Bachelor of Science [BS] (Behavior and Health)
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Boston University Bachelor of Science in Behavior and Health is a four-year undergraduate degree blending behavioral sciences, biological foundations, and healthcare practice. The degree costs US$86,700 annually (INR 82.55 Lakhs). The program enrolls international students on F-1 visas for Fall 2026 intake. Application deadline was January 4, 2026. Next cycle: Fall 2027 opens September 2026.
This programme trains occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, public health professionals, and graduate-school candidates. Its core strength is interdisciplinary design: students integrate psychology, neuroscience, biology, and health systems in one degree. By junior year, students specialize—pursuing electives in occupational therapy preparation, mental health, sport science, or rehabilitation—then complete a senior practicum or thesis. Ideal applicants combine strong science skills with curiosity about human behavior and commitment to healthcare careers.
- 128-unit curriculum includes 24 units in behavioral sciences and 32 elective units in chosen specialty.
- Nearly two-thirds of BU undergraduates intern; Sargent College offers internship funding in Boston hospitals and nonprofits.
- Study abroad options in London, Dublin, Sydney; accelerated five-year BS/MPH pathway available for qualified students.
Current Admission Status
Applications for Fall 2026 intake are Closed. Next cycle opens September 2026 for Fall 2027 intake; expected deadline 4 January 2027.
Indian applicants must start credential evaluation (WES, NACES) by October 2026 to meet the January 2027 deadline.
Also Check: Boston University Bachelor of Science Behavior and Health Admission
Boston University Bachelor of Science Behavior and Health Fees and Living Costs 2026
Annual tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees total US$86,700 (INR 82.55 Lakhs) for international students. All amounts include international health insurance. Fee components below show the breakdown per year.
| Fee Component | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | US$63,720 | INR 60.68 Lakhs |
| Room & Board | US$16,800 | INR 15.99 Lakhs |
| Books & Supplies | US$1,100 | INR 1.05 Lakhs |
| Health Insurance (International) | US$2,880 | INR 2.74 Lakhs |
| Total Annual | US$86,700 | INR 82.55 Lakhs |
| Four-Year Total | US$346,800 | INR 3.30 Crore |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition covers all classroom instruction and academic facilities access.
- Room and board includes on-campus housing and 19 meals per week in university dining halls.
- Health insurance is mandatory for international students and covers emergency and routine care.
- Books and supplies average US$1,100 annually but vary by courses selected.
Cost of Living in Boston for Behavior and Health Students
Beyond fees, students need funds for personal expenses. Boston is an East Coast major city with above-average cost of living.
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food (off-campus) | US$200–300 | INR 19,042–28,563 | US$2,400–3,600 | INR 2.28–3.42 Lakhs |
| Transport (local) | US$50–75 | INR 4,761–7,141 | US$600–900 | INR 57,126–85,689 |
| Phone & Internet | US$40–60 | INR 3,809–5,713 | US$480–720 | INR 45,701–68,551 |
| Personal & Discretionary | US$150–250 | INR 14,282–23,803 | US$1,800–3,000 | INR 1.71–2.86 Lakhs |
| Total Living Budget (beyond fees) | US$440–685 | INR 41,894–65,220 | US$5,280–8,220 | INR 50.3–78.4 Lakhs |
Cost Reality: Four-year total cost of attendance (tuition plus living) ranges from US$407,000 to US$412,000 (INR 3.88–3.92 Crore). International students from India rarely secure full-ride merit scholarships; most receive small need-based grants reducing costs by 5 to 15 percent.
Boston University Bachelor of Science Behavior and Health Admission 2026
Boston University is highly selective with an 18 percent admission rate overall. International student admission is more competitive at approximately 10 percent. Strong academics, test scores, and demonstrated interest in health sciences are essential.
