Boston, MA · Private University
Is Boston University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$83,238
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$65,168
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,168
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$260,672
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.28x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
90.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$26,996
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Boston University graduates earn $38,238 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Boston University ranked by graduate earnings
151 graduates
73 graduates
21 graduates
518 graduates
105 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Boston University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Boston University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $119,493) and the lowest (Education, General: $27,891) is $91,602/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $119,493 | 1.8x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $116,242 | 1.8x |
| Computer Engineering | $110,259 | 1.7x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $95,438 | 1.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $86,755 | 1.3x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $84,960 | 1.3x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $84,331 | 1.3x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(1yr data) | $77,660 | 1.2x |
| Economics | $77,424 | 1.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $69,156 | 1.1x |
| Mathematics | $68,307 | 1.1x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $63,204 | 1.0x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $61,867 | 0.9x |
| Social Sciences, Other | $61,389 | 0.9x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $60,926 | 0.9x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $59,945 | 0.9x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $59,608 | 0.9x |
| Journalism | $58,645 | 0.9x |
| Political Science and Government | $58,315 | 0.9x |
| Biology, General | $56,324 | 0.9x |
| Sociology | $55,876 | 0.9x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $54,972 | 0.8x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $51,602 | 0.8x |
| Psychology, General | $51,117 | 0.8x |
| Anthropology | $47,165 | 0.7x |
| Philosophy | $47,043 | 0.7x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $46,836 | 0.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $46,399 | 0.7x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $45,558 | 0.7x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $41,954 | 0.6x |
| Music | $41,316 | 0.6x |
| Chemistry(1yr data) | $39,157 | 0.6x |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences(1yr data) | $35,873 | 0.6x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $29,886 | 0.5x |
| Education, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $27,891 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University | 1.28x | $83,238 | Average ROI |
| New York University | 1.36x | $82,509 | Average ROI |
| Tufts University | 1.23x | $83,214 | Average ROI |
| Northeastern University | 1.47x | $92,538 | Average ROI |
| Cornell University | 1.58x | $104,043 | Good ROI |
| Boston College | 1.54x | $103,937 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
Boston University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $83,238 10 years after starting — $38,238 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.4 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.