---
title: Boston University — PickACampus
description: Explore Boston University: 11% acceptance rate, 1480 avg SAT, and $65,655 median starting salary. Ranked #42 on PickACampus.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/37
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Boston University

Boston University is a private research institution located in an urban setting in Boston, Massachusetts, with a total enrollment of 18,248 students. The university maintains an 11% acceptance rate and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, resulting in an 89% graduation rate. Students enter with average scores of 1480 on the SAT or 33 on the ACT, and graduates earn a median starting salary of $65,655.

## Overview
- Location: Boston, MA
- Type: Private
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 18,248

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Average SAT: 1,480
- Average ACT: 33
- Average GPA: 3.85

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $68,102
- Out-of-state tuition: $68,102
- Room and board: $19,020
- Average financial aid: $37,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $23,250

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 89%
- 4-year graduation rate: 75%
- Freshman retention: 95%
- Employment rate: 90%
- Average starting salary: $65,655

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 10:1
- Average class size: 27
- Classes under 20 students: 50%

## Notable
["Boston University is one of the largest private universities in the United States.","BU's mascot is Rhett the Boston Terrier, named after Rhett Butler from 'Gone With the Wind'.","The university has a strong international presence, with students from over 130 countries.","BU's Charles River Campus stretches over 1.5 miles along the Charles River."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Head of the Charles Regatta","description":"BU's crew teams compete in this iconic rowing race on the Charles River."},{"name":"Terrier Welcome","description":"A series of events to welcome new students to the BU community."},{"name":"BUild Lab","description":"Students participate in innovation challenges and entrepreneurial ventures."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Martin Luther King Jr.","description":"Civil Rights leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate"},{"name":"Julianne Moore","description":"Academy Award-winning actress"},{"name":"Howard Stern","description":"Renowned radio personality and media mogul"},{"name":"Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez","description":"U.S. Representative, political activist"},{"name":"Geena Davis","description":"Academy Award-winning actress, advocate"}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Boston University's acceptance rate?
A: Boston University's acceptance rate is 11%.

Q: How much does Boston University cost?
A: Tuition at Boston University is $68,102 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is Boston University located?
A: Boston University is located in Boston, MA.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Boston University?
A: The average SAT score at Boston University is 1,480.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Boston University?
A: Boston University has a 6-year graduation rate of 89%.

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