
Boston University (BU) is a private teaching and research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17,000 undergraduates, BU offers a wide range of academic opportunities, including 300+ majors and minors, more than 650 global courses, and 180+ study abroad programs. The university has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a rigorous admissions process, with high standards for academic performance and extracurricular involvement. BU students have access to thousands of research and internship opportunities and are known for their strong work ethic and academic excellence. The campus is integrated with the city of Boston, providing a blend of traditional college campus life and city-integrated experiences. With a diverse range of student groups, clubs, and organizations, BU students can find their community and pursue their interests both inside and outside the classroom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of undergraduate students | 18,656 (fall 2023) |
| Campus size | 140 acres |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of global courses | 650+ |
| Number of student groups | 450+ |
| Number of study abroad programs | 180+ |
| Number of majors | 300+ |
| Number of countries students come from | Nearly 100 |
| Number of countries alumni live in | 185 |
| Select housing communities | Earth House, Global House |
| Select clubs | Intramural sports (e.g. broomball) |
| Select academic areas | Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy (GCI), Scientific Inquiry (SI1/SI2), Ethical Reasoning (ETR) |
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What You'll Learn

Boston University students are academically challenged
Boston University (BU) is a private teaching and research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. The university offers unparalleled academic opportunities to its students, with over 300 majors and minors, more than 650 global courses, and 180+ study abroad programs. BU's commitment to research is evident through its Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which connects students with faculty research projects across various disciplines.
The university has a rigorous admissions process, seeking students who have challenged themselves academically and exhibited involvement in dual-enrollment, AP, and IB curriculum programs. BU's high standards extend to its academics, where students are intellectually stimulated and pushed to reach their full potential. The university boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, ensuring that students receive the necessary support and guidance in their academic pursuits.
BU students are known for their drive and ambition. With a total undergraduate enrollment of nearly 17,000-18,656 students, the university fosters a vibrant and diverse community. Students have described feeling challenged in their classes and benefiting from numerous research and internship opportunities. The professors at BU are renowned for their expertise and intellect, further enhancing the academic experience.
The university's urban setting in the heart of Boston provides a unique blend of a traditional college campus experience and city life. BU's main campus and housing options are conveniently located along the Charles River, offering easy access to downtown Boston. The university guarantees on-campus housing for all four years of undergraduate study, contributing to a cohesive and engaging student community.
In addition to its strong academics, BU offers a well-rounded student experience. The university has over 450 student groups, including professional organizations, student government, community service initiatives, and Greek life. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and connect with others who share their passions. The university's location in a city filled with colleges further enhances the social aspect of student life, with numerous opportunities for engagement both within and beyond the BU community.
Overall, Boston University students are academically challenged and driven individuals who thrive in a stimulating learning environment. The university's academic offerings, coupled with its focus on research and student development, prepare graduates to succeed in their chosen careers and contribute to BU's reputation as one of the world's top universities.
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They have a wide range of extracurricular interests
Boston University students have a wide range of extracurricular interests. With over 450 student groups, clubs, and organizations, students can explore various extracurricular activities and find their community. The university's urban setting in the heart of Boston provides easy access to downtown, enriching students' experiences with the city's rich history and culture.
The diverse range of extracurricular options available at BU ensures that students can pursue their passions and interests outside the classroom. Students can join intramural sports teams, such as broomball, to stay active and socialize in a relaxed environment. For those interested in Greek life, BU offers fraternities and sororities, fostering a sense of community and brotherhood/sisterhood.
BU's commitment to research is evident through its Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which connects students with faculty research projects across various disciplines. Students can explore their academic interests through research, benefiting from the university's $1 million in research funding for undergraduates. This emphasis on research extends beyond the campus, with faculty conducting research on every continent.
In addition to on-campus extracurriculars, BU's location in a city with 35 colleges and universities broadens the scope of extracurricular activities. Students can take advantage of the university's unique arrangement, allowing them to take courses at other universities in Boston while still paying tuition to BU. This flexibility enhances their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
The vibrant city of Boston offers a multitude of extracurricular opportunities. Students can explore their interests through local restaurants, pubs, and shops along Comm Avenue, fostering a sense of community within the city. BU's proximity to the Charles River also provides a unique blend of urban and natural environments, allowing students to experience both the city's vibrancy and the calmness of the river.
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They have access to a large alumni network
Boston University (BU) students have access to a large and diverse alumni network. With a total undergraduate enrollment of over 17,000 or 18,000 students (according to varying sources), BU graduates are spread out across the globe, living in over 185 countries. This provides current students with an extensive network of potential connections for mentorship, internships, and job opportunities.
