
Boston University is a private research university with a diverse student body, drawing students from across the United States and around the world. The university, located in the heart of Boston, offers a wide range of academic opportunities with numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, attracting students with its strong academics and research focus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | 37,000+ |
| Number of international students | N/A |
| Top 5 countries international students come from | China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada |
| Number of undergraduate students | 18,656 (as of Fall 2023) |
| Number of Jewish students | 6,000 |
| Top 5 states students come from | Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Boston University's international student enrollment
Boston University (BU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. With a student population of over 37,000, BU is a large and diverse institution, attracting students from across the United States and the world.
BU's international student enrollment is notable, with students from over 140 countries. In Fall 2015, the breakdown of international students was as follows: 43% from China, 9% from India, 5% from South Korea, 5% from Saudi Arabia, 4% from Canada, 4% from Taiwan, 2% from Turkey, and 1% each from Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, France, Thailand, Spain, and Japan. The remaining 18% of international students came from 123 other countries, demonstrating the truly global nature of BU's student body.
BU's large international student population contributes to a vibrant and diverse campus community. The university offers over 300 programs of study, including more than 650 global courses, providing a wide range of academic opportunities for international students. The university also offers $1 million in research funding for undergraduates and 180+ study abroad programs, further enhancing the academic experience for international students.
BU's location in the heart of Boston also plays a significant role in attracting international students. The city offers a wealth of cultural experiences, job opportunities, and internships, providing international students with a well-rounded educational experience. The university's proximity to other prestigious academic institutions, such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), further enhances its appeal to international students seeking a world-class education.
BU's international students pursue a variety of degree programs. In Fall 2015, 39% of international students were enrolled in undergraduate programs, 37% in graduate programs, and 23% in other programs. The university's affordable financial aid program, "affordableBU," also helps to support international students in need of financial assistance, ensuring that a BU education is accessible to students from all backgrounds.
University of Phoenix: Student Population Insights
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Domestic students from Massachusetts
Boston University, a private teaching and research institution, has a diverse student population, with students from a variety of domestic and international backgrounds. In terms of domestic students from Massachusetts, BU had the highest number of registrants from this state in the fall of 2015, accounting for 19% of the total domestic student population.
Massachusetts, being the university's home state, naturally contributes a significant number of students to BU's overall enrollment. The university's location in the heart of Boston offers a range of opportunities for students, including job prospects, internships, and cultural experiences. The vibrant city environment, with its rich history and urban setting, attracts students from across the state, providing them with a dynamic academic environment.
The academic year 2023 saw a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,656 students at BU, with the university's overall student population, including all programs, totaling over 37,000. While the exact number of domestic students from Massachusetts is not publicly available, the 19% figure from 2015 suggests that a considerable portion of the student body originates from within the state.
BU's reputation for academic excellence and its ranking as the 12th best university in the US for employability also make it an attractive choice for students from Massachusetts. The university's strong academics, coupled with its focus on research and professional development, provide local students with a well-rounded education and valuable career prospects. The university's affordable financial aid program, "affordableBU," also ensures that the demonstrated financial needs of domestic students, including those from Massachusetts, are met.
The diverse student population at BU, with a mix of domestic and international students, enhances the overall university experience. The exchange of ideas and cultural interactions within the student community enrich the academic and social environment, benefiting both domestic and international students alike.
University Students: Data Privacy Contracts?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$34.95

The benefits of BU's location
Boston University (BU) is a private teaching and research university located in the heart of historic Boston. With over 37,000 students from 140 countries and 11,000 faculty and staff, BU offers a diverse and vibrant community for its students. The university has three campuses spread across 140 acres, providing a spacious and well-equipped environment for learning and growth.
One of the key benefits of BU's location is its proximity to other prestigious academic institutions. Just across the Charles River from the BU campus are renowned universities such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This proximity fosters a culture of academic excellence and provides opportunities for collaboration and intellectual exchange.
Being situated in a major city like Boston also brings numerous advantages. The urban setting offers students easy access to a wide range of cultural experiences, including museums, theatres, and historical sites. The city's vibrant social scene, with its diverse restaurants, cafes, and nightlife, provides a rich environment for students to explore and connect.
Additionally, BU's location in Boston presents abundant internship and job opportunities. The city is home to numerous leading companies, organizations, and startups across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. BU students can take advantage of these prospects to gain valuable hands-on experience and build professional networks, enhancing their career prospects.