Academic Eligibility
Boston University does not publish course-by-course prerequisites. General admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent. The following are baseline academic expectations for undergraduate applicants:
| Requirement | Benchmark | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| High School GPA | 3.7–3.9 (4.0 scale) | CBSE/ICSE: 85–92% equivalent; pre-medical track helpful |
| SAT Composite | 1480–1550 | Science subsection (Evidence-Based Reading & Math) should exceed 750 |
| ACT Composite | 33–35 | Science and Math sections should be 34+ |
| Science Subjects | Recommended: Biology, Chemistry, Physics | IB HL or CBSE pre-board scores in sciences strengthen applications |
English Language Proficiency
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via one of the following tests. Minimum scores are:
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall; Reading 25, Writing 25, Speaking 25, Listening 25 minimum per section.
- IELTS: 7.0 overall; 6.5 minimum per band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 130 overall.
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 34+ out of 38 substitutes for TOEFL/IELTS.
Tip for Indian Students: TOEFL iBT is most recognizable for US universities. Schedule the test at least four months before your application deadline to allow retakes if needed. Most Indian applicants score 105–110; Boston University’s 100 minimum is achievable with focused prep.
Boston University’s School of Public Health ranks number 9 nationally (US News 2026), signaling strong health-sciences infrastructure. The Occupational Therapy programme at Sargent College is ranked number 1 nationally, reflecting program rigor across the college.
Boston University Bachelor of Science Behavior and Health Application 2026
Boston University uses the Common Application. Application portal opens in September annually. Regular Decision deadline is typically January 4 for Fall intake. Early Decision applicants apply by November 1 but cannot withdraw to attend another university.
| Application Cycle | Deadline | Decision Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 (Regular Decision) | 4 January 2026 | Late March 2026 | Closed |
| Fall 2027 (Expected Regular Decision) | 4 January 2027 | Late March 2027 | Not Yet Open |
| Fall 2027 (Expected Early Decision) | 1 November 2026 | Mid-December 2026 | Not Yet Open |
- Application fee: US$85 (INR 8,093); fee waivers available for demonstrated financial need.
- Required documents: Common App essay (650 words), official transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, TOEFL/IELTS if applicable.
- Recommended: Resume, school counselor letter, one academic teacher recommendation, one health/science professional letter.
- Supplemental materials: BU requests a 250-word "Why BU" essay and may request a video interview.
Application Tip: Your "Why BU" essay should mention Sargent College, the specific behavioural health focus, and one named faculty member or research center. Generic essays are rejected or heavily penalized in selection.
Boston University Bachelor of Science Behavior and Health Scholarships 2026
Boston University meets demonstrated financial need for all admitted US citizens and permanent residents. International students receive merit-only aid; need-based institutional aid is extremely limited. Realistic scholarship budgets for international students: zero to US$15,000 annually (INR 1.43 Lakhs maximum).
| Scholarship Type | Award Range | INR Equivalent | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Merit Scholarship | US$5,000–15,000/year | INR 4.76–14.28 Lakhs/year | Top 5% of applicants; 1550+ SAT, strong essays |
| Dean’s Scholarship | US$2,000–8,000/year | INR 1.90–7.62 Lakhs/year | Top 15% of applicants; 1450–1550 SAT range |
| Sargent College Scholarship | US$1,000–5,000/year | INR 95,000–4.76 Lakhs/year | Demonstrated commitment to health professions |
| Diversity Scholarship | US$3,000–10,000/year | INR 2.86–9.52 Lakhs/year | First-generation or underrepresented backgrounds |
External scholarships from India (AICTS, Lions Club, State merit scholarships) do not disqualify you from BU aid. However, they are not portable; they must be sent to India’s tax authority and cannot reduce your US costs. Plan on self-funding 85 to 95 percent of costs from personal or family resources.
- Boston University’s application is need-blind for international applicants; admission decisions do not factor financial aid ability.
- Once admitted, Financial Aid Office assigns merit scholarship; appeals based on improved test scores or changed circumstances are rarely successful.
- Student loans from Indian banks (HDFC, ICICI, Axis) require a US-based co-signer; obtaining one is difficult and time-consuming.
Scholarship Reality: For Indian families, assume zero scholarship and budget for full cost. A US$10,000 scholarship reduces the four-year bill by only US$40,000 (INR 38.08 Lakhs)—still leaving INR 2.92 Crore to fund.
