Data & Stats
BU By The Numbers
Visual guides to Boston University admissions, costs, and outcomes. All data sourced from official BU reports and verified databases.
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Admissions Statistics
BU Admissions at a Glance
Class of 2028
80,797
Applications
Record high
11%
Acceptance Rate
Most selective ever
1480
Median SAT
1400-1540 range
3.9
Median GPA
Unweighted
Acceptance Rate Trend
BU has become increasingly selective, dropping from 18% to 11% in 5 years
Source: BU Admissions Office, Common Data Set 2023-24GuideToBU.com
Key Takeaways
- • BU received a record 80,797 applications for the Class of 2028
- • Acceptance rate has dropped from 18% to 11% in just 5 years
- • Middle 50% SAT range is 1400-1540 (highly competitive)
- • Test-optional policy continues through 2025-26
Cost of Attendance
BU Cost Breakdown 2024-25
Annual Cost of Attendance: $88,294
Average Net Price by Income
$0-30K
$22,000
$30K-48K
$28,000
$48K-75K
$35,000
$75K-110K
$48,000
$110K+
$68,000
Aid You Pay
Good to know: 50% of BU students receive need-based aid. The average aid package is $52,000/year.
Source: BU Financial Aid Office, College Navigator 2024GuideToBU.com
Key Takeaways
- • Total sticker price: $88,294/year (one of the highest in the country)
- • BUT: 50% of students receive need-based financial aid
- • Average aid package: $52,000/year
- • Families earning under $60K may qualify for free tuition
Career Outcomes
Where BU Grads Go
Class of 2023
95%
Employed or Grad School
Within 6 months
$65K
Median Starting Salary
350K+
Alumni Worldwide
Post-Graduation Outcomes
Top Employers of BU Grads
Industry Distribution
Source: BU Career Development, LinkedIn Alumni DataGuideToBU.com
Key Takeaways
- • 95% of graduates employed or in grad school within 6 months
- • Median starting salary: $65,000 (higher for STEM/Business)
- • Top employers: Google, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Mass General
- • 350,000+ alumni network across 130+ countries
Data Sources
Admissions Data
- • BU Common Data Set 2023-24
- • BU Admissions Office
- • National Center for Education Statistics
Financial Data
- • BU Financial Aid Office
- • College Navigator (NCES)
- • IPEDS Data Center
Career Data
- • BU Center for Career Development
- • LinkedIn Alumni Insights
- • BU Alumni Network
Last updated: December 2024. Data reflects most recent available academic year.