Boston University
Boston, United States • Founded 1869 • World Rank #116
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1869, the Boston University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Boston (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Massachusetts.
This institution also has branch campuses in Los Angeles, Washington DC, London, Paris and Sydney. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Boston University (BU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Boston University (BU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 155-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. BU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Boston University's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Boston University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
Boston University's internal academic units — faculties, schools, and institutes — are grouped below. The breakdown helps when navigating departmental websites and specific contact points.
Unit 22 items
- Arvind and Chandan Nandlal Kilachand Honors College
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Communication
- College of Engineering
- College of Fine Arts
- College of General Studies
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Sargent College
- Division of Extended Education
- Division of Military Education
- Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences
- Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
- Metropolitan College
- Questrom School of Business
- School of Hospitality Administration
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
- School of Public Health
- School of Social Work
- School of Theology
- Wheelock College of Education and Human Development
Programs Offered
Boston University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
313 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 79 programmes
Showing 10 of 79.
Master's Degree 112 programmes
Showing 10 of 112.
Doctorate 64 programmes
Showing 10 of 64.
Professional Doctorate 4 programmes
Certificate 45 programmes
Showing 10 of 45.
Postgraduate Certificate 9 programmes
How to apply to Boston University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Boston University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Research programmes at Boston University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Boston University runs 313 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Boston University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Boston University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.bu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (617) 353 2000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Boston University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
How old is Boston University?
The institution opened in 1869 (approximately 157 years ago).
Where can I find Boston University?
The institution is located in Boston, United States.
Is Boston University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How many students does Boston University have?
The institution has a student body of 25,000-29,999.
What is Boston University's ranking?
Boston University holds rank #116 globally and #33 in United States.
How many faculties does Boston University have?
The institution comprises 22 academic units.
Who recognises Boston University?
The institution holds recognition from New England Commission of Higher Education.
Where can I learn more about Boston University?
You can find Boston University online at www.bu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
The institutions topping the United States's rankings give national context for Boston University. Context matters because employer perception in the United States often correlates with national rankings.
Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)
Other Association of American Universities (AAU) members offer mobility and exchange compatibility with Boston University. Exchange compatibility is one of the more practical benefits of shared network membership.
Faculties at nearby universities
Public transport hubs near Boston University affect access to all the universities below similarly. Major transit nodes often correlate with where the cluster of institutions is densest.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Practicum and placement requirements vary widely across Education & Teaching programmes in the United States. Compulsory placements affect total time commitment but typically improve post-graduation employment outcomes.
Universities Compared with Boston University
Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to Boston University. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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