Skip Navigation
small header image
College Navigator
College Navigator

Name of School

States (use map for more than 1 state)

use map
close
ZIP Code 
 
select

Programs/Majors 0 Items

Level of Award    help

Institution Type   help

graphic
graphic
 
blank
waiting for map to load
Loading map...

IPEDS ID: 164988
OPE ID: 00213000
add to favorites
Boston University
One Silber Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
General information:  (617) 353-2000
Website:  www.bu.edu
Type:  4-year, Private not-for-profit
Awards offered:  Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree
First-professional degree
First-professional certificate
Campus setting:  City: Large
Campus housing:  Yes
Student population:  31,766 (18,534 undergraduate)
Student-to-faculty ratio:  15 to 1
Carnegie Classification
Research Universities (very high research activity)
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable
Federal Aid
Eligible students may receive Pell Grants and other federal aid (e.g. Direct Loans).
Undergraduate students enrolled who are formally registered with office of disability services
3% or less
Special Learning Opportunities
ROTC (Army, Navy, Air Force)
Teacher certification
Distance learning opportunities
Study abroad
Weekend/evening college
Student Services
Academic/career counseling service
Employment services for students
Placement services for completers
Credit Accepted
Advanced placement (AP) credits
Undergraduate academic year prices
Detailed Expenses2008-20092007-20082006-2007
Tuition and fees$37,050$35,418$33,792
Books and supplies$860$840$792
Living arrangement
On Campus
Room and board$11,418$10,950$10,480
Other$1,772$1,692$1,575
Off Campus
Room and board$11,418$10,950$10,480
Other$1,772$1,692$1,636
Off Campus with Family
Other$5,490$5,342$5,116
Total Expenses2008-20092007-20082006-2007
On Campus$51,100$48,900$46,639
Off Campus$51,100$48,900$46,700
Off Campus with Family$43,400$41,600$39,700
  • All student expenses data apply to full-time first-time degree/certificate-seeking students.
close
This calculator uses estimated student expenses data to estimate the total tuition and fees charged over the duration of a typical 4-year program at this school.
1. Select starting academic year
2. Select tuition inflation rate
 
 

