Boston University
Boston, MA
Quick Facts
“"Learning, Virtue, Piety"”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Boston University
Boston University: A vibrant urban research powerhouse with a global reach and unwavering student support.
Boston University (BU) stands as a prominent private research university, deeply integrated into the dynamic fabric of Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1839 as the Newbury Biblical Institute and later chartered in Boston in 1869, BU has evolved into a leading academic institution classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity." It is a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), reflecting its commitment to groundbreaking research and scholarly excellence.
With nearly 38,000 students across 17 schools and colleges, BU offers an extensive array of bachelor's, master's, doctorates, and professional degrees in fields like medicine, dentistry, business, and law. The university's academic strengths are bolstered by its nearly 4,000 faculty members who foster an environment of intellectual inquiry and innovation. Rooted in a history affiliated with the United Methodist Church, BU today operates as a nonsectarian institution, embracing a diverse and inclusive community.
The student experience at Boston University is characterized by its vibrant urban setting, with main campuses along the Charles River and a Medical Campus in the South End. Students engage in a rich campus life, supported by substantial financial aid—BU is committed to meeting the full demonstrated need for all domestic students who qualify. Recent years have seen significant campus transformations, including new student residences, state-of-the-art research facilities like the Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering, and renovated historic buildings, all contributing to a modern and engaging learning environment. The Terriers, BU's NCAA Division I athletic teams, add to the lively campus spirit, competing in the Patriot League and Hockey East.
Key Highlights
- ✦A private research university classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity."
- ✦A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) since 2012.
- ✦Committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need for all domestic students who qualify.
- ✦Hosts nearly 38,000 students across 17 schools and colleges offering a wide range of degrees.
- ✦Boasts an endowment of $4.0 billion, supporting extensive research and academic programs.
- ✦Features dynamic urban campuses along the Charles River and in the South End of Boston.
- ✦Concluded a record-breaking $1.85 billion fundraising campaign in 2019, fueling faculty support, research, and facility improvements.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within Boston University
Medical School
Offers medical degrees and is situated on the Boston University Medical Campus.
Dental School
Provides comprehensive dental degree programs.
Business School
Offers various business degrees, preparing students for leadership roles.
Law School
Offers law degrees, supported by facilities like the Law tower and Redstone annex.
Wheelock College of Education and Human Development
Houses programs focused on education and human development, formed from a merger in 2018.
Find Scholarships at Boston University
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search