Boston University Bachelor of Science Behavior and Health Salary 2026
Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences bachelor’s graduates earn between US$43,979 and US$50,893 in their first role post-graduation (INR 41.89–48.50 Lakhs). Salaries vary by specialization: occupational therapy preparation graduates trend higher; general behavior and health graduates trend toward the mid-range.
| Career Path After Bachelor’s | Typical Role | Median Starting Salary (USD) | Median Starting Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Grad School | Occupational Therapy Assistant (after OT Master’s) | US$66,000–72,000 | INR 62.84–68.65 Lakhs |
| Clinical Psychology Grad School | Clinical Psychologist (after PhD/PsyD) | US$55,000–70,000 | INR 52.41–66.71 Lakhs |
| Public Health Track | Public Health Coordinator or Epidemiology Assistant | US$48,000–58,000 | INR 45.71–55.22 Lakhs |
| Direct Entry (No Grad School) | Health Educator, Research Coordinator, Intake Specialist | US$43,979–50,893 | INR 41.89–48.50 Lakhs |
Source: Boston University 2022 Career Outcomes Report; Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook 2024
- Gross salaries above are pre-tax; take-home pay is 60 to 70 percent after federal (12%), state (5%), Social Security (6%), and healthcare (2–5%) deductions.
- Approximately 76 percent of BU undergraduates secured full-time employment within six months of graduation (2022 class).
- Nearly two-thirds completed internships during their degree; internship participation correlates with 15 to 25 percent higher starting salaries.
ROI Reality: Four-year degree costs INR 3.30 Crore. Starting salary is INR 41.89–48.50 Lakhs. Payback period is 6.8 to 7.8 years before tax, or 10 to 12 years after-tax. Most graduates pursue graduate school, delaying direct income.
United States Visa Behavior and Health Graduates 2026
US international students are issued F-1 Student Visas. This visa allows full-time study for the duration of your degree. Upon graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work permit allowing you to remain in the US for paid employment.
- F-1 visa expires when your degree ends (grace period: 60 days). You must leave the US or transition to OPT before 60 days post-graduation.
- OPT duration: 12 months standard work permit; if your degree is STEM-designated (psychology, neuroscience, biology are STEM), you may qualify for 24 additional months (36 months total). Health professions and education degrees do not receive STEM extension.
- After OPT, eligible graduates may apply for H-1B skilled worker visa (salary threshold: US$60,000 minimum, INR 57.13 Lakhs). Occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, and health professionals are in-demand occupations with strong employer sponsorship rates.
- Spouse and dependent children may accompany you on F-2 dependent visas. They cannot work but can attend US schools.
Visa Reality: F-1 visa is job-conditional. Your graduation does not guarantee OPT; your employer must sponsor your OPT application. Many Indian students must return home after graduation if they cannot secure OPT sponsorship within 60 days.
Boston University Bachelor of Science Behavior and Health Ranking 2026
No standalone QS, THE, ARWU, or US News ranking exists for this specific bachelor’s degree in Behavior and Health. However, Boston University’s broader health sciences rankings affirm program quality.
| School / Program | US News Ranking 2026 | Relevance to This Degree |
|---|---|---|
| School of Public Health (BU) | #9 nationally | Shares faculty, research, internship opportunities with Behavior and Health |
| Occupational Therapy (BU Sargent College) | #1 nationally (tied, 5th consecutive year) | Same college; students often pivot toward OT grad school |
| Physical Therapy (BU Sargent College) | Top 20 nationally | Same college; related rehabilitation focus |
| Epidemiology (BU SPH) | #7 nationally | Available as specialization within Behavior and Health programme |
Program Context: Behavior and Health sits within Sargent College, which houses the number-one ranked Occupational Therapy program and a top-10 public health school. This institutional strength translates to research opportunities, faculty mentoring, and internship access far above peer bachelor’s programmes in health sciences.
Bachelor of Science Behavior and Health FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between Boston University’s Behavior and Health degree and pre-med or pre-health tracks?