% (0-100 allowed)
  • This school has a tuition prepayment plan which may reduce the total estimated tuition and fees over the duration of a program. For further details please contact the institution.
  • The output is only an estimate and not a guarantee of the actual amount the student may be charged; it is not binding on the Secretary, the institution of higher education, or the State; and it may change, subject to the availability of financial assistance, State appropriations, and other factors. The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for, and receive, an actual financial aid award that includes federal grant, loan, or work-study assistance.
  • The estimated price does not include room and board, books and supplies, &c. (where applicable) and is based on typical tuition and fees figures listed above. Tuition and fees may vary by program. Please contact this institution for detailed price information.
  • Tuition inflation rate estimates for this school are based on the 3 years of data shown in the student expenses section.
Estimate the total tuition costs over the duration of a typical program at this school.
 Multiyear Tuition Calculator
Alternative Tuition Plans
Type of PlanOffered
Tuition guarantee plan
Prepaid tuition planX
Tuition payment planX
Other alternative tuition plan
Undergraduate students 2007-2008
Total grant aid received by all undergraduate students$176,510,839
Number of undergraduate students who received a Pell Grant1,762
  • Total grant aid includes dollars received from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources.
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students, 2007-2008
Percentage of students receiving any financial aid
Percentage of students receiving any financial aid
Received aid: 66%
Did not receive aid: 34%
Percentage of students receiving grant aid by type
Percentage of students receiving grant aid by type
Total grants: 56%
Federal: 11%
Pell: 10%
Other Federal: 11%
State/Local: 7%
Institutional: 55%
Average amount of grant aid received by type
Average amount of grant aid received by type
Total grants: $19,894
Federal: $5,854
Pell: $3,015
Other Federal: $3,173
State/Local: $2,116
Institutional: $19,078
Percentage of students receiving loans by typeAverage amount of loans by type
Percentage of students receiving loans by type
Total loans: 51%
Federal: 50%
Non-federal: 7%Average amount of loans by type
Total loans: $7,055
Federal: $4,508
Non-federal: $17,987
  • For more information on Student Financial Assistance Programs or to apply for financial aid via the web, visit Federal Student Aid.
Fall 2008
Total enrollment31,766
Undergraduate enrollment18,534
Undergraduate transfer-in enrollment232
Graduate enrollment13,232
Undergraduate Attendance StatusUndergraduate Student Gender
Undergraduate Attendance Status:
Full-time: 92%
Part-time: 8%Undergraduate Student Gender:
Male: 41%
Female: 59%
Undergraduate Race/ethnicity
Undergraduate Race/ethnicity:
American Indian or Alaska Native: 0%
Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 13%
Black or African American: 3%
Hispanic/Latino: 6%
White: 49%
Two or more races: 0%
Race/ethnicity unknown: 19%
Non-resident alien: 10%
Undergraduate Student AgeUndergraduate Student Residence
Undergraduate Student Age:
24 and under: 92%
25 and over: 8%
Age unknown: 0%Undergraduate Student Residence:
In-state: 20%
Out-of-state: 69%
Foreign countries: 11%
Unknown: 0%
  • Age data are reported for Fall 2007.
  • Residence data are reported for first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates.
Graduate Attendance Status
Graduate Attendance Status:
Full-time: 65%
Part-time: 35%
Undergraduate application fee (2008-2009): $75
Undergraduate Admissions Fall 2007
TotalMaleFemale
Number of applicants33,93013,86520,065
Percent admitted59%57%60%
Percent admitted who enrolled21%21%21%
Admissions ConsiderationsRequiredRecommended
Secondary school GPAX
Secondary school rankX
Secondary school recordX
Completion of college-preparatory programX
RecommendationsX
Formal demonstration of competenciesX
Admission test scores (SAT/ACT)X
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign language)X
Test Scores: Fall 2007 (enrolled first-time students)
Students submitting scoresNumberPercent
SAT3,85393%
ACT1,14632%
Test Scores25th Percentile*75th Percentile**
NOTES:
*  25% of students scored at or below
** 25% of students scored above
  • Data apply to first-time degree/certificate-seeking students.
  • Institutions are asked to report test scores only if they are required for admission.
SAT Critical Reading580680
SAT Math590690
SAT Writing590670
ACT Composite2530
ACT English2630
ACT Math2529
First-to-Second Year Retention Rates

Retention rates measure the percentage of first-time students who are seeking bachelor's degrees who return to the institution to continue their studies the following fall.

Retention Rates for First-Time Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees
Student retention:
Full-time students: 91%
Percentage of Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2007 and Returned in Fall 2008
Overall Graduation Rate and Transfer-Out Rate

The overall graduation rate is also known as the "Student Right to Know" or IPEDS graduation rate. It tracks the progress of students who began their studies as full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking students to see if they complete a degree or other award such as a certificate within 150% of "normal time" for completing the program in which they are enrolled.

Some institutions also report a transfer-out rate, which is the percentage of the full-time, first-time students who transferred to another institution.

Note that not all students at the institution are tracked for these rates. Students who have already attended another postsecondary institution, or who began their studies on a part-time basis, are not tracked for this rate. At this institution, 92 percent of students entering students were counted as "full-time, first-time" in 2008.

Overall Graduation and Transfer-Out Rates for Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2002
Overall graduation rate:
Overall graduation rate: 80%
(*) Transfer-out rate:
Percentage of Full-time, First-Time Students Who Graduated or Transferred Out Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program
  • (*) Not all institutions report transfer-out rates.
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rates

Bachelor’s degree graduation rates measure the percentage of entering students beginning their studies full-time and are planning to get a bachelor’s degree and who complete their degree program within a specified amount of time.

