Boston University vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute: which has better ROI?
Boston University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,608 in 2.8 years versus 3.1 years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, on median earnings of $83,238 vs $103,470 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Boston University | Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,402 | $43,071 |
| Total net cost | $97,608 | $172,284 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $83,238 | $103,470 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 2.8 yrs | 3.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $599,952 | $929,916 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Boston University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Boston University, at $24,402 a year after aid versus $43,071 — a gap of $18,669 a year, or $74,676 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates report a median $103,470 ten years after entry, $20,232 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Boston University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
90% of students finish at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 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.