Boston University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$260,672
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$30,655/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
8.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
135%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Boston University's in-state tuition is $65,168. One year after graduation, alumni earn $55,834. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $65,655, and after ten years, earnings reach $83,238. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, and 22.6% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio. The provided data also does not allow for the calculation of a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$65,168
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
Median Earnings (5yr)
$65,655
Graduation Rate
90%
Receive Financial Aid
23%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $132,779 | 650% |
| Economics | $77,424 | 225% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $69,156 | 162% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $125,825 | 597% |
| Social Work | $61,623 | 104% |
| Information Science/Studies | $128,158 | 615% |
| Public Health | $72,740 | 190% |
| Psychology, General | $51,117 | 24% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $98,587 | 388% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $105,705 | 442% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $68,967 | 161% |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $51,602 | 27% |
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.