A new way to tour BU
A typical BU tour can feel impersonal, leaving you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a guide the school assigns you.
SchoolScoops offers private Boston University tours tailored to your interests. Choose your own BU student tour guide and enjoy a personalized campus visit where you'll get candid answers to your questions.
SchoolScoops is the more personal way to tour Boston University
Private and personalized BU tours
On a traditional Boston University campus tour you’re just a number in a big group. With SchoolScoops, you can book a private Boston University tour led by a real BU student, giving you a personalized campus visit and the chance to ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own tour guide
Unlike a traditional Boston University campus tour, SchoolScoops lets you choose your own tour guide. Whether you want to meet an engineering major, a student-athlete or a fellow transfer student, you'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional Boston University campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the tour guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just honest, unfiltered advice about the BU experience.
Find out if BU is the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. A private BU tour helps you decide if Boston University is the right fit for your academic goals, career ambitions and college experience.
Can't make it to campus?
Book a 1-on-1 video chat with a BU student for personalized insights. Learn about academics, campus culture, and Boston life without leaving home.
Book a video chat
Real feedback on student-led campus tours
Get to know Boston University
Boston University is a leading research institution that drives innovation in sciences, technology, arts, and humanities, grounded in a robust tradition of liberal arts and critical thinking.
Overview
BU, founded in 1839, is a private research university located in Boston, MA. It offers a diverse range of programs across its 17 schools and colleges, emphasizing a strong research focus, vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams.
Size
As of fall 2023, BU has a total enrollment of 36,624 students, with 18,656 undergraduates and 17,968 graduate students.
Acceptance rate
BU has an acceptance rate of 11%. Half of the admitted students who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1400 and 1520 or an ACT score between 32 and 34.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, BU's tuition and fees were $68,102 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Approximately 53% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $51,565.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Boston University is ranked #41 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
BU offers over 300 programs of study, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The most popular majors include Social Sciences, Business, Management, and Marketing. The university has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Traditions
BU's traditions include the Beanpot Tournament, Matriculation and Commencement ceremonies, the Marsh Chapel service as a centerpiece of community, Scarlet Spirit Fridays, and the annual Boston University Global Day of Service.
Campus landmarks
BUs best landmarks include the Charles River Campus along the Esplanade, the historic Marsh Chapel, the BU Bridge offering views of Boston's skyline, the John and Kathryn Silber Administrative Center, and the Castle.
Student body
Over 70% of BU students hail from outside Massachusetts, with significant representation from New York, California, Texas, New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania, alongside a robust international community from over 130 countries.
Become a SchoolScoops guide
In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
Become a guideYour Boston University questions, answered
What GPA do you need for Boston University?
A GPA of 3.89 or higher is recommended for Boston University. Lower GPAs may require higher SAT/ACT scores and a strong overall application.
Is Boston University hard to get into?
Yes, Boston University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 10–12%.
Why is Boston University so popular?
Boston University is renowned for its rigorous academics, vibrant urban campus, and strong focus on research and innovation.
How much is tuition at Boston University?
For the 2023–24 academic year, Boston University’s undergraduate tuition is $65,168.
What are the top majors at Boston University?
The most popular majors at Boston University are Business Administration, Computer Science, and Economics.
How can I tour Boston University?
You can tour BU through an on-campus visit or a self-guided tour. For an on-campus tours you can register on the BU events calendar for a guided tour and info session (excluding breaks). Tours cover several buildings but not residence halls, and visitor parking is limited.
How elite is Boston University?
Boston University ranks #41 among National Universities in the 2025 Best Colleges edition. As a prestigious private institution with a strong academic reputation, it has an urban campus spanning 140 acres and an undergraduate enrollment of 18,656.
Does Boston University offer full-ride scholarships?
Boston University provides merit scholarships, some covering full tuition, for high-achieving students.
What is the culture like at Boston University?
BU has a fast-paced, energetic atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy city life and an active campus. Visiting is the best way to experience its vibrant culture firsthand.
Does BU offer private campus tours?
Yes, using SchoolScoops you can take a private campus tour of BU with a student of your choosing.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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