At $26,996/yr net price, Boston University graduates earn $83,238/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $49,238/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,996 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,984 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $83,238/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$49,238/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 90.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,453/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,167/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,639/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,501/yr |
| $110,001+ | $48,018/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $190,536 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $125,611 | $310,944 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $110,878 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $106,688 | $47,962 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $106,421 | $36,916 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $102,306 | $31,165 |
| Insurance. | Master | $97,959 | |
| Applied Mathematics. | Master | $97,071 | |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $96,829 | $61,150 |
The Risk Factor
90.0% of students at Boston University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Boston University delivers strong financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $83,238 ten years out that justify the $26,996 annual net price for most students. Your debt load stays manageable at $23,250 median, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio.
Computer science and engineering majors see the biggest payoff, with computer science graduates earning $110,878 annually. Business administration also performs well at $106,688, though you'll carry higher debt of $47,962. Dentistry graduates earn $125,611 but face crushing debt of $310,944 that severely undermines the financial value despite high salaries.
The biggest financial risk at BU is the low percentage of students receiving aid at just 18%. If you don't qualify for significant financial assistance, you could face the full sticker price that makes the investment much harder to justify. The school's location in expensive Boston also means higher living costs that aren't reflected in tuition figures.
BU makes financial sense if you're pursuing computer science, engineering, or business and can handle the net price without excessive borrowing. The 90% graduation rate and 94% retention rate suggest most students complete their degrees, avoiding the worst-case scenario of debt without a degree.
Skip BU if you're considering lower-earning majors and don't receive substantial aid. The school's merit scholarship opportunities appear limited given the low aid percentage, so you'll likely pay close to full price unless you demonstrate significant financial need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston University worth the high cost of attendance?
Boston University graduates earn $83,238 annually after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional for the net price of $27,000 per year. The value depends heavily on your program choice, with computer science and business majors seeing strong returns while other fields may struggle to justify the cost.
What Boston University majors have the best return on investment?
Dentistry leads with $125,611 in median earnings, followed by computer science at $110,878 and business administration at $106,688. These programs can justify the tuition costs, while humanities and social science majors typically see weaker financial returns.
How much debt do Boston University students graduate with?
The median debt load is $23,250, which is manageable compared to many private universities. With a 90% graduation rate, most students complete their degrees, though this debt level still requires careful consideration of your intended major's earning potential.
Does Boston University provide enough financial aid to make it affordable?
The average net price of $27,000 represents significant financial aid from the sticker price, but this still puts BU in the expensive category for most families. Middle-class students often find themselves in a difficult position with limited aid despite the high costs.