Know These Boston University Facts Before Planning Your Enrollment

Arpitha Rajendra
Oct 05, 2022 By Arpitha Rajendra
Originally Published on Feb 11, 2022
Edited by Kelly Quinn
Read some fun Boston University facts here.

If you're looking for a city that offers plenty of cultural experiences and opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities, then Boston is the perfect place for you.

As of 2016, 37% of international students are enrolled for graduate degrees, 39% were studying undergraduate programs, and the remaining were enrolled in other programs. Boston University has the second-highest number of Jews in the country.

Boston University (BU) is one of the most popular national universities in the United States, and for good reason. It offers an excellent education, top-notch faculty, and a wealth of college experiences.

If you are thinking about enrolling in Boston University, it is vital to know some facts about the school before making your decision. In this article, you will learn some of the most important things that you need to know about Boston University.

Although Boston University is nonsectarian, it was historically affiliated with United Methodist Church. The motto of Boston University is 'Learning, Virtue, Piety'.

History Of Boston University

Boston University is the second-largest university in New England and one of its top universities. The school was founded by a group of businessmen who wanted to create an institution that would provide free higher education for all citizens, regardless of social class or financial ability.

  • Since its founding, the university has grown from a small college with just 25 students into a research institution that is internationally recognized, with over 34,000 undergraduates and graduate students enrolled every year.
  • BU created an interdisciplinary academic unit, the computing, and data sciences faculty, for training students in computing, enabling them to combine their field with data science.
  • BU was named an 'International powerhouse' by the Times Higher Education.
  • Around 26% of students take out student loans per year at Boston University.
  • The student-to-faculty ratio at Boston University is 10 is to 1. Around 56.3% of the classes in the college have less than 20 students.
  • Some previous names of the BU are Newbury Biblical Institute, Methodist General Biblical Institute of Concord, Boston's Beacon Hill, then Boston Theological school, and finally, Boston University.
  • The only spot in America where you can spot an aircraft flying over a road vehicle over a train moving above a boat is the Boston University Bridge.
  • The Castle at BU was initially William Lindsay's residence, a Boston businessman. You will find a BU pub in the basement that is the only BU-operated bar.
  • When this university was started as Newbury Biblical Institute, it was established in rural Vermont.
  • In 1877, when Helen Magill White received her Ph.D. from BU, the university became the first in America to accolade a Ph.D. to a female student.
  • The first president of Boston University was William Fairfield Warren.

Courses Offered At Boston University

The Boston University campus is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. The grounds are filled with historic buildings, lush green lawns, and tranquil courtyards. There are plenty of places where you can eat, shop, and explore, on and off-campus.

  • BU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in over 150 fields of study.
  • The Study Abroad office provides study abroad opportunities and other internships to students.
  • Some popular majors at BU are marketing, management, business, and related student services.
  • BU also offers journalism, communication, and social sciences.
  • Other programs include computer science, information science, psychology, engineering, biomedical, and biological sciences. Bu also offers online courses.
  • BU offers some type of financial aid to almost 44% of undergraduates. BU also expanded financial assistance in 2019.
  • Boston University admissions have a 20% acceptance rate being the most selective.
  • Half of all the Boston University admissions have an ACT score between 30-34 and SAT score between 1310-1500.
  • Both alumni serving as mentors and faculty teach courses in and out of classrooms.
  • The most famous majors in BU are management, business, marketing, and related support services, as of 2020.
  • Tuition at Boston University is expensive but it's still one of the most affordable private universities in the country.
  • Financial aid is provided to the students in the form of scholarships, grants loans, or work-study opportunities.

Boston University Colors

The university is located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. The campus is just a few blocks from downtown and is easily accessible by public transportation.

  • Boston University has a vibrant student life with over 400 clubs and organizations to choose from.
  • The official Boston University colors are red or scarlet and white.
  • The primary colors of the university are black and red for marketing and communications courses.
  • A linear strip of land between Storrow Drive and the main BU campus is called 'BU Beach' that is used during good weather and to sunbathe.
  • BU Bridge is an additional crossing, allowing street traffic to cross between the Cambridge side and Boston side of the Charles River.
  • As BU is located in the center of Boston, it allows college students to explore the sights around the city.
  • The Navy blue or BU blue is also used in the college.
  • Boston University offers undergraduate degrees and graduate programs in over 150 fields including business law medicine engineering and social work.

Famous Alumni Of Boston University

BU came in at number 35 out of more than 200 universities on a list of ranking universities after receiving high marks for academic quality, affordability, and alumni success. There are many notable alumni of BU.

  • International students as per 2015 enrollment, were Turkish, Taiwanese, Canadian, Saudi Arabian, Korean, Indian, and Chinese.
  • The famous American author and actress, Julianne Moore, graduated from BU in 1983 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
  • Geena Davis, an American producer, actress, former model, and activist graduated from BU with a Bachelor's degree in Drama.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. graduated from this college with a Ph.D. in Systematic theology.
  • The American activist and politician, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez graduated from BU with international Relations and Economics.
  • Leonard Nimoy, known for the Spock character in 'Star Trek', graduated from BU.
  • The popular scientist, Alexander Graham Bell conducted several experiments on the campus of BU, while he was the professor of Elocution and Vocal Physiology.
  • The American actress, Ginnifer Goodwin, graduated from BU with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts.
  • The first black psychiatrist to graduate in the US was Solomon Carter Fuller in 1897.
  • Two United States Poet Laureates, Robert Pinsky and Robert Lowell taught at Boston University.
  • Among BU's alumni are 33 members of the U. S. House of Representatives, seven of the U. S. Senators, and 11 former or current U. S. state governors.
  • There are also nine Academy award winners, six Marshall Scholars, and eight Noble Laureates.
  • The official mascot of BU was declared the Boston terrier in 1917. Also, when the Boston University was founded, the Boston terrier was bred in that year, 1839.

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Written by Arpitha Rajendra

Bachelor of Engineering specializing in Aeronautical/Aerospace Technology, Master of Business Administration specializing in Management

Arpitha Rajendra picture

Arpitha RajendraBachelor of Engineering specializing in Aeronautical/Aerospace Technology, Master of Business Administration specializing in Management

With a background in Aeronautical Engineering and practical experience in various technical areas, Arpitha is a valuable member of the Kidadl content writing team. She did her Bachelor's degree in Engineering, specializing in Aeronautical Engineering, at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology in 2020. Arpitha has honed her skills through her work with leading companies in Bangalore, where she contributed to several noteworthy projects, including the development of high-performance aircraft using morphing technology and the analysis of crack propagation using Abaqus XFEM.

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