Boston University, established in 1839, stands as a prestigious private research institution nestled along the banks of the Charles River in the bustling heart of Boston, Massachusetts. It proudly boasts a large and diverse student body, with approximately 34,000 students enrolled from across the United States and over 130 countries. The university extends its academic reach through 17 schools and colleges, offering a vast array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The expansive urban campus spreads over 135 acres, providing an intellectual hub within a vibrant cityscape.
Unique to Boston University is the Kilachand Honors College, an interdisciplinary program designed for students who seek a challenging liberal arts education within a large research university. Boston University is also home to the Questrom School of Business' unique Social Enterprise track, which equips students with an acumen for blending profitability with social justice. Another distinctive facet is BU's Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering, a state-of-the-art facility fostering collaboration across scientific disciplines and accelerating innovation in research. The university is also recognized for its BU Hub, a university-wide general education program designed to ensure a breadth of student learning.
Accentuating its achievements, Boston University holds a prestigious membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU), an elite organization of North American research universities. Its School of Law is renowned for its high bar passage rates and influential law journals, while the College of Communication is often celebrated for success in film and television education. In terms of community impact, the university's various outreach programs, such as the Community Service Center, provide students opportunities to engage with and contribute positively to the local and global community.
Despite its accolades, Boston University is not without its drawbacks. The cost of attendance is among the highest in the country, potentially limiting access for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Furthermore, the university's urban setting, while providing abundant opportunities, can sometimes pose challenges related to campus cohesion and safety, given the open campus environment. Lastly, housing shortages have been known to be an issue, with the influx of students often outpacing available on-campus accommodations, pushing some students to secure more expensive off-campus housing.
