Boston College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$270,720
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$50,717/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
275%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Boston College's high tuition cost of $67,680 is offset by strong earnings potential for graduates. One year after graduation, the median salary is $61,773. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $85,717, and after ten years, graduates earn a median of $103,937. The median debt for graduates is $19,000, and 32% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Boston College graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $19,000 and a starting salary of $61,773, the debt is manageable. The high earnings potential suggests a relatively quick break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$67,680
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$85,717
Graduation Rate
91%
Receive Financial Aid
32%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $162,116 | 839% |
| Economics | $93,934 | 335% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $151,870 | 763% |
| Law | $144,494 | 709% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $58,439 | 73% |
| Social Work | $62,667 | 104% |
| Biology, General | $63,852 | 113% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $65,184 | 123% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $98,724 | 371% |
| Political Science and Government | $64,213 | 116% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $57,246 | 64% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $60,168 | 86% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.