
Boston University (BU) is a private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,656 as of Fall 2023. The campus is 140 acres, and BU guarantees on-campus housing for all four years of an undergraduate's experience. Students like the urban feel of the school's location, the convenience of the city, and the size of the school. They also appreciate the university's reputation, the variety of courses, and the access to top-tier professors and cutting-edge research. However, some students have noted that the high tuition costs can be a challenge, and the academic workload can lead to stress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student life | Boston University offers a blend of academic rigor and diverse opportunities with a vibrant campus life. |
| Campus | The campus is big but feels small and safe. |
| Location | The university is located in Boston, an urban setting with a rich history and culture. It is close to the river and public transportation is easily accessible. |
| Academic life | The university offers over 300 majors, access to hundreds of recruiters, and over 450 student groups. The academic workload can be stressful, and there are complaints about grade deflation by some professors. |
| Faculty | The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, and professors are willing to help students. |
| Diversity | The university has a diverse international student body, but domestic diversity is lacking. |
| Greek life | 55% of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join. |
| Varsity sporting events | 55% of students say varsity sporting events are attended but are not a huge part of campus life. |
| Tuition and fees | Tuition and fees are $68,102, and high tuition costs can be a challenge for some students. |
| Housing | On-campus housing is guaranteed for all four years of undergraduate study, and 75% of students take advantage of this offer. |
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What You'll Learn

Boston University's urban setting
Boston University is a private institution founded in 1839 with a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,656 students (as of Fall 2023). The university is located in Boston, Massachusetts, and its urban campus spans 140 acres.
The university's urban setting provides students with numerous cultural and professional opportunities. For example, students can take advantage of the city's vibrant arts and cultural scene, including museums, theatres, and historical sites. The university's proximity to major companies and organizations also offers valuable internship and networking possibilities.
Boston University's Metropolitan College offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Urban Affairs, City Planning, and Sustainability. This program prepares students for careers in urban public policy, community development, and service delivery. Courses cover a range of topics, including housing, environmental management, health and human services, and public policy analysis. The faculty members have expertise in sustainable development, climate change, transportation, land reclamation, city finance, regional economics, and urban design.
Additionally, the university offers a Graduate Program in Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health (BU URBAN) for PhD students. This program combines broad training in science, management, policy, communication, and governance, with internships and partnerships across governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
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Academic rigour and workload
Boston University (BU) offers a blend of academic rigour, diverse opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. The university provides access to top-tier professors and cutting-edge research, fostering intellectual growth. The diverse student body, with students from nearly 100 countries, enhances classroom discussions and cultural exchange.
With over 300 majors to choose from, BU offers unparalleled opportunities for academic success. The university's study abroad program is widely considered one of the best in the nation. The small student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 means that professors are always willing to help students. The university also boasts a surprisingly diverse range of courses, with over 650 courses on global topics and faculty research on every continent.
However, some students have expressed concerns about the academic workload, which can lead to stress. There are complaints about grade deflation conducted by some professors, and the science departments, especially the Chemistry department, have received negative reviews. The high tuition costs can also be a challenge, and despite financial aid, affordability remains an issue for some students.
Despite these challenges, BU's academic rigour is widely recognised. The university's location in Boston, with its hip neighbourhoods, soaring skyscrapers, rich history, and culture, provides numerous cultural and professional opportunities. The campus size is also a plus, with students appreciating the balance between a large campus and a small college feel within the various schools and colleges that make up BU.
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Student life and extracurriculars
Boston University (BU) offers a blend of academic rigour and diverse opportunities, with a vibrant campus life. The university has a surprisingly small student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, and students can choose from over 300 majors and 650 courses on global topics. There is also access to hundreds of recruiters for career opportunities and over 450 student groups to get involved in.
The BU campus is large but manages to retain a small, safe, and community-oriented feel. The university guarantees on-campus housing for all four years of undergraduate study, and 75% of students take up this offer. The campus is located in Boston, close to the Charles River and the residential towns of Allston and Brookline. The city of Boston is described as the "ultimate college town", with its hip neighbourhoods, soaring skyscrapers, rich history and culture, and numerous cultural and professional opportunities. BU's study abroad programme is also considered one of the best in the nation.
