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Boston University

One Silber Way, Boston, MA 02215, USA

Boston University award
Boston University award
US ranking
position: 138
Tuition & fees per year: $71,372
Acceptance rate: 11.00%
Median alumni salary: $55,834
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1440 SAT, 33 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Hard

What does Boston University offer in terms of athletics?

Boston University features a comprehensive athletics program that competes at the NCAA Division I level, providing students with a chance to engage in high-caliber collegiate sports. The university sponsors multiple varsity teams across a variety of sports, including men's and women's basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and track and field, among others.

Notably, Boston University is recognized for its strong ice hockey programs, with both men's and women's teams enjoying considerable success and national attention. The men's ice hockey team, in particular, has earned several conference titles and made multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament, reflecting the program's competitive stature.

Beyond varsity athletics, the university offers club sports and numerous intramural leagues, allowing students of varying skill levels to participate in organized sports activities. This breadth of options encourages a vibrant campus athletic culture and promotes physical wellness alongside academic life.

Facilities supporting these athletic programs include state-of-the-art arenas and fitness centers, designed to enhance both athlete performance and overall student recreation. These amenities are accessible to all students, ensuring opportunities for involvement whether at the competitive or recreational level.

For students considering Boston University, the athletics department represents a dynamic part of campus life, balancing rigorous competition with inclusive participation opportunities.

What student groups and Associations are available at Boston University?

Boston University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and communities. Students can engage with the Student Government, which provides a platform for campus-wide advocacy and leadership opportunities. For those interested in cultural connections, the university hosts the African Student Organization and the Asian Student Union, which support cultural awareness and community building.

The Queer Activist Collective is another prominent group, focusing on advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ students. Additionally, students with an interest in global matters can join the International Affairs Association, which promotes awareness and discussion of international topics.

Among the total student body, 11 women are recorded as members of these social organizations, contributing to the broader campus community through their participation.

Who studies at Boston University?

Boston University hosts a diverse student body, with a total enrollment of approximately 4,075 new students annually, including a notably high number of freshmen at 3,145. The university attracts a substantial transfer population as well, with 930 transfers representing a strong presence compared to many peer institutions. This size places Boston University in the top 15% nationwide for total incoming students and within the top 10% for freshmen enrollment.

The composition of the student population reflects significant geographic diversity. In-state students make up a very small segment, comprising only about 14%, ranking Boston University in the bottom 5% nationally for local representation. Conversely, out-of-state students form a dominant part at 61%, placing the university among the top 10% of schools for attracting students from outside the state. Additionally, Boston University boasts a very high proportion of international students who come from 26 different countries, which situates it in the top 5% nationally for foreign representation. The remaining 0% categorized as unknown is at an average level.

Age distribution varies widely across undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students predominantly fall into the traditional college age ranges, with the largest groups between 18 and 21 years old (7,182 aged 18-19 and 8,966 aged 20-21). Smaller but notable portions of undergraduates are aged 22-24 (1,753) and even older. Graduate students tend to be older overall, with the majority between 22 and 49 years of age, and smaller but significant groups in higher age brackets, including 442 students aged 50-64 and some over 65.

The ethnic composition at Boston University demonstrates a balanced mix of backgrounds. Hispanic students number 2,089, an average level that ranks in the top 35% of universities. African American students total 1,080, also reflecting an average presence and ranking similarly. White students constitute a large portion with 5,879 individuals, placing Boston University in the top 20% of institutions for size of this demographic. Asian students total 3,750, a very high number that ranks in the top 5%, indicative of strong Asian representation.

Other racial groups include Native American students at a modest level with 9, and Pacific Islanders numbering 17, both around average and slightly below to middle percentiles. Notably, students identifying as belonging to two or more races number 861, which is very high and places the university in the top 10%. The number of students with unknown racial or ethnic status is also relatively high at 694, ranking the university in the top 10% for this category.

How does student life look like at Boston University?

Boston University offers a vibrant student life supported by a wide array of cultural and recreational activities. The campus features numerous outlets for student expression and engagement, including a campus newspaper, drama productions, radio station, band, chorus, and television station. These opportunities foster a dynamic environment where students can explore their interests beyond academics.

Health and wellness resources are readily accessible, with an on-campus health clinic and psychological counseling services available to students. Support for specific groups is also evident through offices such as the veterans affair office and a dedicated woman's center, aiming to provide tailored assistance and community building.

In terms of athletics, Boston University maintains NCAA membership, reflecting involvement in competitive collegiate sports which can enhance school spirit and offer additional avenues for student involvement.

The university hosts a very large and diverse student body, with total enrollment among the highest nationally. It draws students from over 100 countries, creating a multicultural campus atmosphere. This diversity enriches student interactions and broadens perspectives across the campus community.

Despite a substantial student population, Boston University supports a favorable student-faculty ratio of approximately 10 to 1, promoting closer academic engagement and support.

What libraries are available to students at Boston University?

Boston University offers access to a remarkably extensive library system, anchored by the Mugar Memorial Library. Students benefit from a total of 13 libraries, placing the university's library count in the top 5% nationally. This broad network supports a wealth of physical and digital resources tailored to diverse academic needs.

The university's collection includes over 1.9 million physical books, ranking in the top 10%, and an exceptional catalogue of nearly 2.9 million ebooks, which is among the top 5% in availability. Additionally, there are more than 30,000 subscriptions to scholarly journals, ensuring access to current research, although digital subscriptions are more modest at about 209,000, ranking closer to the median percentile.

Students have access to 782 databases, which reflects an average level compared to peer institutions. The libraries provide physical facilities and digital access supported by trained staff, with established hours of operation totaling 121 weekly service hours, although the facilities do not offer all-day access. Study rooms are available for individual or group work, and access extends to shared collections beyond the university's own holdings, increasing the breadth of research materials accessible to students.

Boston University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

37737

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

3153

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1994 full time, 867 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Boston University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Mugar Memorial

Number of libraries on campus

13

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Boston University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Boston University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Boston University Location & Map