Boston University vs Northeastern University: which has better ROI?
Northeastern University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $123,660 in 2.8 years versus 2.8 years at Boston University, on median earnings of $92,538 vs $83,238 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Boston University | Northeastern University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,402 | $30,915 |
| Total net cost | $97,608 | $123,660 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $83,238 | $92,538 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 2.8 yrs | 2.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $599,952 | $759,900 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Boston University or Northeastern University?
Boston University, at $24,402 a year after aid versus $30,915 — a gap of $6,513 a year, or $26,052 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Boston University or Northeastern University graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates report a median $92,538 ten years after entry, $9,300 more than the $83,238 at Boston University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Boston University or Northeastern University?
Boston University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Northeastern University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
91% of students finish at Northeastern University, against 89% at Boston University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.