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Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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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.
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+ |
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+ |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
University City | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
---|---|
Size of city | Medium |
Population of City | 6,85,094 |