College profile

Boston University: Acceptance Rate and SAT Scores

Boston University admits about 11.1% of applicants. The reported SAT middle-50% range is 1420–1530 (sum of the section 25th/75th percentiles reported to College Scorecard). That SAT range concords to roughly a 32–35 ACT Composite under the official 2018 College Board/ACT concordance table.

See Boston University's key stats below.
Check whether your SAT score is a Reach, In Range, or Likely.
Compare Boston University with another college on your list.

Acceptance rate 11.1%

SAT range 1420-1530

Net price $36,503

Graduation rate 89.5%

Boston University At a Glance

Location	Boston, Massachusetts
Type	Private Nonprofit
Undergraduate Enrollment	18,248
Acceptance Rate	11.1%
SAT Range (Reading & Writing)	690-750
SAT Range (Math)	730-780
SAT Range (Combined, approx.)	1420-1530
Average SAT (Combined)	1480
ACT Range	32-34
Average Net Price	$36,503/yr
Tuition (In-State)	$71,372/yr
Tuition (Out-of-State)	$71,372/yr
4-Year Graduation Rate	89.5%
Full-Time Retention Rate	94.7%
Median Earnings, 10 Years After Entry	$89,087
Median Debt at Completion	$17,500

How Boston University Compares

Boston University is more selective than about 96% of the 254 schools in this list with a published acceptance rate.

With about 18,248 students, it is larger than about 57% of the 265 schools in this list.

Similar Colleges

Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA — 16% acceptance Northeastern University Boston, MA — 5% acceptance University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA — 60% acceptance University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, MA — 83% acceptance University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, MA — 84% acceptance University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA — 11% acceptance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boston University's acceptance rate?

Boston University's acceptance rate is about 11.1%, based on the most recent data reported to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

What SAT score do you need for Boston University?

Admitted students at Boston University typically report a combined SAT score between 1420 and 1530 (the reported 25th to 75th percentile range).

Does Boston University require the SAT?

Test-optional and test-required policies change from year to year and are not part of the College Scorecard data used on this page. Check Boston University's own admissions site for its current testing policy, linked below.

What is the average cost of Boston University?

The average net price reported for Boston University is $36,503 per year, after grant and scholarship aid.

Is My SAT Score Enough for Boston University?

Rule: below 1420 is a Reach, 1420–1530 is In Range, above 1530 is Likely — compared to Boston University's reported 25th–75th percentile SAT range.

Your SAT score

Compare with another college

Choose a college

Build a study plan Aim for a 1475 SAT score, Boston University's reported middle. Find colleges that match you Match your SAT/ACT score and GPA to real universities. SAT question bank Practice with real Digital SAT questions.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Figures reflect the most recent data available via the College Scorecard API — see also Boston University's official site.