Boston University
Boston, MA · Private · 18,248 undergrads
- Admit rate: 11.1% (80,495 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1420–1530 (ACT 32–34)
- Undergraduates: 18,248 (21.2% international)
- Average net price: $24,402 (per year after aid)
- Graduation rate: 89% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Decision: Nov. 2, 2026
- Early Decision II: Jan. 5, 2027
- Regular Decision: Jan. 5, 2027
Editor's notes
- Early Decision is BU's main door. 58% of the Class of 2030 came through it, and in fall 2025 BU admitted 2,165 of 6,907 ED applicants. If BU is truly your first choice and your family has run the net price calculator, say so with ED or ED2. If it's one of several, don't.
- Decide the test question carefully, because you can't take it back. BU is test-optional through fall 2028, but once you submit, your choice about whether BU sees your scores is locked. In fall 2025, 36% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
- Pick your BU school or college on purpose. You're admitted to a school, not to BU in general, and Engineering and Questrom have math requirements. BU can redirect you to the College of General Studies, so make sure your supplemental essay makes sense for the school you chose.
- If you want the Presidential Scholarship, Dec. 1 is your real deadline. It's now worth half tuition, and applying by then is the only extra step.
Sources
- Boston University, Common Data Set 2025-2026 (Section C)
- BU Admissions, Important Deadlines
- BU Admissions, First-Year Applicants
- BU Admissions, Class Profile (Class of 2029)
- BU Today, A Snapshot of BU's Class of 2030
- BU Admissions, Early Decision Applicants
- BU Admissions, Merit Scholarships for First-Year Students
- BU Admissions, Scholarships and Financial Aid
- BU Admissions, Statement on Application Integrity
- BU Admissions, Frequently Asked Questions
- Kilachand Honors College, Admissions
