New York University vs Boston University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Boston University holds a 6-point ROI advantage over New York University, scoring 90/100 versus 84/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Boston University comes in at $24,402 per year (net price after aid) versus $37,050 at New York University - a difference of $12,648 annually, or roughly $50,592 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Boston University graduates earn a median of $83,238 compared to $82,509 at New York University. The payback period is 6.1 years at New York University versus 4.9 years at Boston University.
Graduates leave New York University with a median $20,500 in debt versus $23,250 at Boston University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.37 and 0.44 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | New York University | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $62,796 | $68,102 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $62,796 | $68,102 |
| Net Price (avg) | $37,050 | $24,402 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $148,200 | $97,608 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $55,900 | $52,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $82,509 | $83,238 |
| Graduation Rate | 87.6% | 88.7% |
| Payback Period | 6.1 yr | 4.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $23,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.37 | 0.44 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.9% | 86.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 81.0% | 85.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 9.2% | 11.1% |
| Enrollment | 28,663 | 18,248 |
| SAT Range | 1480-1560 | 1420-1530 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | New York University | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $16,977 | $9,500 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,017 | $9,342 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,862 | $11,778 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $32,766 | $22,517 |
| $110,001+ | $66,876 | $47,504 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | New York University | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $127,201 | $135,394 |
| Economics | $116,510 | $96,723 |
| Electrical Engineering | $107,348 | $98,953 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,821 | $95,757 |
| Mathematics | $91,832 | $84,784 |
| Chemistry | $86,197 | $39,157 |
| Hospitality Administration | $84,375 | $82,302 |
| International Relations | $80,957 | $66,373 |
| Sociology | $77,650 | $63,791 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $77,109 | $55,804 |
| Social Sciences, Other | $74,983 | $48,243 |
| History | $74,545 | $59,986 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $25,506 | $68,888 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $68,690 | $64,112 |
| Philosophy | $52,633 | $68,026 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | New York University | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 71 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 94 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 90 | 83 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 95 | 95 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 79 | 90 |
| Overall ROI Score | 84 | 90 |
The Verdict
Boston University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (90 vs 84). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if New York University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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New York University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Boston University
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.