What Is Boston University Known For? (Hint: Majors Galore, Edgy Research, a Hip Town, and More)

Boston University (BU) is a world-class institution known for its rigorous academic programs, vibrant urban campus, and commitment to research and innovation. With a strong focus on global engagement, interdisciplinary study, and career preparation, BU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the U.S. This post explores what makes Boston University stand out, covering its academic reputation, popular majors, campus life, financial aid, internship opportunities, and notable alumni.

BU is a compelling choice for students interested in a dynamic academic environment in a culturally rich and sophisticated urban setting.

BU is also a relatively large school: some 18,000 undergraduates cross paths each day with another 8,000 graduate students.

BU houses 13 libraries, 1,549 laboratories, and 17 schools and colleges that are gateways to an astounding 300+ majors/minors across its undergrad and graduate degree programs, including Bachelor Degree tracks in subjects as diverse as

Acting, Ancient Greek and Latin, Astrophysics, Art History, Behavioral Biology, Bilingual Education, Cinema and Media Studies, Chinese Language and Literature, Computer Science, Data Science, Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Studies, International Relations, Journalism, Physics, Russian, Sound Design, Statistics & Computer Science, Theatre-Stage Management, and Urban Affairs, and more…

While BU stands out for its eclectic and dynamic academic programming, that’s not all. Athletics programs are also impressive.

Led by the school’s flagship men’s hockey team, BU supports 24 different NCAA Division 1 sports, with over 600 participating athletes.

And, while BU’s diverse graduate degree offerings make the school a beehive of research activity across diverse disciplines, the research dollars benefit undergraduates too.

BU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is a great example, providing a central campus hub that connects curious and motivated undergrads to opportunities to do funded research activities under the guidance of faculty mentors, all across the school’s impressive array of undergraduate and graduate disciplines.

Despite its urban backdrop, campus life is highly collegial, with 75% of undergraduates living on campus, eight undergraduate residence halls to choose from, a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and over 450 clubs and student organizations.

If you’re starting to get hooked on BU because you like the idea of studying in a fast-paced academic and urban environment and think you’ll be a good fit for a school looking to attract motivated and innovative students and faculty, keep reading to learn exactly what BU is known for, not just academically, but how it ranks, what’s unique about campus life, if it’s affordable, and how it helps students get on track career wise after graduation.

1. Boston University — Rank & Reputation

Boston University has earned a reputation for academic excellence and research innovation. Ranked #41 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 National University Rankings, BU is one of the largest private universities in the U.S with a reputation for high-quality, innovative research.

The university is also recognized globally, ranking 108 in the QS World University Rankings for 2025, and 78th by Times Higher Education.

With an acceptance rate of 14%, BU is a competitive school, attracting highly motivated students from all over the world. The university’s holistic admissions process looks beyond grades and test scores, valuing extracurricular involvement, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to community service.

BU’s urban setting in the heart of Boston means the students there benefit from proximity to leading companies, research institutions, and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal place for students seeking both academic rigor and real-world experience and exploration.

2. What Majors Is Boston University Known For?

Boston University offers over 300 programs of study, and while that number includes many graduate programs, there’s still a vast universe of undergraduate majors to choose from, giving students lots of leeway for major-minor combinations, cross-disciplinary studies, or for those seeking broad exposure to a variety of liberal arts subjects. Students will also find themselves grouped within a tighter community of peers with similar majors, within one or two specific BU colleges, as you'll see below...

Here are the twelve colleges at BU listed along with some examples of the majors clustered in them:

The Most Popular Majors at Boston University

1. Business Management
2. Information & Computer Science
3. Biology,  Epidemiology, and Pre-Medicine
4. Social Work, Public Health, and Health Management
5. Finance, Econometrics, and Statistics

Most of BU’s Schools and Colleges also help students get connected to honor societies or one or more professional organizations with opportunities for attending conferences, learning more about the field, or professional networking.

BU students are highly sought after after finishing their programs too, with a 93% rate of employment or graduate school enrollment within six months of graduation.

3. Campus Life and Events

BU’s campus life is dynamic and diverse, reflecting a highly diverse student body and the university’s location in Boston, a city known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene.

