Check my chances

Colleges › Massachusetts › Boston University

Boston University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as BU

Boston University accepts 11% of applicants. It is a private university in Boston, Massachusetts, with about 18,248 undergraduates. The sticker price is $91,342 a year, but after aid the average family pays $36,503.

11%Acceptance rate
1420–1530Middle 50% SAT
32–34Middle 50% ACT
$36,503Average cost after aid / year
90%Graduation rate
$71,021Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for BU?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical applicant has about a 20% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Boston University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1440, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAEstimated chance
3.01% Reach
3.33% Reach
3.55% Reach
3.79% Reach
3.916% Reach
4.020% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

Get your own chance, free

Enter your GPA, test score and state to see your chance here and at 169 other colleges, with cost after aid for your family. No sign-up needed.

Check my chances

What families actually pay at Boston University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $91,342 a year including room and board.

Family incomeCost per year
Under $50k$22,800
$50k – $100k$52,900
$100k – $150k$70,400
$150k – $250k$89,700
Over $250k$91,300

Outcomes

90%Finish their degree
95%Return for second year
$71,021Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Boston University

What is the acceptance rate at Boston University?

Boston University admits 11% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Boston University?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical applicant has about a 20% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Boston University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1420–1530 on the SAT and 32–34 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Boston University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $91,342 a year including room and board, but the average family pays $36,503 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $22,800.

What is the graduation rate at Boston University?

90% of students finish their degree, and 95% return for a second year.

Colleges similar to Boston University