Boston University is a major private research university along the Charles River in the heart of Boston. Its School of Communication, strong pre-med and engineering programs, and urban campus give students direct access to the academic, cultural, and professional resources of one of America's premier college cities.
Mascot: Terrier
Notable Alumni
Martin Luther King Jr. (civil rights leader)•Julianne Moore (Oscar-winning actress)•Geena Davis (Oscar-winning actress)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
BU stretches along Commonwealth Avenue for over a mile and a half, which means your social life depends heavily on which end of campus you live on. About 13-15% go Greek, but it's not the dominant social force — Boston itself is, with 500+ clubs and easy access to the city's bar scene and cultural offerings. The vibe is urban and independent; you won't be coddled into a community, but the diversity and sheer scale mean you'll find your niche if you look.
A linear campus stretched along two miles of Commonwealth Avenue with an architecturally inconsistent mix of brownstones, mid-century towers, and modern glass buildings. Functional and urban rather than scenic, though the Charles River esplanade adds some charm.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
The linear campus along Commonwealth Avenue is well-lit and patrolled. Thefts are common with 400+ reported annually, but violent crime is rare.
The campus stretches through safe residential neighborhoods along the Green Line including Allston, Kenmore, and the South End. Typical urban property crime levels.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays and select Saturdays during the academic year
Duration: ~2 hours (45-min info session + campus walking tour)
Visit the Leventhal Center at 233 Bay State Road. Registration required — tours fill weeks in advance during school vacation weeks and holidays. College-specific tours also available (e.g., COM building tours weekdays at 11:30am, 1pm, and 3pm).
Book a TourA mobile walking tour is available when guided tours are full or for after-hours visits. BU also offers a comprehensive interactive online campus tour with interior views and student commentary.
Tour ResourcesSeptember through November for fall foliage along the Charles River and peak campus energy, or March through April. The campus is most alive on weekdays during the semester. Avoid mid-December through January (winter break) and late May through August when the 1.3-mile campus feels empty.
Visitor parking at Agganis Arena Garage (925 Commonwealth Ave, enter via Buick St). Validate your ticket at the Leventhal Center desk for a $14 guest rate. Street meters on Bay State Road and Commonwealth Ave are limited — arrive 20-30 min early. MBTA Green Line B train runs through campus — BU East stop is closest to Admissions (~5-min walk). From Logan Airport: Blue Line to Green Line transfer (~40 min) or rideshare (~20 min, ~$25-35).
Location
Similar Colleges
Find the right college for you
Explore 161 colleges by degree, filter by acceptance rate, SAT range, and more.
Explore Colleges