Graduation Rates for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor's degree rate:
4-year: 70%
6-year: 81%
8-year: 81%
Percentage of Full-time, First-time Students Who Graduated in the Specified Amount of Time
6-Year Graduation Rate by Gender for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees
6-Year Graduation Rate by Gender for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees:
Male: 80%
Female: 80%
Percentage of Full-time, First-time Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2002 and Received a Degree or Award Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program
6-Year Graduation Rate by Race/Ethnicity for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees
6-Year Graduation Rate by Race/Ethnicity for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees:
(!)American Indian or Alaska Native: 55%
Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 84%
Black or African American: 71%
Hispanic/Latino: 71%
White: 80%
Race/ethnicity unknown: 79%
Non-resident alien: 84%
Percentage of Full-time, First-time Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2002 and Received a Degree or Award Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program
  • (!) Interpret data with caution. There are insufficient cases for a reliable estimate.
Completions 2007-2008
sort byProgramBachelorMasterDoctorCertificate
  • Data shown are for first majors.
  • (-) Program is not offered at this award level.
Architecture and related services
City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning-7--
Category total-7--
Area, ethnic, cultural, and gender studies
African-American/Black Studies-2--
American/United States Studies/Civilization5---
Area Studies, Other0---
Central/Middle and Eastern European Studies0---
East Asian Studies6---
Italian Studies4---
Latin American Studies1---
Regional Studies (US, Canadian, Foreign)-14-
Category total1634-
Biological and biomedical sciences
Anatomy-33-
Biochemistry/Biophysics and Molecular Biology56---
Biochemistry-04-
Bioinformatics-114-
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other-2070-
Biology/Biological Sciences, General146914-
Biophysics-25-
Biostatistics-265-
Biotechnology-5--
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology--9-
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other-16-
Conservation Biology8---
Environmental Biology9---
Epidemiology-544-
Genetics, General-02-
Immunology--3-
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography15---
Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology-10-
Molecular Biology3-4-
Neurobiology and Neurophysiology-46-
Pathology/Experimental Pathology-37-
Pharmacology-14-
Physiology, General-01-
Category total23731791-
Business, management, marketing, and related support services
Accounting0---
Actuarial Science-32--
Banking and Financial Support Services-30--
Business Administration and Management, General6324127-
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other-135--
Business, Management, Marketing & Related Support Services, Other-5--
Financial Planning and Services-29--
Hospitality Administration/Management, General138---
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General-18--
Insurance-29--
International Marketing-1--
Management Information Systems, General-37--
Category total7707287-
Communication, journalism, and related programs
Advertising-36--
Broadcast Journalism-12--
Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric350---
Health Communication-0--
Journalism, Other-17--
Journalism19143--
Public Relations/Image Management-22--
Radio and Television15616--
Category total697146--
Computer and information sciences and support services
Computer Science40626-
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications-8--
Information Science/Studies-186--
Category total402566-
Education
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching-0-0
Art Teacher Education113--
Bilingual and Multilingual Education00-0
Chemistry Teacher Education0---
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services-46-3
Curriculum and Instruction-541
Drama and Dance Teacher Education01--
Early Childhood Education and Teaching85-0
Education, General-0-0
Education/Teaching Individuals - Hearing Impairments28-1
Educational Leadership and Administration, General-4581
Educational/Instructional Media Design-8-0
Elementary Education and Teaching3011-0
English/Language Arts Teacher Education1122-0
Foreign Language Teacher Education34-0
Health Teacher Education-7-0
International and Comparative Education-13--
Latin Teacher Education10--
Mathematics Teacher Education414-0
Music Teacher Education51193-
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching215-0
Reading Teacher Education-5-0
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education16-0
Social Studies Teacher Education1319-0
Special Education and Teaching, General52530
Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other-461
Teacher Education/Profess Development, Subject Areas, Other-411
Teaching English as Second/Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor-18-0
Category total86417258
Engineering
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering2330-
Biomedical/Medical Engineering782017-
Computer Engineering, General--2-
Computer Software Engineering2731--
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering503112-
Engineering Mechanics-0--
Engineering Science--0-
Engineering, General00--
Engineering, Other1---
Manufacturing Engineering28192-
Mechanical Engineering59135-
Systems Engineering-04-
Category total26611742-
English language and literature/letters
