Built for Students, by Students
Help verify tuition, housing costs, and campus life data
Boston University
Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in MA. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.
Annual Tuition
$65,168
Average Sticker Price
Admission Rate
10.8%
Selectivity Level
Graduation Rate
89.5%
Completion Success
Median Earnings
$83,238
10y Career Outlook
Related Guides & Reviews
In-depth articles about this school and region
Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply
Read guide →
Best Community Colleges in Massachusetts: Transfer Rates, Tuition & Programs
Read guide →
Best Community Colleges in Boston: Transfer, Tuition & Programs for 2026
Read guide →
Best Nursing Schools in Boston: Programs, Tuition & Rankings for 2026
Read guide →
About Institution
Boston University is a distinguished Private nonprofit, 4-Year institution located in Boston, MA. With a competitive tuition profile of $65,168, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 89.5% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.
Admissions Intel
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Acceptance Rate
10.8%
What You Need to Apply
Application requirements for Boston University
GPA: 3.7 – 4 (unweighted mid-50%)
2 Essays Required
Common App personal essay + BU-specific writing supplement.
2 Recommendation Letters Required
One counselor + one teacher evaluation required
Required Documents
- • Common App
- • High school transcript
- • 2 recommendation letters
- • 2 essays
- • SAT/ACT (optional)
Key Deadlines
Early Decision
November 1, 2025
Regular Decision
January 4, 2026
ED1 Nov 1. ED2 + RD Jan 4.
Financial Aid Priority Deadline
December 1, 2025
File FAFSA by this date to maximize aid eligibility.
Important
Test-optional through Fall 2028. Optional 60-90 second video submission. College of Fine Arts requires portfolio/audition.
Last verified: April 12, 2026. Source: BU Admissions. Always verify requirements directly with Boston University before applying.
Investment Return
Estimated College ROI Analysis
Total 4-Year Cost
$260,672
Based on sticker tuition
Estimated Payback
4.9 yrs
Time to recoup investment
Annual Earnings Boost
+$53,238
vs. $30k HS diploma baseline
10-Year Net Gain
+$271,708
Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost
20-Year Net Gain
+$804,088
Long-term projected return on your education investment
ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at Boston University is $23,250.
Student Community
Gender Balance
Ethnic Diversity
Security Audit
Incidents
0
Burglary
0
Theft
0
Assault
0
Robbery
0
Rape
0
Arson
0
Murder
0
Financial Outlook
Total Sticker Price
$65,168
Estimated cost before aid.
Net Price By Income
Debt & Financial Aid
Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.
Grant Aid (IPEDS 2021)
* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.
Quick Overview
Faculty Ratio
N/A
Retention
94.5%
Success
89.5%
In-State Cost
$65,168
Age 25+ Students
2.9%
Carnegie Class
R1: Doctoral — Very High Research
Working at 6yr
1,676 students
Security Benchmark
Campus vs. City Comparison (Per 100k)
Violent Offenses
PER 100KProperty Crimes
PER 100KStats sourced from institutional reports and municipal data. These rates provide a standardized baseline for comparing safety across different environments.
Living In Boston
Off-Campus Market Estimator
Studio
$2,212
Monthly Average
1 Bedroom
$2,377
Monthly Average
2 Bedrooms
$2,827
Monthly Average
3 Bedrooms
$
Monthly Average
Data provided by HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR). These estimates assist with financial planning for off-campus housing in the Boston metropolitan area.