Boston University

At a glance

Admission rate

11%

Total (middle 50%)

1420–1530

Undergraduates

18,248

Setting

City: Large

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Test policy

Test optional Applicants may choose whether to send a score.

BU remains test optional for students applying for admission through fall 2028 and spring 2029, for all schools and scholarship programs. International students must still submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for English proficiency (waivers possible). (Verified on the official admissions website on 2026-11-06.)

Policy source: bu.edu

SAT scores

Total (middle 50%)

1420–1530

Reading and Writing

690–750

Math

730–780

Average total

1480

ACT composite (middle 50%)

32–34

The middle 50%: a quarter of admitted students who sent scores scored below the first number, a quarter above the second. The total adds up the two sections' ranges, so it's approximate.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Admissions

Accepts

Common App, QuestBridge$80 fee paid via Common Application.

Application fee

$80

Phone

(617) 353-2000

Admissions email

admissions@bu.edu

Source: School's page (bu.edu), checked November 6, 2026

Cost

Tuition

$71,372per year

Average net price

$36,503What students who get federal aid pay on average after grants and scholarships, per year.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Outcomes

Graduation rate

90%

First-year retention

95%

Median earnings 10 years after entry

$89,087

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Degrees and programs

Degree levels: undergraduate certificate, bachelor, post-baccalaureate certificate, master, doctoral, first professional, graduate certificate

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Data by Field of Study