New York University vs Boston University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Boston University comes out ahead: 90/100 to 84/100, a 6-point edge over New York University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Boston University runs $24,402 a year against $37,050 at New York University - $12,648 more a year, or about $50,592 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Boston University graduates earn a median $83,238 against $82,509 at New York University. The cost earns itself back in 6.1 years at New York University and 4.9 years at Boston University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave New York University owing a median $20,500 versus $23,250 at Boston University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.37 and 0.44 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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 the clearly stronger ROI here (90 vs 84) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if New York University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap 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.