
Boston University is a private research institution with two primary campuses in Boston and programs worldwide. The university has approximately 37,000 students, 18,656 of whom are undergraduates, with a gender distribution of 41.9% male and 58.1% female. The undergraduate population is diverse, with 14% Asian, 11.6% international, 8.6% Hispanic, and 3.2% Black students. BU guarantees on-campus housing for all undergraduates, with 76% of this demographic currently living on campus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total undergraduate enrollment | 18,656 (as of Fall 2023) |
| Gender distribution | 41.9% male, 58.1% female |
| Students living in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing | 69% |
| Students living off campus | 31% |
| Students living on campus | 76% |
| Racial demographics | 50.6% white, 14% Asian, 11.6% international students, 8.6% Hispanic, 3.2% Black |
| International student enrollment (Fall 2015) | 43% Chinese, 9% Indian, 5% Korean, 5% Saudi Arabian, 4% Canadian, 4% Taiwanese, 2% Turkish, 1% Venezuelan, 1% Brazilian, 1% Mexican, 1% Italian, 1% French, 1% Thai, 1% Spanish, 1% Japanese |
| Number of international students by country (Fall 2015) | 18% from 123 other countries |
| Number of Jewish students | 6,000 |
| Number of students by state (highest to lowest) | Massachusetts (19%), New York (16%), New Jersey (9%), California (8%), Connecticut (4%), Pennsylvania (4%), Texas (2%) |
| Average GPA of undergraduates (as of 2014) | 3.16 |
| Number of students | Over 37,000 |
| Number of countries represented by the student body | 140 |
| Number of faculty and staff | Over 11,000 |
| Number of schools and colleges | 17 |
| Number of programs of study | Over 300 |
| Number of campuses | 3 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Boston University has a total of 18,656 undergraduate students
Boston University is a private research institution with two primary campuses in Boston and programs worldwide. The university has approximately 37,000 students from 140 countries, with a total of 18,656 undergraduate students as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution among undergraduate students is 41.9% male and 58.1% female, with 69% living in college-affiliated housing and 31% living off-campus.
The university's main campus, Charles River Campus, is located along the Charles River in Boston's Allston neighborhood. The campus is divided into the Main Campus and West Campus, with the Boston University Bridge as the dividing line. The Main Campus houses most of the schools and classroom buildings, while the West Campus is home to athletic facilities, playing fields, and student housing. Boston University also has a campus in the Fenway area, providing additional housing for undergraduate students.
Boston University offers a diverse range of housing options, including 19th-century brownstones, apartment buildings, and large-scale high-rises. The university guarantees on-campus housing for all undergraduate students for up to four years, with 76% of the undergraduate population currently living on campus. The largest dormitory is Warren Towers, accommodating 1,800 students.
The undergraduate student body at Boston University is diverse, with 50.6% white, 14% Asian, 11.6% international, 8.6% Hispanic, and 3.2% black students. The university also has the largest number of Jewish students among private schools in the US, with about 6,000 students identifying as Jewish. Boston University attracts students from various states, with the highest percentage of registrants from Massachusetts (19%), followed by New York (16%), and New Jersey (9%).
Ottawa University: Homeschool Students Welcome?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

76% of the undergraduate population live on campus
Boston University is a vibrant and diverse community, with a large population of undergraduate students. As of the 2022-2023 academic year, the university enrols approximately 17,394 undergraduate students across all years of study. This figure represents a slight increase from previous years and solidifies Boston University's position as one of the largest private universities in the United States.
When it comes to accommodation, Boston University offers a range of options, and the majority of its undergraduate students choose to live on campus. In fact, 76% of the undergraduate population opts to reside in on-campus housing, which equates to roughly 13,219 students. This high percentage can be attributed to several factors, including the convenience and community that on-campus living provides.
For many students, particularly those who are new to the city or are transitioning from living at home, on-campus housing offers a convenient and hassle-free option. With residence halls located close to academic buildings, libraries, and other university facilities, students can easily access all that the university has to offer. This proximity also fosters a sense of community and belonging, as students living on campus are more likely to engage in university life, attend social and academic events, and form close connections with their peers.
The university recognizes the importance of this statistic and the impact that on-campus living has on the student experience. As such, it prioritizes the development and maintenance of high-quality residence halls, offering a range of accommodation styles to suit different needs and preferences. From traditional dormitory-style rooms to suite-style or apartment-style living, the university aims to provide a 'home away from home' for its diverse undergraduate population.