Creative Writing-25--
English Language and Literature, General112147-
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other-73-
Category total1124610-
Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics
Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature0---
Classics/Classical Languages, Lit & Linguistics, General6---
French Language and Literature1041-
German Language and Literature1---
Italian Language and Literature0---
Japanese Language and Literature3---
Latin Language and Literature2---
Linguistics1724-
Russian Language and Literature1---
Spanish Language and Literature1613-
Category total5678-
Health professions and related clinical sciences
Advanced General Dentistry (Cert, MS, PhD)---13
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences, Other-0-2
Athletic Training/Trainer15---
Audiology/Audiologist and Hearing Sciences-01-
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist173120
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician12---
Dental Clinical Sciences, General (MS, PhD)-0-0
Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician0---
Dental Public Health and Education (Cert, MS/MPH, PhD/DPH)-201
Dentistry (DDS, DMD)--169-
Endodontics/Endodontology (Cert, MS, PhD)-4012
Environmental Health-95-
Genetic Counseling/Counselor-5--
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other24---
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General67---
Health/Health Care Administration/Management-1752-
Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist1000-
Maternal and Child Health-251-
Medical Scientist (MS, PhD)-400
Medicine (MD)--152-
Occupational Therapy/Therapist076-0
Oral Biology and Oral Pathology (MS, PhD)-880
Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery (Cert, MS, PhD)-003
Orthodontics/Orthodontology (Cert, MS, PhD)-606
Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics (Cert, MS, PhD)-008
Periodontics/Periodontology (Cert, MS, PhD)-009
Physical Therapy/Therapist-0155-
Pre-Dentistry Studies2---
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies18---
Prosthodontics/Prosthodontology (Cert, MS, PhD)-004
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer-6--
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other6784-
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor-801
Category total23236749959
History
History, General10773-
Category total10773-
Legal professions and studies
Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law (LLM, JSD/SJD)-66--
Law (LLB, JD)--278-
Legal Assistant/Paralegal1---
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies, Other-0--
Programs for Foreign Lawyers (LLM, MCL)-72--
Tax Law/Taxation (LLM, JSD/SJD)-57--
Category total1195278-
Liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies0---
Category total0---
Mathematics and statistics
Mathematics and Statistics, Other-12--
Mathematics, General4257-
Category total42177-
Multi/interdisciplinary studies
Ancient Studies/Civilization1421-
Historic Preservation and Conservation-5--
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other691610-
Neuroscience21010-
Nutrition Sciences123110
Systems Science and Theory0110-
Category total11665220
Personal and culinary services
Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other-5--
Category total-5--
Philosophy and religious studies
Philosophy43309-
Religion/Religious Studies111013-
Category total544022-
Physical sciences
Astronomy793-
Astrophysics00--
Chemistry, General201713-
Chemistry, Other7---
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other21--
Geology/Earth Science, General1032-
Geophysics and Seismology2---
Hydrology and Water Resources Science-0--
Physics, General171716-
Category total654734-
Psychology
Clinical Psychology-20--
Counseling Psychology--3-
Psychology, General2914925-
Category total2916928-
Public administration and social service professions
Public Administration-20--
Social Work0155--
Category total0175--
Security and protective services
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration-9--
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies4195--
Forensic Science and Technology-9--
Category total4213--
Social sciences
Anthropology3921-
Archeology1821-
Development Economics and International Development-2--
Economics, General1927431-
Economics, Other-6--
Geography233-
International Relations and Affairs31135--
Political Science and Government, General14133-
Social Sciences, General-430-
Social Sciences, Other16---
Sociology4825-
Urban Studies/Affairs414--
Category total77118644-
Theology and religious vocations
Bible/Biblical Studies-103-
Divinity/Ministry (BD, MDiv)--35-
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other---0
Religious/Sacred Music-5--
Theology/Theological Studies-151-
Category total-30390
Visual and performing arts
Acting260--
Art History, Criticism and Conservation49104-
Arts Management-28--
Cinematography and Film/Video Production-31--
Conducting-430
Directing and Theatrical Production32--
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General28---
Graphic Design2413--
Music History, Literature, and Theory000-
Music Performance, General122031
Music Theory and Composition126-
Music, General4---
Musicology and Ethnomusicology121-
Painting2114--
Piano and Organ1321
Sculpture62--
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology176--
Violin, Viola, Guitar and Other Stringed Instruments71461
Visual and Performing Arts, General1---
Voice and Opera131324
Category total214164277
Grand total4,1773,6241,19674
2007-2008 Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division I-AAA MenWomen
