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Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Visit Website

Boston University's main campus stretches along the Charles River, offering an urban setting integrated into the city of Boston. Students are known to be ambitious and engaged, with strong programs across a wide array of disciplines, including pre-professional fields. As a large research university, BU offers resources and opportunities characteristic of a major institution, with a vibrant athletic culture as well.

Programs Analyzed

Avg Grad Earnings

$47,393/yr

Avg DegreeOutlook Score

40/100

Tuition (Sticker Price)

$65,168/yr

Financial Aid & Net Price

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, by family income. 18% of students receive Pell Grants and 23% take federal loans.

Family Income	Avg Net Price/yr	4-Year Net Cost	Net-Price ROI
$0 – $30K	$11,453	$45,812	10.3x
$30K – $48K	$11,167	$44,668	10.6x
$48K – $75K	$13,639	$54,556	8.7x
$75K – $110K	$25,501	$102,004	4.6x
$110K+	$48,018	$192,072	2.5x
Sticker price (no aid)	$65,168	$260,672	1.8x

Net price = tuition + fees + room & board minus grants and scholarships. ROI = average 10-year graduate earnings ÷ 4-year net cost. Source: IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey via College Scorecard.

All Programs at Boston University

34 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for full AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.

Program	DW Score	Earnings	AI Risk	ROI
Computer Science Compare across schools	77	$90,050/yr	Very High	4.3x
Computer Engineering Compare across schools	75	$93,995/yr	Very High	4.3x
Business Administration Compare across schools	69	$71,545/yr	High	2.9x
Electrical Compare across schools	62	$80,528/yr	Very High	3.3x
Economics Compare across schools	62	$55,733/yr	Very High	2.4x
Mechanical Engineering Compare across schools	59	$76,337/yr	Very High	2.6x
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Compare across schools	55	$69,209/yr	High	2.8x
Mathematics Compare across schools	50	$64,604/yr	Very High	1.7x
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research Compare across schools	47	$77,660/yr	Moderate	2.0x
Social Sciences, Other Compare across schools	47	$48,243/yr	High	2.0x
Communication and Media Studies Compare across schools	45	$47,349/yr	High	2.2x
Political Science and Government Compare across schools	44	$45,021/yr	Very High	1.7x
International Relations Compare across schools	43	$45,870/yr	High	1.8x
Design and Applied Arts Compare across schools	42	$49,254/yr	High	0.9x
Hospitality Administration/Management Compare across schools	40	$44,657/yr	High	1.0x
Chemistry Compare across schools	38	$39,157/yr	High	0.5x
Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology Compare across schools	37	$42,850/yr	High	1.9x
Sociology Compare across schools	37	$38,457/yr	High	1.8x
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Compare across schools	36	$42,894/yr	High	1.9x
Journalism Compare across schools	36	$42,857/yr	Very High	1.8x
Biology, General Compare across schools	35	$40,165/yr	High	1.6x
Psychology, General Compare across schools	34	$39,175/yr	High	1.3x
Teacher Education Compare across schools	34	$35,281/yr	High	1.1x
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Compare across schools	33	$37,225/yr	High	1.2x
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Compare across schools	33	$36,705/yr	Moderate	1.9x
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Compare across schools	32	$39,093/yr	High	1.8x
Philosophy Compare across schools	28	$40,377/yr	Very High	0.5x
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Compare across schools	27	$35,873/yr	High	0.4x
Anthropology Compare across schools	25	$26,934/yr	High	0.0x
Music Compare across schools	18	$23,934/yr	High	0.6x
Fine and Studio Arts Compare across schools	17	$17,374/yr	Moderate	1.2x
Education, General Compare across schools	16	$27,891/yr	High	0.1x
English Language and Literature, General Compare across schools	15	$23,579/yr	Very High	1.1x
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Compare across schools	14	$21,508/yr	Moderate	0.4x

Compare any program at Boston University with another school. Use the comparison tool →

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →