Boston University Acceptance Rate 2026 & Admission Stats
Boston University Acceptance Rate 2026 – Complete BU Admissions Guide
BU’s acceptance rate has fallen from 54% in 2012 to just 12.83% for the Class of 2029 — making it one of America’s most competitive large research universities. Here is every confirmed rate, deadline, and strategy you need.
The Boston University acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 is 12.83% — down from over 54% just thirteen years ago. With 76,000+ applications received for roughly 3,461 enrolled seats, BU now sits alongside Georgetown, Emory, and Carnegie Mellon as one of the most selective large private research universities in the United States. This guide covers every rate that matters — from the university of Boston acceptance rate overall, to early decision, transfer, law school, medical school, MBA, graduate programs, and practical tips to improve your chances.
- Overall Acceptance Rate — Year by Year
- Early Decision Acceptance Rate
- Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
- Transfer Acceptance Rate
- Waitlist Acceptance Rate
- International Students
- Acceptance Rate by Program
- Graduate & Masters Rate
- BU vs. Northeastern vs. Boston College
- Admitted Student Profile
- BU Application Timeline
- 7 Tips to Get Admitted
- FAQs
Boston University Acceptance Rate — Year by Year
The Boston University acceptance rate has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in American higher education. Here is the complete historical picture:
| Class Year | Acceptance Rate | Applications | Admitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2024 | ~18.5% | 61,006 | ~11,286 |
| Class of 2026 | ~14.4% | 80,000+ | ~11,520 |
| Class of 2027 | ~11% | — | — |
| Class of 2028 | 11.1% | 78,769 | 8,749 |
| Class of 2029 (Latest) | 12.83% | 76,000+ | ~9,752 |
Source: BU Common Data Sets, BU Office of Admissions. The slight uptick for Class of 2029 reflects fewer total applications — not looser standards.
Boston University Early Decision Acceptance Rate
The Boston University early decision acceptance rate is the single most important number for serious BU applicants. For the Class of 2028, the Boston University ED acceptance rate was 28% — nearly 3× the regular decision rate of 9.4%. Nearly 60% of BU’s enrolled freshman class was admitted through Early Decision.
Nov Deadline
Early Decision I — ~28% Acceptance Rate
The strongest advantage available to BU applicants. Applying ED I signals BU is your first choice and grants a binding commitment to enroll if admitted. For the Class of 2028, 6,854 students applied across both ED rounds and 1,936 were accepted — a rate of 28%. This is the early decision Boston University acceptance rate that every serious applicant should know.
Jan Deadline
Early Decision II — ~25–28% Acceptance Rate
The Boston University ED 2 acceptance rate is comparable to ED I — both offer a dramatically better outcome than regular decision. ED II is binding like ED I. If you missed the November deadline and BU is still your top choice, applying ED II in January is far preferable to regular decision.
Decision
Regular Decision — 9.4% Acceptance Rate
The most competitive round. For the Class of 2028, only 9.4% of 71,915 regular decision applicants were admitted. Without the binding-commitment boost of Early Decision, regular decision applicants must make every element of their application exceptional. This is the most competitive admissions pool at BU.
Boston University Transfer Acceptance Rate
The Boston University transfer acceptance rate is considerably more encouraging than freshman admissions. The transfer acceptance rate Boston University for 2024 was 34.5%, with 2,328 students admitted out of 6,729 applicants.
| Year | Transfer Acceptance Rate | Applicants | Admitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 53.64% | — | — |
| 2022 | 29% | — | — |
| 2023 | 39.7% | — | — |
| 2024 (Latest) | 34.5% | 6,729 | 2,328 |
The Boston University acceptance rate transfer has grown more selective over time but remains far more accessible than freshman admissions.
The Boston university acceptance rate out of state does not differ dramatically from the overall rate since BU is a private university with no in-state funding obligations. For transfer applicants, target a 3.5+ college GPA and clearly articulate why BU is the right next step. You may also want to compare the Rutgers University transfer acceptance rate if you are weighing multiple options.
Boston University Waitlist Acceptance Rate
Waitlist
Waitlist Acceptance Rate — Effectively Zero in 2024
In 2024, only 18 out of 15,339 waitlisted students were admitted to BU — a rate of just 0.1%. This is a sharp fall from the roughly 10% average of the prior 14 years. The Boston university waitlist acceptance rate depends entirely on BU’s yield. If placed on the waitlist, submit a Letter of Continued Interest — but actively pursue and commit to other offers. The waitlist is no longer a viable pathway to admission.
Boston University Acceptance Rate for International Students
The Boston University acceptance rate for international students is generally aligned with or slightly below the overall rate. For the Class of 2029, the applicant pool represented 173 countries, with approximately 21% of enrolled students being international. BU’s total international enrollment exceeds 12,845 students from 140+ countries. The Class of 2029 represents 58.2% students of color. The Class of 2029 includes students from 47 states and 111 countries.
Boston University Acceptance Rate by Program
Acceptance rates vary significantly across BU’s 17 schools and colleges. Here is a full breakdown of every major program:
BU School of Medicine
The Boston University School of Medicine acceptance rate is estimated at ~4–5%. Holistic review weighs MCAT, GPA, research, and clinical experience. Target MCAT above 85th percentile and GPA above 3.7.
BU School of Law
The Boston University law school acceptance rate is ~12.1% (ABA 509). Median LSAT: 170. Median GPA: 3.88. 7,892 applicants, 953 admitted, 238 enrolled. Ranked #22 nationally, #5 in Health Law.
Overall Undergraduate
The Boston University acceptance rate 2026 is 12.83% for the Class of 2029. The Class of 2028 was 11.1%. SAT mid-50%: 1430–1510. ACT: 32–34.
College of Engineering
The Boston University engineering acceptance rate is generally below 10% — more selective than the overall rate. Strong math/science transcripts and research experience are essential.
Questrom School of Business
The Boston University Questrom acceptance rate for full-time MBA is ~27.5%. The Boston University MBA acceptance rate overall sits around 27–35% depending on format and year.
BU Online MBA (Questrom)
The Boston University online MBA acceptance rate is approximately ~33%. Typical enrolled student: GPA 3.43+, ~66 months professional experience. More accessible than the full-time program.
Boston University Graduate & Masters Acceptance Rate
The Boston University graduate acceptance rate and Boston University masters acceptance rate vary significantly by department. There is no single consolidated figure across BU’s 17 schools. The Boston University graduate program acceptance rate ranges from 4% (medicine) to over 50% for select professional programs. Here is a quick reference:
| Program | Acceptance Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical School (MD) | ~4–5% | Most selective at BU |
| Law School (JD) | ~12.1% | Median LSAT 170, GPA 3.88 |
| Full-Time MBA (Questrom) | ~27.5% | Boston University MBA acceptance rate |
| Online MBA (Questrom) | ~33% | Boston University online MBA acceptance rate |
| STEM PhD Programs | 5–20% | Varies by department |
| Arts & Humanities Masters | 20–50% | Most accessible graduate programs |
Source: ABA 509 Disclosures, BU Admissions, Princeton Review. Graduate acceptance rates vary annually — check individual department pages for latest figures.
BU vs. Northeastern vs. Boston College — Acceptance Rate Comparison
Two of the most common comparisons for prospective Boston-area students are the Boston college vs Boston university acceptance rate and the Northeastern university Boston acceptance rate vs. BU.
| University | Acceptance Rate | Type | US News Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University (BU) | 12.83% | Private Research | #41 |
| Northeastern University | ~7–14% | Private Research | #44 |
| Boston College | ~15–18% | Private (Jesuit) | #36 |
| UMass Boston | ~75–85% | Public | — |
The University of Massachusetts Boston acceptance rate (~75–85%) reflects its entirely different mission as a public open-access institution. Do not confuse UMass Boston with Boston University — they are completely separate universities despite sharing a city.
Admitted Student Profile — What BU Looks For
| Metric | Class of 2028 Data |
|---|---|
| Average GPA | ~3.9 |
| Students with GPA above 3.75 | 78% |
| Top 10% of high school class | 92% |
| Mid-50% SAT Range | 1430–1510 |
| Mid-50% ACT Range | 32–34 |
| Test-optional submitters | ~42% |
| States represented | 47 |
| Countries represented | 111 |
| Students of color | 58.2% |
BU considers demonstrated interest as a factor. Campus visits, virtual events, and engagement with the admissions portal are all noted. The university uses holistic review — no single factor is disqualifying, but competition is intense across every dimension.
BU Application & Admissions Timeline
CommonApp Opens — Begin Your Application
The Common Application opens August 1 each year. BU recommends starting essays and gathering materials in summer. Research specific programs, faculty, and BU resources you’ll reference in your supplemental essay.
Early Decision I Deadline
ED I deadline. If BU is your top choice, this round gives you the highest acceptance rate (~28%) and the binding commitment advantage. Decisions are typically released in mid-December.
ED I Decisions Released
Admitted ED I students commit to BU and withdraw all other applications. Deferred students are considered in Regular Decision. Waitlisted students are released.
Early Decision II + Regular Decision Deadline
Both ED II and RD applications are due January 1. The Boston university ed 2 acceptance rate (~25–28%) remains far superior to the 9.4% RD rate. ED II is still binding.
ED II Decisions Released
ED II admitted students commit immediately. RD decisions are still being processed during this period.
Regular Decision Notifications
All RD decisions released. Students have until May 1 (National Decision Day) to confirm enrollment. Waitlisted students may wait until June or July for final decisions.
National Decision Day
Final enrollment deadline for admitted regular decision students. Yield (the percentage of admitted students who enroll) directly determines how many waitlisted students BU admits — and in 2024, yield was so high that only 18 waitlisted students were admitted.
7 Tips to Improve Your Boston University Admission Chances
Apply Early Decision
The Boston university early decision acceptance rate of 28% vs. 9.4% RD is the single clearest strategic advantage available. If BU is your genuine first choice, applying ED is not just recommended — it’s the most important decision you’ll make in this process. Nearly 60% of BU’s enrolled class comes through ED.
Target a 3.9+ GPA and 1430+ SAT
While BU is test-optional, strong scores in the mid-50% range (SAT 1430–1510, ACT 32–34) meaningfully strengthen test-submitting applications. 92% of enrolled students were in the top 10% of their high school class — academic excellence is non-negotiable.
Develop a Singular “Hook”
BU responds well to applicants with a clear, defining passion — whether research, entrepreneurship, community service, or creative arts — rather than a generic laundry list of activities. Depth beats breadth in competitive admissions.
Write a Compelling Supplemental Essay
Clearly and specifically explain why BU’s programs, professors, and culture match your goals. Reference specific BU faculty, research labs, or clubs you plan to join. Vague “I love Boston” essays are the most common reason strong applications get rejected at competitive schools.
Demonstrate Genuine Interest
BU considers demonstrated interest. Attend virtual or in-person information sessions, visit campus if possible, engage with BU’s admissions portal, and reference specific BU events or initiatives in your essays. Interest is measurable — act accordingly.
Leverage Geographic Diversity
Students from underrepresented states (Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Hawaii) receive a modest but real geographic advantage, as BU actively builds representation from all 50 states. If you are from one of these states, mention your home region’s unique perspective in your essays.
Secure Outstanding Letters of Recommendation
BU treats letters of recommendation as an “important” factor — not merely advisory. Choose recommenders who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and character with vivid, specific examples. A generic letter from a famous person beats a heartfelt letter from your teacher — said no admissions officer ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts — The Boston University Acceptance Rate in 2026
The Boston university acceptance rate of 12.83% tells you how competitive BU has become — but it doesn’t tell you what to do about it. Apply Early Decision if BU is your first choice (28% vs. 9.4%). Build a distinctive application with depth over breadth. Write a supplemental essay that names specific BU professors, labs, or programs. And remember: the admitted student who gets in is rarely the one with the highest GPA — it’s the one whose application tells the most compelling story.