Boston University

What is the accreditation of Boston University?

Boston University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, or NECHE. Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole against standards concerning matters such as academics, governance, and resources.

Some professional programs have separate, field-specific accreditation. For example, applicants to medicine, dentistry, public health, or other licensed professions should verify the accreditation of the particular program and its suitability for the state in which they hope to practice. Institutional accreditation supports eligibility for federal student aid when other requirements are met, but it does not guarantee that another college will accept a course in transfer or that a graduate will qualify for a professional license.

What are the admission requirements at Boston University?

Boston University uses selective admission for first-year applicants. Applicants generally submit an application, secondary-school records, recommendations, and required writing; BU evaluates academic preparation in the context of the student's school and chosen program.

The admissions record includes 78,769 first-year applicants and 8,749 offers of admission - an acceptance rate of about 11%. That figure describes a past entering cycle, not an applicant's individual chance. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, the reported median was 1440 on the SAT and 33 on the ACT. Because only a portion submitted either test, those medians should not be read as minimum scores.

BU has used a test-optional policy, so applicants should verify the policy for their entry term before deciding whether to submit SAT or ACT results. English-language proficiency documentation may be required of applicants whose educational background calls for it; BU specifies accepted tests and possible exemptions in its admissions instructions. Some programs, particularly in the arts, may require an audition, portfolio, or additional materials.

BU offers early and regular first-year application routes with different deadlines and commitments. Applicants should distinguish a nonbinding application from an Early Decision application, which carries an enrollment commitment if admitted under its terms. A high school diploma or recognized equivalent is generally needed before enrollment; the application instructions explain how to report current coursework and final credentials.

What are the application fees and waivers at Boston University?

Boston University's standard undergraduate application fee is $80. The fee is paid when an application is submitted and is separate from any enrollment deposit charged after admission.

• Undergraduate application fee: $80.

Eligible applicants can request a fee waiver rather than pay the fee. BU's application instructions describe waiver routes for students with financial need and how to indicate eligibility in the application; school counselors may need to verify a request. Applicants should make the request before submitting an application, when the application platform still permits them to select the waiver option. Graduate and professional programs can set different fees and waiver procedures.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Boston University?

Boston University students have access to Army, Air Force, and Navy ROTC opportunities. Participation involves military training alongside university coursework and should be considered separately from ordinary student clubs.

Prospective cadets and midshipmen should confirm the relevant unit's enrollment arrangements, academic scheduling, medical and citizenship requirements, and scholarship application process. An ROTC scholarship is not automatic, and scholarship acceptance or later commissioning can involve military service obligations. Those terms depend on the branch and the student's individual agreement.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Boston University?

Boston University accepts transfer applications for fall and spring entry and generally considers college coursework completed at other accredited institutions. Admission as a transfer student and acceptance of individual courses for BU credit are separate decisions.

Transfer applicants generally submit college transcripts, a secondary-school record, application materials, and information about courses in progress. BU evaluates applicants' college performance and preparation for the intended program; requirements can differ for specialized schools. Students who have completed college coursework after high school should use BU's published applicant-category rules to determine whether to apply as a transfer rather than a first-year student.

A course's previous credit value does not necessarily determine how it will satisfy a BU major, general-education requirement, or graduation requirement. Applicants should retain syllabi for courses that may need review and examine the university's transfer-credit guidance. An official evaluation after admission is more useful for planning time to degree than an informal estimate of transferable credits.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Boston University?

Boston University offers study abroad through university-run programs and other approved international options. Choices include semester study, shorter programs, and programs that combine coursework with an internship.

BU Study Abroad has operated programs in locations including London, Madrid, and Sydney. Availability depends on the term, academic area, and program capacity. Students should work with both study abroad advisers and their academic school to confirm how courses will meet major, general-education, or graduation requirements before committing to a program.

Costs and aid treatment can vary by program. A student considering an exchange or outside program should check whether it is approved, how credit will appear on a BU transcript, and which scholarships or financial aid can be used. Internship placements abroad may have additional eligibility and visa requirements.