By Ryan Mercer · CampusROI Editorial Team
Is Boston University Worth It? The ROI Data (2026)
Boston University costs $68,102 in tuition. Average net price: $24,402. 10-year earnings: $83,238. ROI score: 90/100. BU has the data to support its price - with some important caveats.
Boston University is the "other Boston school" - not MIT, not Harvard, not Northeastern with its famous co-ops. But BU produces strong outcomes and is often significantly cheaper than its reputation suggests.
BU by the Numbers
| Metric | Boston University |
|---|---|
| CampusROI Score | 90/100 - Exceptional Value |
| Tuition (2026) | $68,102/year |
| Average net price after aid | $24,402/year |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $97,608 |
| Median earnings (10 years out) | $83,238 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,250 |
| 6-year graduation rate | 88.7% |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% |
| Estimated payback period | 4.9 years |
Cost by Income Bracket
| Family Income | Avg Net Price at BU |
|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,500/year |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,342/year |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $11,778/year |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,517/year |
| $110,001+ | $47,504/year |
What BU Graduates Earn
| Major | 4-Year Median Earnings | Debt-to-Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $135,394 | 0.29 | B+ |
| Computer Science | $136,667 | 0.26 | B+ |
| Electrical Engineering | $98,953 | 0.33 | B+ |
| Clinical Lab Science | $77,660 | 0.08 | A |
| Health Professions | $83,413 | 0.32 | B+ |
BU vs. Northeastern: The Real Comparison
These two schools compete directly for the same Boston-bound applicants. Here's the honest comparison:
| Metric | BU | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| Net price | $24,402 | $30,915 |
| 10-yr earnings | $83,238 | $92,538 |
| Payback | 4.9 yrs | 4.6 yrs |
| ROI score | 90/100 | 91/100 |
| Key differentiator | Lower cost | Co-op program |
BU vs. UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst costs roughly $14,000-$16,000/year for Massachusetts residents vs. BU's $24,402 average. UMass graduates earn $64,000-$68,000 at 10 years vs. BU's $83,238. BU's $19,238 higher annual earnings premium over UMass eventually closes the $8,000-$10,000/year cost gap - typically within 7-10 years.
Whether that payback timeline is worth the premium depends on your timeline and risk tolerance.
The Verdict
BU at 90/100 is genuine. It's not prestige for prestige's sake - it's a school that produces $83,238 median earnings with a sub-5-year payback period.
Worth it if: You're in CS, engineering, health sciences, or another high-earning field. Your family qualifies for meaningful aid (under $75,000 income). You're choosing between BU and similarly-priced private schools rather than comparing against UMass.
Think harder if: You're a Massachusetts resident comparing against UMass Amherst. The $8,000-$10,000/year premium requires a clear major-specific case. Or if you're paying $47,000+/year (upper-income bracket) for a non-STEM program.
BU is frequently underrated in ROI discussions. 90/100 is correct.
All data from College Scorecard, as of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston University worth the cost?
BU scores 90/100 on CampusROI - Exceptional Value. With a 4.9-year payback period and $83,238 median earnings at 10 years, the data generally supports the investment. CS and engineering programs are particularly strong. Liberal arts and communications require more scrutiny.
What is Boston University's average net price?
BU's average net price is $24,402/year after grants and scholarships. Families earning under $48,000 pay $9,342-$9,500/year. Upper-income families ($110,001+) pay $47,504/year on average.
How does BU compare to Northeastern?
BU and Northeastern are often compared directly. Northeastern's co-op program produces higher median earnings ($92,538 vs. BU's $83,238) and a slightly lower payback period (4.6 vs. 4.9 years). BU's net price is lower ($24,402 vs. $30,915). For STEM students, Northeastern wins on outcomes; for aid-sensitive students, BU may be cheaper.
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