Boston University
bu.md
Boston University
Overview
- Location: Boston, MA (Commonwealth Ave campus along Charles River)
- Type: Private research university, NCAA Division I (Patriot League / Hockey East)
- Category: elite_private
Admissions (Class of 2029 / 2024-25 cycle)
- Total applicants: ~76,000
- Overall acceptance rate: 12.8%
- ED acceptance rate: ~28% (ED I)
- RD acceptance rate: ~10% (estimated)
- Early rounds: ED I (Nov 1) + ED II (Jan 6); NO Early Action
- Yield rate: ~27%
- Class size: 3,461
- Testing policy: Test-optional (through Fall 2028 / Spring 2029)
Academic Profile (admitted students)
- SAT middle 50%: 1430-1510
- ACT middle 50%: 32-34
- Avg unweighted GPA: ~3.89
- Top 10% of HS class: 92%
- Top 25% of HS class: 100%
Demographics (undergraduate)
- White: 33%, Asian: 16%, Hispanic: 10%, Black: 3%, Multiracial: 4%, International: 23%
- Women: 58%
- Black enrollment dropped from 9% to 3% post-SFFA (Class of 2028)
Financial Aid / Net Price (IPEDS, Title IV recipients)
| Income Bracket | Avg Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0-30,000 | $12,903 |
| $30,001-48,000 | $13,256 |
| $48,001-75,000 | $20,231 |
| $75,001-110,000 | $31,075 |
| Over $110,000 | $48,048 |
BU meets 100% demonstrated need without loans for domestic first-years. Starting 2026-27, families under $200K income cap parent contribution at $20K.
Athletics
- NCAA Division I, 24 varsity sports
- 761 student-athletes (~4.0% of undergrad enrollment)
- Competes in Patriot League (most sports), Hockey East (hockey), CAA (some)
Simulation Notes
- 59% of enrolled Class of 2029 came via ED — BU heavily rewards ED commitment
- Suggested ED multiplier: ~2.5x
- No EA option pushes strategic applicants to ED or RD only
- Lower yield (27%) compared to peers reflects strong cross-admit competition with NEU, BC, NYU
- BU's 92% top-decile stat is very high, suggesting strong academic self-selection despite 12.8% rate