All Track Combined9686
Basketball1513
Field Hockey23
Golf12
Ice Hockey2725
Lacrosse26
Rowing6460
Soccer2928
Softball17
Swimming and Diving2727
Tennis138
Wrestling27
Institutional Accreditation
AgencyPeriods of AccreditationStatus
New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education12/1/1929 -  Accredited
Specialized Accreditation
Agency / ProgramPeriods of AccreditationStatus
American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
Law (LAW) - Professional schools1/1/1925 -  Accredited
American College of Nurse-Midwives, Division of Accreditation
Nurse Midwifery (MIDWF) - Basic certificate and graduate nurse-midwifery education programs for registered nurses7/15/1991 -  Accredited
American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation
Endodontics12/8/1967 -  Accredited
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology- (OMP)12/8/1967 -  Accredited
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS)12/8/1967 -  Accredited
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics12/8/1967 -  Accredited
Pediatric Dentistry12/8/1967 -  Accredited
Periodontics12/8/1967 -  Accredited
Prosthodontics12/8/1967 -  Accredited
Dentistry (DENT) - Programs leading to the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree; advanced dental education programs (general practice residency, advanced general dentistry, and specialty programs)12/11/1970 -  Accredited
Dental Public Health12/5/1975 -  Accredited
Post Doctoral - Advanced dental education programs (advanced education in general dentistry and general practice residency)12/8/1988 -  Accredited
American Dietetic Association, Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
Dietetics (DIETI) - Dietetic Internship9/1/1989 -  Accredited
Didactic Program in Dietetics4/1/1999 -  Accredited
American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
Occupational Therapy (OT) - Professional Programs(!)7/1/1965 -  Accredited
American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Physical Therapy (PTA) - Professional programs for the physical therapist3/1/1932 -  Accredited
American Psychological Association, Committee on Accreditation
Clinical Psychology (CLPSY) - PhD Doctoral programs10/1/1948 -  Accredited
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-Language Pathology (SP) - Graduate degree programs6/17/1966 -  Accredited
Audiology (AUD) - Graduate degree programs10/1/1994 - 10/1/1999Resigned
Clinical doctoral program in Audiology10/1/1999 -  Accredited
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
Health Services Administration (HSA) - Graduate programs in health services administration(!)7/1/1978 -  Accredited
Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
Theology (THEOL) - Freestanding schools, as well as programs affiliated with larger institutions, offering graduate professional education for ministry and graduate study of theology7/1/1938 -  Accredited
Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
English Language12/1/2000 -  Accredited
Council on Education for Public Health
Public Health (PH) - Graduate schools of public health1/10/1981 -  Accredited
Liaison Committee on Medical Education
Medicine (MED) - Programs leading to the M.D. degree7/1/1942 -  Accredited
National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation, Commission on Community/Junior College Accreditation
Music (MUS) - Institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting and/or non-degree-granting programs(!)9/1/1938 -  Accredited
  • (!) Estimated date
2007 Crime Statistics
Arrests - On-Campus200520062007
Illegal weapons possession000
Drug law violations53410
Liquor law violations73421
Arrests - On-Campus Residence Halls !200520062007
Illegal weapons possession000
Drug law violations3106
Liquor law violations73217
Criminal Offenses - On-Campus200520062007
Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter000
Negligent manslaughter000
Sex offenses - Forcible537
Sex offenses - Non-forcible (incest and statutory rape only)000
Robbery141
Aggravated assault292
Burglary9511762
Motor vehicle theft542
Arson110
Criminal Offenses - On-Campus Residence Halls !200520062007
Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter000
Negligent manslaughter000
Sex offenses - Forcible235
Sex offenses - Non-forcible (incest and statutory rape only)000
Robbery000
Aggravated assault030
Burglary475239
Motor vehicle theft000
Arson110
  • (!) Residence Halls are a subset of On-Campus statistics
  • The crime data reported by the institutions have not been subjected to independent verification by the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, the Department cannot vouch for the accuracy of the data reported here.
  • These data do not include incidents that: (a) took place off campus on public property immediately adjacent to and accessible from the Campus; (b) took place on a noncampus building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution; or (c) incidents at buildings/property owned or controlled by an institution but is not contiguous to the institution. For further information, see http://ope.ed.gov/security.
Average amount of undergraduate student loans by type, 2007-2008
Loan typeAverage amount
Direct Subsidized$4,251
Direct Unsubsidized$3,525
Default Rates
Fiscal Year200720062005
Default rate0.5%0.5%0.6%
Number in default292733
Number in repayment5,1664,5754,761
Aid Programs
  • Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL)
  • Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan)
1990 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006, USA
Phone: (202) 502-7300 (map)