
Boston University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,656 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with over 300 programs of study. The campus size is 140 acres, and the university is home to more than 37,000 students, including over 10,000 international students. Boston University is a highly competitive school with an acceptance rate of around 11%. The university has a rich history, founded in 1839, and is known for its academic excellence and prestigious alumni.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | 37,000+ |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 18,656 (fall 2023) |
| Number of international students | 10,000+ |
| Number of student-athletes | 600 |
| Number of faculty and staff | 11,000+ |
| Number of schools and colleges | 17 |
| Number of degree programs | 300+ |
| Campus size | 140 acres |
| Gender distribution | 41.9% male, 58.1% female |
| Housing | 69% on-campus, 31% off-campus |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Boston University has over 37,000 students
Boston University, a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, has over 37,000 students. The undergraduate student enrollment is 17,000+, and the graduate student enrollment is 18,000+. There are more than 10,000 international students at the university, representing 140 countries. With such a large student population, Boston University is a bustling and dynamic place to study and offers a wide range of courses and programs to cater to its diverse student body.
The university offers more than 300 degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Some of the popular courses among international students include MBA, MS in Computer Science, MS in Financial Management, MS in Artificial Intelligence, and MS in Business Analytics. Boston University also offers many online programs, such as Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity, Enterprise Risk Management, and Applied Data Analytics. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #41.
Boston University has a rich history, founded in 1839, and is one of only three universities in Boston and Cambridge named to the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus is located in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood and spans 140 acres. The university has two primary campuses: the Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus. The campus has seen expansion over the years, with the addition of the Photonics Center, a new building for the School of Management, and the Life Science and Engineering Building.
Student life at Boston University is vibrant and diverse. In sports, the university is part of the NCAA I and has approximately 600 student-athletes competing in 24 NCAA Division I varsity sports. The university also has a Greek life system, clubs, and other extracurricular activities. Boston University has produced notable alumni in various fields, including media, literature, sports, and entertainment. Some notable names include Howard Stern, Andy Cohen, Marc Maron, Jenna Marbles, and Olympic medalists David Hemery and John Thomas.
University Students: Do They Need Jobs?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

18,656 undergraduate students enrolled in 2023
Boston University is a large institution with over 37,000 students from 140 countries and more than 11,000 faculty and staff members. The university offers over 300 programs of study across 17 schools and colleges, including the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences.
In terms of undergraduate enrollment specifically, Boston University had 18,656 undergraduate students enrolled in the fall of 2023. This figure comprises students from both the Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus, which are the university's two primary campuses.
The gender distribution among the undergraduate population in 2023 was 41.9% male and 58.1% female. Additionally, 69% of these undergraduates lived in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while the remaining 31% lived off-campus.
Boston University offers a wide range of courses and programs at the undergraduate level, including popular courses such as MBA, MS in Computer Science, MS in Financial Management, MS in Artificial Intelligence, and MS in Business Analytics. The university also provides various online programs and courses for international students. With such a large and diverse student body, a vibrant student life, and a competitive 11% acceptance rate, Boston University is a highly sought-after educational institution.
Research Opportunities for Columbia Undergraduates
You may want to see also
Explore related products

69% live in college-owned housing
Boston University is a large institution, with over 37,000 students from 140 countries, 11,000 staff and faculty members, 17 schools and colleges, and more than 300 study programmes. With such a large student population, the university offers a wide range of housing options, with 69% of undergraduates living in college-owned accommodation.
The university's housing system is the second largest of any private university in the United States. On-campus housing offers a diverse range of options, from 19th-century brownstones to large, modern high-rises. The university guarantees the option of on-campus housing for four years or more for all undergraduate students. This is a challenge for the university, given the size of the student population and the urban setting, but BU has met this goal every year, even completing a new 960-bed dorm in 2009.
Students have a choice of a broad and eclectic mix of residences, all of which are safe and secure. Whether students prefer a small, tight-knit community or a larger, vibrant housing experience, there is something for everyone. Freshmen and transfer students are allocated housing based on an online housing questionnaire, while returning students who have submitted a housing guarantee payment are entered into a lottery to determine their priority in selecting housing.
Boston University's Residence Life team delivers a range of programmes and services to students, including specialty communities, Residence Hall Associations, crisis intervention, conflict mediation, and information about campus resources. The team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist students, parents, and members of the university community.
Towson University: Required Computers for Students?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

10,000+ international students
Boston University is a bustling hub of academic activity, with a diverse student population that includes over 37,000 students from across 140 countries. This includes more than 10,000 international students, who bring a wealth of cultural experiences and perspectives to the campus.
The university's international students are an integral part of its vibrant community, and they play a significant role in shaping the dynamic and inclusive atmosphere that BU is known for. With such a large number of international students, the university has a strong focus on supporting these students and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive during their time at BU.
The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) is a dedicated resource for international students, offering a range of services and support. The ISSO helps students with everything from immigration-related matters to cultural adjustment and community-building events. They also offer the Center for English Language and Orientation Programs, which provides English language support and helps international students improve their language skills and adjust to academic life in the US.
In addition to the services provided by the ISSO, BU offers a range of financial and academic resources specifically for international students. While need-based financial assistance is not available, BU provides clear guidelines and support for international students to navigate the financial aspects of their education. The university also accepts a range of English proficiency tests, including TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo, to ensure international students can demonstrate their language skills and meet the university's academic standards.
The large number of international students at Boston University contributes to a diverse and globally-minded campus community. With students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, the exchange of ideas and perspectives enhances the educational experience for all. The university's commitment to supporting its international students ensures that they can succeed academically and socially during their time at BU.
Attendee Numbers at Stephen F. Austin University
You may want to see also
Explore related products

300+ degree programs
Boston University offers over 300 programs of study for its 37,000 students. These include undergraduate minors, undergraduate majors, master's, and doctorate programs. The university invites students to challenge themselves by choosing one or two majors, finding a fascinating minor, or taking an elective outside of their comfort zone.
The university's website allows prospective students to search for degree programs by subject and area of interest. Boston University has 17 schools and colleges, including the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, the School of Hospitality Administration, and the School of Management. The Pardee School of Global Studies, for instance, offers majors in Middle Eastern and North African Studies, as well as Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Literatures.
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is another academic division at Boston University. It offers a wide range of courses, including anthropology, biochemistry, and more. The BU Hub is an innovative general education program that aims to prepare students for the future by offering them unique experiences.
Boston University's three campuses are always bustling with activity, thanks to its large student body, diverse academic programs, and dedicated faculty and staff. The university provides numerous resources and support services to ensure a smooth academic journey for its students. With such a vast array of programs, Boston University offers a wealth of opportunities for intellectual exploration and personal growth.
Who Counts in a City Census? University Students' Confusion
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, there are 18,656 undergraduate students enrolled at Boston University. The total number of students at the university is over 37,000.
There are more than 10,000 international students at Boston University, representing 140 countries.
41.9% of students at Boston University are male, while 58.1% are female.
69% of Boston University students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 31% live off-campus.
Approximately 600 student-athletes at Boston University compete in 24 NCAA Division I varsity sports.











































