Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts · Private
Boston University admitted 13% of 76,776 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1420–1510 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 90% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Boston University
Enter a score to see whether Boston University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It admits 13% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 31% (2,165 of 6,907), compared with 13% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
16,135 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 10,393 took it, and 479 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Boston University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- Class rank
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Character
Considered
- Test scores
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Interview
- Talent or ability
- Legacy
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.86 GPA. 86% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $86,363 a year. After grants, students paid $27,551 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
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