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Return on Investment Analysis

Boston University 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 University costs about $260,672 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $65,655 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 8.5 years (20-year ROI: 135%).

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 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $260,672 $132,779 650%
Economics $260,672 $77,424 225%
Communication and Media Studies $260,672 $69,156 162%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $260,672 $125,825 597%
Social Work $260,672 $61,623 104%
Information Science/Studies $260,672 $128,158 615%
Public Health $260,672 $72,740 190%
Psychology, General $260,672 $51,117 24%
Finance and Financial Management Services $260,672 $98,587 388%
Mechanical Engineering $260,672 $105,705 442%
International Relations and National Security Studies $260,672 $68,967 161%
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $260,672 $51,602 27%
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies $260,672 $118,134 538%
Biomedical/Medical Engineering $260,672 $95,676 366%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $260,672 $85,590 288%
Law $260,672 $132,844 651%
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology $260,672 $75,201 208%
Dentistry $260,672 $140,737 711%
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other $260,672 $66,257 140%
Medicine $260,672 $92,345 340%
Journalism $260,672 $62,451 111%
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $260,672 $59,945 91%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $260,672 $76,692 220%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $260,672 $116,655 526%

Peer Comparison

Boston University Current

135%

20yr ROI

Quinnipiac University

190%

20yr ROI

Southern Methodist University

137%

20yr ROI

Rochester Institute of Technology

167%

20yr ROI

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

260%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$260,672
Median Debt$23,250

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$260,672

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Boston University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 135%. The total 4-year cost is $260,672 and graduates earn a median of $65,655 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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