The alumni network is a valuable resource for students seeking guidance and support in their chosen fields. BU's strong focus on research and academic excellence means that its alumni are well-accomplished and successful in a range of industries. The university's location in the heart of Boston, a hub of colleges and universities, further contributes to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its alumni.
BU's alumni network is actively engaged in supporting current students. They often return to campus to participate in career panels, mentor students, and recruit for their organizations. The university also has alumni chapters and regional clubs worldwide, providing students with local connections and resources even after they graduate. This sense of community and shared experience fosters a strong bond between BU alumni and current students, making the alumni network a powerful tool for career development and exploration.
In addition to the global reach of BU's alumni network, the university also emphasizes the importance of community and connection within the BU family. With a surprisingly small student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, BU fosters a close-knit community where students can easily connect with their peers and form lasting relationships. This sense of community extends beyond the current student body, as alumni remain connected to the university and are often willing to support fellow Terriers in their professional pursuits.
The extensive alumni network, combined with the university's commitment to research and academic excellence, provides BU students with unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether seeking mentorship, exploring career paths, or expanding their professional networks, BU students can leverage the power of the alumni community to enhance their overall university experience and future prospects.
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BU students are spread across various housing communities
Boston University (BU) is located in the heart of historic Boston, with hip neighbourhoods, soaring skyscrapers, championship sports teams, and a rich history and culture. The BU campus and housing options are spread across the Charles River in the centre of Boston, with a variety of living communities. BU guarantees on-campus housing for all four years of undergraduate study, and 75% of students take up this offer.
The university has over 450 student groups, including professional organisations, student government, political organisations, community service organisations, and Greek life. Students can join clubs, play sports, or participate in intramural sports like broomball, providing a low-stakes opportunity to get some exercise and make friends.
BU's housing options reflect its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. The university offers a range of living communities that cater to different interests and learning styles. For example, BU's Earth House focuses on sustainable living and environmental justice, while the Global House emphasises foreign language proficiency.
The university's main campus and housing options lie along the Charles River, providing easy access to downtown Boston. BU buildings centre around Commonwealth Avenue, a typical college street where students can walk and socialise. Students also have access to the city's rich cultural offerings, including local restaurants, pubs, and shops along Comm Avenue.
With its close-knit community in an urban setting, BU blends the traditional college campus experience with the city-integrated college experience. The open campus integrates seamlessly with the city, providing a unique blend of academic and social opportunities for students to explore.
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Students are involved in rigorous academics and research
Boston University (BU) is a private teaching and research university with a strong focus on academics and research. The university offers a wide range of academic opportunities for its students, with over 300 majors and minors to choose from, as well as more than 650 global courses. BU also provides access to hundreds of recruiters to help students land jobs after graduation.
The university is committed to research, with $1 million in research funding for undergraduates and a variety of research opportunities available. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) connects students with faculty research projects in a diverse range of fields, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, education, and the arts. BU's location in the heart of Boston also provides students with numerous opportunities to explore their specific areas of interest.
BU has high standards for admission, typically accepting students who challenged themselves academically in high school and were involved in dual-enrollment, AP, and IB curriculum programs. The university attracts ambitious and driven students who are dedicated to their academic and professional development.
Students at BU are involved in rigorous academics and are often challenged in their classes. The university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, allowing for more personalized attention and support. BU professors are renowned for their expertise and intelligence, further enhancing the academic experience.
In addition to their academics, BU students prioritize research and internship opportunities. The university offers thousands of internships, both in the US and abroad, preparing graduates to succeed in a globally interconnected world. BU's strong focus on research and academics ensures that students are well-equipped to pursue their career goals and make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
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Frequently asked questions
Boston University has high standards for admission. The university looks for students who challenged themselves academically in high school and typically accepts students who were involved in dual-enrollment, AP, and IB curriculum programs.
Boston University has over 450 student groups, including professional organisations, student government, political organisations, community service organisations, and Greek life. There are also intramural sports, such as broomball, which offer students a low-stakes opportunity to get some exercise and make some friends.
Boston University has over 300 majors and minors, more than 650 global courses, $1 million in research funding for undergraduates, and 180+ study abroad programs. The university also has a surprisingly small student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.
Thanks to thousands of research and internship opportunities in the US and abroad, Boston University graduates are well-prepared to lead in an interconnected world. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) connects students with BU faculty research projects in a wide range of fields.
Boston University is an open campus, meaning that the university itself is integrated with the city of Boston. The campus is also located on the Charles River in the centre of Boston, so students have easy access to downtown Boston.











































