation and recognition to learn more.


Boston University's Recognition or Accreditation Institutional Recognition or Accreditation

Boston University is legally recognized and/or institutionally accredited by: New England Commission of Higher Education

Year of first Recognition or Accreditation

1929


Specialized or Programmatic Accreditations

Not available; please use the Feedback/Error report form at the end of this page to submit a list of Boston University's official programmatic or specialized accreditations. If you are an official representative of this university you can also claim and update this entire university profile free of charge (UPDATE ALL).



Tip: search for Boston University's accreditations with the uniRank Search Engine

Important: the above section is intended to include only those reputable organizations (e.g. Ministries or Departments of Higher Education) that have the legal authority to officially charter, license, register or, more generally, recognize Boston University as a whole (institutional legal recognition), accredit the institution as a whole (institutional accreditation) or accredit its specific programs/courses (programmatic accreditation).

Memberships and Affiliations

Introduction

University memberships and affiliations to external organizations can be important for several reasons... read our article about university affiliations and memberships to learn more.


Affiliations and Memberships

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important Boston University's affiliations and memberships; feel free to submit any relevant missing higher education-related organizations this university is affiliated with.

  • Association of American Universities (AAU)
  • Universities Research Association (URA)
  • Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM)
  • National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)
  • International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges and Universities (IAMSCU)
  • National Athletic Association (NAA)
  • National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA I)

Academic Structure

Introduction

Academic divisions can provide valuable insights into the range of fields of study and disciplines a University focuses on and the institution's level of specialization. Comprehensive or Generalist Universities typically offer a wide range of academic programs and have many academic divisions and subdivisions across different disciplines, while Specialized Universities tend to focus on a narrower range of programs within a specific field or industry and have fewer academic divisions and a simplified organizational structure. Read our guide article "Understanding Academic Divisions in Universities - Colleges, Faculties, Schools" to learn more about academic divisions and typical university organizational structures.


Academic Structure

uniRank shows a structural diagram of the first-level academic divisions of the Boston University 's organizational structure; feel free to submit any relevant missing division.


|




Social Media

Introduction

Social media can be a powerful tool for Universities to communicate with current students, alumni, faculty, staff and the wider community. But how can social media be important for prospective students? Read our article about the importance of Social Media for universities and prospective students to learn more.


Social Media

uniRank publishes brief reviews, rankings and metrics of some Boston University's social media channels as a starting point for comparison and an additional selection tool for potential applicants.


Facebook Facebook

Boston University's Facebook page Boston University's official Facebook page

Twitter X (Twitter)

Boston University's X (formerly Twitter) page Boston University's official Twitter page

YouTube YouTube

Boston University's YouTube channel Boston University's official YouTube channel

Instagram Instagram

Boston University's Instagram page Boston University's official Instagram channel

LinkedIn LinkedIn

Boston University's main LinkedIn profile

TikTok TikTok

n.a.

Free Online Courses

Open Education Global Open Education Global

This higher education institution is not a member of the Open Education Global (OEGlobal) organization that is developing, implementing and supporting free open education and free online courses. View a list of Open Education Global members by country.


Wikipedia

Wikipedia Article Wikipedia Article

Boston University's Wikipedia article

Related Resources

Discover uniRank rankings and reviews of all Universities in the United States

Search for courses, scholarships and much more anywhere in the world with the uniRank's World Universities Search Engine

Read our university guides and articles including:


Explore uniRank reviews and rankings of all Universities in North America by country

Discover uniRank's world's largest directories of higher education related organizations and university libraries

Learn definitions, jargon and acronyms with the uniRank's A-Z Higher Education Glossary

Feedback, Errors and Update

We appreciate your feedback and error reports. Boston University's official representatives can claim this institution and request to update this entire university profile free of charge by clicking on UPDATE ALL

Feedback / Error UPDATE ALL

Site last updated: Tuesday, 2 April 2024

Disclaimer: please visit Boston University's official website to review that the information provided above is up-to-date. The uniRank World University Ranking™ is not an academic ranking and should not be adopted as the main criteria for selecting a higher education organization where to apply for enrollment.

Country Featured Universities

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

© uniRank since 2005

University Rankings

Top 200 Universities in the World Top 200 Universities in North America Top 200 Universities in Latin America Top 200 Universities in Europe Top 200 Universities in Africa Top 200 Universities in Asia Top 50 Universities in Oceania

Universities by Country

Universities in North America Universities in Latin America Universities in Europe Universities in Africa Universities in Asia Universities in Oceania

Free Online Courses

Open Education Global Universities

Universities on Social Media

Universities on Facebook Universities on Twitter Universities on Instagram Universities on YouTube Universities on TikTok Universities on LinkedIn

More Resources

A-Z Guide to University Programs, Courses and Degrees University Guides and Articles Higher Education-related Organizations Directory of University Libraries Religiously Affiliated Universities Higher Education Glossary A-Z List of World Universities

uniRank's official Facebook page Facebook uniRank's official X (Twitter) page X

jobRank


About | Methodology | Contact | Advertise | Terms | Privacy | Change privacy settings

©uniRank 2005-2024