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Return on Investment Analysis

Boston College ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Boston College costs about $270,720 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $85,717 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.3 years (20-year ROI: 275%).

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 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Finance and Financial Management Services $270,720 $162,116 839%
Economics $270,720 $93,934 335%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $270,720 $151,870 763%
Law $270,720 $144,494 709%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $270,720 $58,439 73%
Social Work $270,720 $62,667 104%
Biology, General $270,720 $63,852 113%
Communication and Media Studies $270,720 $65,184 123%
Accounting and Related Services $270,720 $98,724 371%
Political Science and Government $270,720 $64,213 116%
English Language and Literature, General $270,720 $57,246 64%
Curriculum and Instruction $270,720 $60,168 86%
Marketing $270,720 $89,379 302%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $270,720 $121,666 540%
Psychology, General $270,720 $59,196 79%
Philosophy $270,720 $47,768 -6%
Theological and Ministerial Studies $270,720 $54,411 43%
Mathematics $270,720 $98,946 372%
Information Science/Studies $270,720 $106,214 426%
Educational Administration and Supervision $270,720 $141,002 683%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $270,720 $0 N/A
International/Global Studies $270,720 $60,157 86%
History $270,720 $60,560 89%
Sociology $270,720 $70,722 164%

Peer Comparison

Boston College Current

275%

20yr ROI

Duke University

286%

20yr ROI

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

349%

20yr ROI

University of Notre Dame

308%

20yr ROI

Webb Institute

320%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$270,720
Median Debt$19,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$270,720

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Boston College has an estimated 20-year ROI of 275%. The total 4-year cost is $270,720 and graduates earn a median of $85,717 within 5 years.

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.

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