Ans. Behavior and Health is a structured major with a defined curriculum (128 units) focusing on behavioral sciences, human development, and health systems. Pre-med and pre-health are informal tracks—they refer to completing prerequisite science courses alongside any major (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics) to prepare for professional school applications (medicine, dentistry, nursing). Many Behavior and Health students double as pre-med. The advantage of the major: you graduate with a health-sciences degree even if you do not get into professional school, whereas a pre-med track leaves you with only the underlying major and prerequisite courses.
Ques. Can international students work while studying at Boston University?
Ans. Yes, with restrictions. F-1 international students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term on-campus (university jobs: library, dining, research labs, administrative support). Pay is typically US$15–18/hour (INR 1,428–1,714/hour). During official breaks (winter, summer), you can work full-time. Off-campus work requires special authorization (Curricular Practical Training, or CPT) for internships and co-ops related to your major. Boston University’s Sargent College actively supports student internships with healthcare and research organizations, many of which are paid.
Ques. Is the Bachelor of Science in Behavior and Health a pathway to occupational therapy?
Ans. Yes. The degree is designed partly as a pre-professional track for occupational therapy, physical therapy, clinical psychology, and other graduate health programs. However, it is not automatically a guarantee of admission to BU’s top-ranked occupational therapy master’s programme. Students compete nationally for OT graduate school entry; strong GPA (3.5+), relevant internships, and healthcare volunteer experience are essential. Many graduates pursue OT school elsewhere or enter other health careers (public health, health education, research).
Ques. What internship opportunities are available during the degree?
Ans. Boston University and Sargent College have partnerships with 100+ healthcare and research organizations in the Boston area: Massachusetts General Hospital, Children’s Hospital Boston, Boston Medical Center, nonprofits (Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association), and university research labs. Nearly two-thirds of BU undergraduates complete internships. Senior practicum (final semester capstone) is often an internship in a clinical or research setting. The university provides internship funding for Sargent College students; many positions are paid US$15–20/hour (INR 1,428–1,904/hour) for 10–15 hours per week during the academic year.
Ques. What is the campus culture like at Boston University for international students?
Ans. Boston University has a large and diverse international student body (approximately 20% of undergraduates). The university actively supports international student clubs, cultural events, and orientation programs. However, campus size can feel overwhelming; the university has 19,000 undergraduates spread across an urban campus integrated into the city of Boston. Sargent College (health sciences) is one of five schools on campus, creating smaller peer communities within the larger institution. International students report strong faculty mentoring and support in Sargent College. The main challenge reported by students: academic workload is intense; achieving balance between coursework, internships, and social life requires strong time management.
The Bachelor of Science in Behavior and Health at Boston University is designed for students committed to health professions and willing to invest significantly in tuition, time, and effort. The programme’s structure—combining behavioral and biological sciences with real internship experience—is competitive and rigorous. For Indian applicants, the financial burden is substantial; affordability is the primary gating factor. Academically, the 18 percent admission rate and 1480–1550 SAT benchmark are achievable for top-tier Indian students with consistent preparation. If you are targeting occupational therapy, clinical psychology, or public health graduate school, this degree provides strong preparation and institutional credibility.
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- Early Decision Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake - Nov 2, 2026
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| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹6658611 (USD 69870) |
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| rhEkXj | Znqz7Q |
|---|---|
| Room and Board | ₹1585792 (USD 16640) |
| Books and supply | ₹95300 (USD 1000) |
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| 3PAU4M | N4s6oj |
|---|---|
| 2024 | ₹6079949 (USD 63798) |
| 2023 | ₹6079949 (USD 63798) |
| 2022 | ₹5580768 (USD 58560) |
| 2021 | ₹5580768 (USD 58560) |
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| 0pC/y6 | 7d7ba6 |
|---|---|
| Early Decision Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake | Nov 2, 2026 |
| Scholarship Deadline for 2027 Intake | Dec 1, 2026 |
| Regular Decision Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake | Jan 5, 2027 |
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Complete Application
Application Fee
Official Transcripts
English Language Requirements
A copy of the Passport
Documentation of Financial Support
Recommendation
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