The benefits of having such a large proportion of the undergraduate population living on campus extend beyond convenience and community building. It also contributes to the overall safety and security of students, as residence halls are closely monitored and provide a supportive environment for students to transition into independent living. Additionally, the university is able to more effectively facilitate access to academic support services, mental health resources, and extra-curricular activities, ensuring that students have a well-rounded and enriching university experience.
In conclusion, with 76% of the undergraduate population choosing to live on campus, Boston University creates a unique and vibrant community that shapes the overall student experience. This high percentage reflects the university's commitment to providing a holistic education and supportive environment that extends beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among its student body.
Exploring Enrollment at Wayne State University
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The gender distribution is 41.9% male and 58.1% female
Boston University has a large student population, with a total enrollment of around 36,624 students, including 18,656 undergraduate students. This makes it a very busy university, with a buzzing atmosphere across its three campuses.
The gender distribution of the undergraduate population at Boston University is 41.9% male and 58.1% female. This means there are approximately 7,726 male undergraduates and 10,930 female undergraduates. This distribution is reflected in the wider student population, with 15,607 male students and 21,017 female students.
Boston University has a lower gender diversity than other US colleges, with a lower proportion of female students. The gender distribution across the whole student body is 43% male and 57% female. This is a similar ratio to the undergraduate population, with a slightly higher proportion of male students.
The undergraduate population at Boston University is diverse, with students from a range of geographic locations. Around 87% of the undergraduate students reside outside of Massachusetts, with a significant number of international students. The university attracts students from a variety of backgrounds, with 19% considered low-income.
Financial Aid for International Students at American University
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The average GPA for BU undergrads in 2014 was 3.16
Boston University is a large institution with over 37,000 students, 18,656 of whom are undergraduates as of Fall 2023. The average GPA for BU undergrads in 2014 was 3.16. This number is slightly higher than the average GPA of BU undergraduates as of 2007, which was 3.04, with about 81% of all grades earned in the A or B range.
Grade inflation has been a topic of discussion at BU, with some professors noting that target GPAs have risen over time. For example, in the late 1990s, the average GPA in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) was 2.84, but by 1998 it had climbed to 3.1. This increase in average GPAs may be due to a variety of factors, including the high percentage of A to B+ grades in certain classes, such as the CAS Core Curriculum.
BU's admissions office takes a holistic approach when reviewing applicants, considering not only test scores and GPAs but also the student's potential contribution to the BU community. For the class of 2014, the admitted students had an average GPA of 3.6, with a composite SAT score of 1967, and were in the top 11% of their high school classes.
Discover DeSales University's Student Population
You may want to see also
Explore related products

BU has over 37,000 students from 140 countries
Boston University (BU) is a private research institution with two primary campuses in Boston and programs around the world. BU has over 37,000 students from 140 countries, with a diverse range of backgrounds and nationalities. The student population includes 50.6% white, 14% Asian, 11.6% international students, 8.6% Hispanic, and 3.2% black students. BU also has the largest number of Jewish students out of all private schools in the US, with about 6,000 students identifying as Jewish.
The university's main campus is located along the Charles River, following Commonwealth Avenue and the Green Line. The campus spans over a mile and a half, from near Kenmore Square to the border of the Allston neighborhood. BU's West Campus, located across the river in Cambridge, houses athletic facilities, playing fields, and student accommodation. The university also has a campus in the Fenway area, accommodating undergraduate students, and a campus in Los Angeles, offering an internship program for students to study and work in various industries.
BU offers over 300 programs of study across 17 schools and colleges, including the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences. The university guarantees on-campus housing for all undergraduate students, with 76% of the undergraduate population currently living on campus. The housing options range from 19th-century townhouses to large-scale high-rises. The largest dormitory is Warren Towers, accommodating 1,800 students.
BU has a total undergraduate enrollment of over 18,000 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 42% male and 58% female. The university is ranked #41 in national universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. BU's dynamic and diverse community, with students from various cultural backgrounds, enhances the academic experience and contributes to its reputation as one of the world's most prominent universities.
UC Financial Aid: International Students' Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, there are 18,656 undergraduate students enrolled at Boston University.
As of Fall 2023, the gender distribution of undergraduate students at Boston University is 41.9% male and 58.1% female.
As of Fall 2023, 76% of the undergraduate population at Boston University lives on campus.
International students at Boston University represent over 140 countries.
As of 2014, the average GPA of an undergraduate student at Boston University was 3.16.











