The university's location also contributes to its academic offerings. With ten undergraduate schools and colleges, over 300 majors and minors, and more than 650 global courses, BU provides a wealth of academic opportunities. The university's proximity to cultural institutions, research centres, and industry leaders facilitates collaborations and partnerships that enrich the academic experience for students.
Lastly, BU's location in Boston offers a hub of transportation options. The city's efficient public transport system, including buses, trains, and subways, makes it convenient for students to navigate the city and explore the surrounding areas. Additionally, Boston's Logan International Airport provides easy access to domestic and international destinations, making travel convenient for students travelling home or exploring new places during breaks.
American University Student Population Insights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.95 $12.95

The number of students at BU
Boston University (BU) is a private teaching and research university with a large student population. The university has nearly 38,000 students, including over 18,000 undergraduates, and more than 4,000 faculty members. It is one of Boston's largest employers.
BU has a diverse student body, with students coming from a variety of national, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. In terms of international students, BU had 11.6% international students enrolled as of Fall 2015. The breakdown of nationalities among international students was as follows: 43% Chinese, 9% Indian, 5% Korean, 5% Saudi Arabian, 4% Canadian, 4% Taiwanese, 2% Turkish, and 1% each from Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, France, Thailand, Spain, and Japan. The remaining 18% of international students came from 123 other countries. Among these international students, 39% pursued undergraduate degrees, 37% pursued graduate degrees, and 23% were enrolled in other programs. 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.
In terms of domestic students, the plurality of registrants were from Massachusetts (19%), followed by New York (16%), New Jersey (9%), California (8%), Connecticut (4%), Pennsylvania (4%), and Texas (2%). BU's financial aid program, "affordableBU", meets 100% of the demonstrated need of domestic students.
BU has a large and growing campus, with three urban campuses totalling 140 acres. The main campus is situated along the Charles River in Boston's Fenway–Kenmore and Allston neighbourhoods. The university has been actively expanding its campuses and programs over the years, with new construction and renovations taking place regularly. The various colleges and schools within BU offer a wide range of academic opportunities, with over 300 programs of study, more than 650 global courses, and 180+ study abroad programs.
Transferring to Johns Hopkins: Can You Change Your Major?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The number of countries BU students come from
Boston University, a private teaching and research university, has a diverse student population with students from a variety of countries and backgrounds. The university has over 37,000 students from approximately 140 countries, making it a truly global institution. This diversity provides a wealth of cultural experiences and opportunities for students to broaden their perspectives and build a global network.
The international student body at Boston University is significant, with students from all over the world choosing BU for their education. In Fall 2015, international students made up a large proportion of the student population, with 43% from China, 9% from India, 5% from South Korea, 5% from Saudi Arabia, 4% from Canada, 4% from Taiwan, 2% from Turkey, and 1% each from Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, France, Thailand, Spain, and Japan. Additionally, 18% of international students came from 123 other countries, showcasing the truly global nature of BU's student population.
The plurality of domestic students at BU come from Massachusetts (19%), followed by New York (16%), New Jersey (9%), California (8%), Connecticut (4%), Pennsylvania (4%), and Texas (2%). BU's financial aid program, "affordableBU", aims to meet 100% of the demonstrated need of domestic students, making it more accessible to a wider range of students.
With students from various countries and diverse backgrounds, BU offers a rich and culturally diverse environment. The university's location in the heart of historic Boston further enhances the opportunities for cultural exchange and exploration. The university's ranking as #12 for employability in the US can be attributed to the vast academic opportunities it provides, including thousands of research and internship opportunities, both domestically and internationally.
BU's global community fosters a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, where students can find their community and feel a sense of belonging regardless of their background. The university's commitment to diversity and its focus on providing a wide range of academic opportunities contribute to a well-rounded and enriching educational experience for its students.
Exploring Cornell's Student Population
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Boston University has over 37,000 students.
Boston University students come from a variety of places. In terms of international students, the largest group comes from China (43%), followed by India (9%), and Korea (5%). In terms of domestic students, the largest group comes from Massachusetts (19%), followed by New York (16%), and New Jersey (9%).
Boston University is a private teaching and research university. It is ranked #41 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the category of National Universities.






































