Boston University Acceptance Rate

BU is among the leading private research universities in Boston, USA. Boston University offers nearly numerous undergraduate and graduate courses through 17 schools and colleges. Some of its popular majors being Economics, Anthropology, Business Management, and Biochemistry, among others. The university also has 90+ research centers and an annual research expenditure of over USD 550 million (approx. INR 450 crore).

Boston University is ranked #43 in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges under National Universities. Boston University is a leading private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It has joined the Association of American Universities, a top research universities in the US and Canada. According to the QS World University Rankings, Boston University ranks #93 in Best Global Universities for 2024, placing it among the top 100 universities in the world.

Boston University offers numerous undergraduate and graduate courses. With almost 300 academic programs available, one can select an undergraduate major. At the graduate level, there are about 400 graduate and professional programs offered.

Boston University Acceptance Rate 2024

Boston University recently released its Fall 2023 enrollment data, showcasing Class Profile 2027. According to the official website, 80,495 students applied for Boston University admission, of this 3,145 were admitted as freshman. The average GPA of freshmen enrolled so far ranges from 3.8-4. The class of 2027 so far has students from 64 countries, 46 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. More data is expected to release further.

However, based on the data available for Fall 2022, Class Profile 2026, showcases the Boston University acceptance rate is 14%. The table mentioned below shows the total headcount of applicants who enrolled and who were admitted at Boston University:

Parameter	Undergraduate
Total Applicants	80,796
Total Undergraduate Enrollment	18,459
Total graduate and professional enrollment	18,255
Grand Total All Students	36,714

Boston University Acceptance Rate for International Students

According to the facts listed on the official website of Boston University, for admission to MS in Business Analytics, the Undergraduate GPA stood at 3.49. GMAT (median) score was 710 and GRE was 325 (median). When it comes to geographical breakdown, a vast number of students of Boston are from various regions mentioned below:

Region	Headcount	Percentage of Students
White	12,957	34.50%
International	10,812	28.79%
Hispanic	3,371	8.98%
Asian	5,495	14.63%
Unknown	1,902	5.96%
African American	1,694	4.51%

Boston University Acceptance Rate Trends

The Class of 2026 is expected to be BU's strongest ever, with only 14% of a record 80,794 applications admitted to a class of 3,100 freshmen. 

According to Kelly Walter, dean of admissions and associate vice president for enrollment, said this year's admittance rate was four points lower than the Class of 2025, reflecting the growing rivalry for admission to BU. 

Over the last decade, BU's acceptance rate has fallen from 46% in 2012 to 14% in 2022 applications season.

The students accepted into the Class of 2026 are from the top 6% of their high school class, with a 3.95 GPA, a SAT of 1491, and an ACT of 34. 

However, just 54% of applicants submitted their standardized test scores this year, as BU joined many other schools in making the SAT and ACT standardized tests optional. Admissions experts believe this explains why colleges around the country are experiencing record-breaking amounts of applications—BU received 6.7% more applicants this year than the previous year.  

Boston University Student Enrollment

Boston University is home to a total of 37,557 students, out of which international students are more than 7,000 in number and represent nearly 100 countries around the globe. Students all over the world seek admission in Boston University, which include Indian students in a notable number.

Particulars	Headcount
Total Students	37,557
International Students	7,000+
Undergraduate Students	17,744
Graduate Students	18,476

Boston University Early Decision VS Regular Decision 

Early Decision and Early Decision 2 are application alternatives at Boston University that allow students to apply and receive an admission decision early, and if admitted, commit to attending BU by withdrawing applications to other institutions. U.S. News and World shows the Boston University Early Decision acceptance rate is 25%.

Boston University Requirements for International Students

For Boston University admissions, international students must meet the English proficiency requirements as well as the entry requirements. Boston University acceptance rate stands at 14%, which indicates that securing admission in this university is very challenging.

Boston University Eligibility For Indian Students

To be admitted as a first-year international student, Boston University requirements given below must be fulfilled:

• Secondary School Records: Higher Secondary Certificate / ISC (State Board exams may also be examined for admission). Also, submit copies of all qualifying exams that have been taken throughout the secondary school
• English language proficiency test results
• Financial support documentation
• Passport data page
• SAT / ACT test score (if applicable)
• Any other additional document

To gain admission to the graduate courses at BU meet the entry requirements given below:

• A three-year bachelor’s degree is required
• GPA requirement: There is no minimum GPA requirement, however, Boston University recommends that the applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (Based on a 4.0 scale)
• GRE score
• IELTS / TOEFL score
• Academic Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Letter of Recommendation

Boston University English Language Requirements 

For admission to Boston University, international students are required to submit an English language proficiency score. For the same reason, students can submit an IELTS score. If students want to take admission into the undergraduate courses of BU, then they are required to submit an overall score of 7 or higher in IELTS. In place of IELTS score, students seeking admission to undergraduate courses can submit Duolingo / TOEFL scores.

The minimum score requirements are listed below:

English Language Exam	Score Requirements
TOEFL	90-100
IELTS	7 & Above
Duolingo	120 - 130

Average ACT & SAT scores

At Boston University, admissions officials place a high value on a student's GPA. Boston University's acceptance rate is 14%. Half of the applicants admitted to Boston University who submitted test scores had a SAT score of 1350 to 1500 or an ACT score of 31 to 34. However, one-quarter of approved applicants scored above these levels, while one-fourth scored below them.

Tips to get selected

Getting into Boston University, like any other prestigious university, takes a combination of academic achievement, extracurricular activity, outstanding application materials, and, in some cases, standardised test scores. Here are some suggestions to boost your chances of acceptance to Boston University:

• Maintain a solid GPA throughout high school.
• If you decide to submit your scores, thoroughly prepare for exams such as the SAT or ACT.
• Show your commitment to extracurricular activities by displaying leadership and passion.
• Obtain excellent letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well and can attest to your academic talents and personality.
• Boston University admissions staff value an applicant's high school class rank, where available, as well as Letter of Recommendation.
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of applying through Early Decision vs. Regular Decision. Choose the option that best suits your situation and preferences.

Boston University Acceptance Rate v/s Harvard University Acceptance Rate 

Particularly, when it comes to the acceptance rate, then it is difficult to gain admission to Harvard University. According to U.S. News & World Report, the acceptance rate of Harvard University is 3.4% which makes it more selective, whereas, the acceptance rate of Boston University is 14%. If we consider the rank of both these universities, then also Harvard ranks better globally.

Harvard University admissions comparatively harder than Boston University admissions. Check the acceptance rate and average GPA requirements of both the universities from the table given below:

University Name	Acceptance Rate	Average GPA Required
Harvard University	3.4%	No minimum grade point
Boston University	14%	GPA 3.25