Boston University — ROI, Cost & Payback
Boston University charges a net price of $24,402/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $97,608. Graduates earn a median $83,238 ten years after entry, $34,878/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 2.8 years — a 20-year net return of $599,952, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
Boston University's 2.8-year payback ranks #148 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 89% of them, and #10 of 85 in Massachusetts.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $24,402/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $97,608 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $83,238 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $34,878/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $23,250 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 2.8 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $599,952 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on Boston University's own numbers. Net price $24,402 × 4 years = $97,608 total. Median earnings $83,238 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $34,878 a year of premium. $97,608 ÷ $34,878 = 2.8 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $599,952. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do Boston University students graduate with?
A median $23,250 in federal loans among completers, or 28% of the $83,238 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of Boston University students graduate?
89% finish their degree. Spread the $97,608 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $109,672 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is Boston University expensive compared with other Massachusetts colleges?
Its $24,402 net price runs $481 below the $24,883 median across the 85 Massachusetts colleges we profile, and $1,924 less across the full degree.