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
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.
Location
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