Boston University
Private college · Boston, MA · 18,248 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
11%
Very selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1420–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
Average net price
$36,503
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$90,106
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
90%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Boston University?
Boston University accepts about 11 of every 100 applicants (11%), which makes it very selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1420 and 1530 on the SAT. A score at or above 1530 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1420, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 32–34.
The latest federal data says Boston University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Boston University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Boston University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $90,106 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $36,503 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $71,372 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$71,372
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$71,372
- Room & board$19,970
- Total cost of attendance$90,106
- Average net price after grants$36,503
Popular majors
Business, Engineering, Communication, Health Science.
Boston University FAQ
- What is Boston University's acceptance rate?
- 11% — very selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Boston University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1420–1530. Aim for 1530 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Boston University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 32–34.
- Is Boston University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Boston University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Boston University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Boston University cost?
- About $90,106 a year before aid; $36,503 on average after grants.
- What is Boston University's FAFSA school code?
- 002130. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Boston University receives your information.
- What is Boston University's graduation rate?
- 90% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Boston University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tufts UniversityMedford, MA | 11% | 1470–1560 | $38,797 | 94% |
| Amherst CollegeAmherst, MA | 9% | 1490–1580 | $19,536 | 93% |
| Williams CollegeWilliamstown, MA | 8.3% | 1490–1570 | $15,157 | 95% |
| Wellesley CollegeWellesley, MA | 14% | 1460–1560 | $23,995 | 91% |
| Boston CollegeChestnut Hill, MA | 16% | 1440–1540 | $38,930 | 90% |
| Northeastern UniversityBoston, MA | 5.2% | 1440–1540 | $29,060 | 91% |