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Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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Overview

Boston University (BU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was established in 1839 and has a campus that spans 140 acres in the vibrant Back Bay neighborhood. BU has a diverse student body, with over 17,000 undergraduates and around 18,000 graduate students, including more than 10,000 international students from over 118 countries and all 50 U.S. states. The university offers more than 300 degree programs across 17 schools and colleges, with highly regarded graduate programs in Law, Medicine, Management, Engineering, and Education.

The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, which allows it to offer recognized degree programs. BU is one of only three universities in the Boston and Cambridge area that is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. In 2025, Boston University was ranked among the top 50 universities in the U.S. in the National Universities category. Additionally, it ranked #25 for Best Value, highlighting its academic excellence and economic value. BU is also recognized as #17 in the Top 50 Best Colleges in Big Cities by Newsweek.

Boston University has a competitive acceptance rate of around 11%, making it a sought-after institution. It was one of the first universities in the U.S. to admit female students in all its divisions. Notable alumni include civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., actresses Geena Davis and Julianne Moore, and media personalities like Bill O’Reilly and Howard Stern.

The university's key facts include a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, an average class size of 30, and a diverse student population representing over 118 countries. BU's campus life is filled with a variety of activities, including over 500 student clubs, cultural events, and sports, making it a vibrant place to study.

Boston University offers a wide range of programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Popular courses among international students include MBA, MS in Computer Science, MS in Financial Management, MS in Artificial Intelligence, and MS in Business Analytics. The application process for undergraduate courses can be completed through the Common App, while graduate applicants can apply directly online. The application fee ranges from $80 to $125, depending on the course.

When considering Boston University, students may also compare it with other institutions such as Arizona State University and UCLA based on factors like tuition fees, course availability, and scholarship opportunities. BU's campus life is enriched by its location in Boston, offering students a unique blend of academic and cultural experiences.

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About Boston University

Here are some key details about Boston University:

Particulars Stats
Acceptance rate 11%
Rankings Among the Top 50 US Universities
Course offerings 300+
Locations Charles River campus, Medical campus & Fenway campus
No. of students 37,000+
Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
Average class size 30
Student diversity 118+ countries and all 50 U.S. states.
No. of international students 10,000+
Campus size 140 acres
Cultural student groups 70+
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Boston University Boston University Scholarships

Boston University provides different scholarships for both local and international students. The scholarships are divided into two main types: merit-based scholarships and need-based scholarships. Unfortunately, international students cannot apply for need-based scholarships at the university. Most need-based scholarships come from the federal or state government. However, international students can apply for two types of merit-based scholarships: the Trustee Scholarships and the Presidential Scholarship. Below, you can find information about Boston University scholarships available for international students:

Scholarship Name Award
Presidential Scholarship INR 20,77,000
Trustee Scholarship INR 50,72,000+
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Boston University Admissions 2025

Application Deadlines

Below are the important Boston University admission deadlines for students from other countries:

Application Path Deadline
Regular Decision Jan 6, 2025
Early Decision Nov 1, 2024
Early Decision II Jan 6, 2025
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Boston University Cost

The tuition fees at Boston University differ depending on the courses you choose. For a single academic year, the fees can range from INR 19 lakh to INR 56 lakh. Below is the tuition fee based on different course levels:

Course Level Annual Tuition Fee in INR
UG INR 48.98 L - 55.76 L
PG INR 18.75 L - 73.19 L

Cost of Living: The estimated expenses for undergraduate students at Boston University for the 2024-25 academic year are listed below:

Particulars Expenses for 2024/25
Room and board USD 19,020
Books and supplies USD 1,000
Incidentals USD 4,646
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Boston University Vs ASU Vs UCLA - Which is better?

College 1st Year Tuition Fees GyanDhan Grade Ranking
Boston University INR 25.12 L - 83.22 L A+ #41 US News, 2025
Northwestern University INR 21.03 L - 77.32 L A++ #6 US News, 2025
NYU Tandon INR 27.52 L - 36.41 L C #879 US News, 2023
Brown University INR 29.62 L - 74.17 L A+ #13 US News, 2025
Rochester Institute INR 32 L - 51.19 L B++ #91 US News, 2025
John Hopkins University INR 33.72 L - 72.54 L A++ #6 US News, 2025
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Boston University Notable Alumni

Boston University has created many well-known and important people in different areas. Below, you can find a list of some of the most famous graduates of the university:

Notable Alumni Profession
Jason Alexander American Actor & Comedian
Julianne Moore American Actress
Michael Chiklis American Actor & Television Director
Geena Davis Actress
Andy Cohen American Television Presenter

Boston University is recognized as one of the top 100 universities in the world by different ranking organizations. Here are some of the global rankings for the university:

Ranking Body World Rank
THE Global Universities Rank 2024 #73
QS World Rank 2025 #108

Boston University is listed among the top 100 universities globally, based on the QS rankings. Below are some rankings of the courses offered by the university:

Ranked by 2023 2024 2025
Accounting and Finance 51 75 NA
Biological Sciences 51 98 NA
Communication and Media Studies 51 51 NA
Engineering and Technology 193 182 NA
Global MBA 33 39 35

Boston University is listed among the top 100 universities globally in the QS rankings. Here are some of the rankings for the courses offered by the university:

Ranked by 2023 2024 2025
Accounting and Finance 51 75 NA
Biological Sciences 51 98 NA
Communication and Media Studies 51 51 NA
Engineering and Technology 193 182 NA
Global MBA 33 39 35
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Boston University Location

University City Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Size of city Medium
Population of City 6,85,094
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