Student Body and Community

BU is home to students from all 50 states and over 100 countries, making the school a great place to meet students from the US and from around the world with very different cultures, backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives.

The university offers over 450 student organizations, including cultural clubs, academic societies, and volunteer groups. BU also has a thriving Greek life, with 12 fraternities and 12 sororities on campus. However, there are plenty of ways to get involved for students who prefer not to participate in Greek life.

BU also helps students connect with community service initiatives or find opportunities for participating in different levels of student government, schoolwide, in connection with a specific college or school, or in residence halls.

Traditions and Events

BU students enjoy a wealth of traditions and events that make campus life exciting. One of the most iconic traditions is BU Beach, an area on campus where students gather for outdoor activities and relaxation, despite the lack of an actual beach!

Boston Marathon Day is another major event for BU students. Since the marathon runs right past the campus, it’s a day of celebration, cheering on runners and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Other popular events include Spring Fling, an annual concert featuring major artists, and Midnight Breakfast, where faculty and staff serve students late-night pancakes during finals week.

With its urban location, BU students also have access to Boston’s many museums, theaters, and sports arenas, providing endless opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

The school also has a newly renovated sports facility, with aquatic facilities, indoor track and climbing walls, intramural sports, dance, yoga, outdoor recreational trips, and more.

4. Scholarships & Financial Aid

Boston University is committed to making education accessible to students from all financial backgrounds. About 49% of BU undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, and the university meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students, but these offers may include assistance in the form of loans as well as need-based or merit-based grants.

Some of the financial aid options available at BU include merit-based and need-based scholarships:

• The Boston University Presidential Scholarship: A merit-based scholarship awarded to first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and also excel beyond the classroom, as leaders in their schools and communities.
• The Trustee Scholarship: Competitive applicants are among the most accomplished in their class and demonstrate exceptional leadership accomplishments and potential.
• College of Engineering FIRST Robotics Scholarship: For first-year students in the College of Engineering who have participated in at least one FIRST Robotics competition.
• Need-based grants and scholarships, which are offered to students based on their family’s financial circumstances.

In addition to university scholarships, BU students can apply for federal and state financial aid, as well as external scholarships to further reduce the cost of attendance.

5. Internships and Other Training Programs

Boston University emphasizes experiential learning, offering numerous internship opportunities to prepare students for their careers. The Center for Career Development also has a treasure-trove of resources related to resume writing, interviewing skills, and networking while also sponsoring diverse career fairs, career counseling, workshops, and more.

BU students frequently intern at major companies, nonprofits, and research institutions, with opportunities in industries ranging from finance and healthcare to media and technology. Popular internship sites for BU students include Boston Children’s Hospital, Fidelity Investments, and The Boston Globe.

The university also offers robust study abroad programs, with over 100 programs in more than 25 countries. Many of these programs include internship opportunities, allowing students to gain international work experience while earning academic credit.

6. Famous Alumni

Boston University’s alumni network is vast and influential, with graduates excelling in a wide range of fields. Here are just a few notable BU alumni:

• Martin Luther King Jr. – Civil rights leader (PhD in Theology)
• Julianne Moore — Academy Award-winning actress (BFA in Theatre)
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — An American politician and activist. She has served as the U.S. representative for New York's 14th congressional district since 2019, as a member of the Democratic Party.
• Howard Stern — Radio personality and media mogul (BA in Communications)
• Geena Davis — Academy Award-winning actress and activist (BFA in Theatre)
• Uzo Aduba — Emmy Award-winning actress (BFA in Theatre)
• James Phillip Rubin — An American former diplomat and journalist who served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs in the Clinton Administration from 1997–2000.

With such a diverse array of successful alumni, BU students benefit from a powerful network that can help them navigate their post-college careers.

7. Is Boston University Your Next Destination?

Boston University is a vibrant, globally focused institution that seeks to attract highly motivated and innovation-oriented young scholars with a heart for community service and an eagerness to excel academically if not also in leadership roles.

With strong academic programs, a lively campus community, financial aid commitments that help make BU affordable for all students, and a fast-paced urban backdrop offering opportunities for exceptional internships in science, technology, medicine, the arts, and more, BU is an excellent choice for motivated high school students seeking a transformative college experience.

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