While BU provides unparalleled opportunities, some students have noted that the academic workload can lead to stress, and more mental health support and work-life balance initiatives are desired. The high tuition costs can also be a challenge, despite financial aid.
In terms of extracurriculars, 55% of students report that varsity sporting events are attended but are not a huge part of campus life. 55% of students also say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.
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Campus size and safety
Boston University (BU) is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,656 students as of Fall 2023. The university was founded in 1839 and has three urban campuses spanning 140 acres. The main campus is situated along the Charles River in Boston's Fenway–Kenmore and Allston neighbourhoods, while the Boston University Medical Campus is located in Boston's South End neighbourhood. The Fenway campus houses the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development.
BU's campuses offer a blend of academic rigour, diverse opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. The university provides access to top-tier professors and cutting-edge research, fostering intellectual growth. The diverse student body, with nearly 38,000 students, enhances classroom discussions and cultural exchange. BU’s location in Boston adds excitement with numerous cultural and professional opportunities.
The university offers a wide range of student services, including non-developmental tutoring, a women's centre, placement services, daycare, health services, and health insurance. BU also prioritises campus safety and security. They provide 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late-night transport or escort services, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways and sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BU implemented a student-led safety programme with the slogan "F*ck It Won't Cut It", promoting safe behaviours in a pandemic environment. Additionally, BU has worked with local authorities to improve safety and congestion along the busy Commonwealth Avenue travel corridor.
While BU's campuses provide a stimulating and engaging environment, some students have expressed concerns about the high tuition costs and the heavy academic workload, suggesting that more mental health support and work-life balance initiatives would be beneficial. Despite these challenges, BU's comprehensive academic offerings, research opportunities, and vibrant campus life contribute to a positive and enriching student experience.
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The university's reputation
Boston University (BU) is a private institution founded in 1839 with a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,656 as of Fall 2023. The campus size is 140 acres, and it offers a semester-based academic calendar. The university is ranked 41st in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the category of National Universities. The tuition and fees for the academic year 2023-24 amount to $68,102.
BU's urban setting in Boston, Massachusetts, provides easy access to the city's vibrant culture, history, and professional opportunities. The university guarantees on-campus housing for all four years of undergraduate study, and 75% of students take advantage of this offer. The campus offers a blend of historic and modern architecture, with residence halls featuring dedicated specialty floors. BU has a surprisingly small student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, ensuring that students receive personalised attention and support.
The university provides unparalleled opportunities for students to succeed academically, with 300+ majors to choose from and access to hundreds of recruiters for future job prospects. There are also over 450 student groups on campus, ensuring that students can find their niche and stay engaged in extracurricular activities. The diverse student body, with students from nearly 100 countries, enhances classroom discussions and cultural exchange.
While BU offers a rich academic experience, some students have noted that the high tuition costs can be a challenge, even with financial aid. The academic workload can also lead to stress, and some students have expressed a desire for more mental health support and work-life balance initiatives. Additionally, while BU strives for diversity, some students feel that more could be done to increase domestic diversity as international students make up a significant portion of the student body.
Overall, BU has a positive reputation among students, who appreciate the blend of academic rigor, diverse opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. The university's location in Boston, its academic offerings, and its diverse student community contribute to its reputation as one of the world's top universities.
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Frequently asked questions
Boston University (BU) is well-liked by students. Students praise the university's location, its diverse student body, and the numerous opportunities it offers.
Students like that BU is located in Boston, a city with a rich history and culture. They appreciate the convenience of the urban setting, with public transportation running through the city and the campus being close to the heart of the city. The campus is big, but it doesn't feel too large or overwhelming.
Students appreciate the diverse student population at BU, with students from nearly 100 countries. They find that the diverse perspectives enhance classroom discussions and cultural exchange.
BU offers unparalleled opportunities for academic success, with 300+ majors, access to hundreds of recruiters, and over 450 student groups. The university also has a surprisingly small student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, making it easier to access professors and get help when needed.
Some students have noted that the high tuition costs and academic workload can be challenging. There are also comments about a lack of domestic diversity and issues with grade deflation by some professors.











































