Skip to main content
Government-Verified Education Data
Boston University logo

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts · Private Non-Profit

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$65,655

Acceptance Rate

11%

Graduation Rate

90%

Annual Tuition

$65,168

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Boston University earn a median of $83,238 ten years after entry — 54% above the national median. Acceptance rate 10.9%, average SAT score 1480, in-state tuition $65,168.

At a Glance

Total Students

17,850

Retention Rate

95%

Faculty Ratio

10

Financial Aid

23%

Median Debt

$23,250

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Private Non-Profit

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,480

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

690–750

SAT Math (middle 50%)

730–780

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

32–34

Institution Overview

Boston University is a private, non-profit institution with 17,850 students. The university has a highly selective admissions process, accepting only 10.9% of applicants. It boasts a high graduation rate of 89.5% and a strong retention rate of 94.5%. The annual tuition cost for in-state students is $65,168.

Graduates of Boston University experience strong early career earnings. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $55,834, increasing to $65,655 after five years, and $83,238 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $23,250. The university provides financial aid to 22.6% of students.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$56k

1 YEAR

$66k

5 YEARS

$83k

10 YEARS

Top 9% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Boston University alumni earn a median salary of $55,834. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $65,655. Ten years after graduation, the median salary reaches $83,238. The median debt for graduates is $23,250.

Boston University has a high retention rate of 94.5% and an 89.5% graduation rate. The university has a low acceptance rate of 10.9%. The in-state tuition is $65,168, and 22.6% of students receive financial aid.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 1,243 / yr
Median Salary $110,558

Economics

Graduates 477 / yr
Median Salary $55,733

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 449 / yr
Median Salary $47,349

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

Graduates 414 / yr
Median Salary $89,942

Social Work

Graduates 361 / yr
Median Salary $57,991

Information Science/Studies

Graduates 351 / yr
Median Salary $104,702

Public Health

Graduates 313 / yr
Median Salary $68,423

Psychology, General

Graduates 311 / yr
Median Salary $50,606

Finance and Financial Management Services

Graduates 270 / yr
Median Salary $93,057

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 267 / yr
Median Salary $88,228

International Relations and National Security Studies

Graduates 258 / yr
Median Salary $51,374

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

Graduates 252 / yr
Median Salary $46,203

Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies

Graduates 240 / yr
Median Salary $113,679

Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Graduates 230 / yr
Median Salary $84,095

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduates 229 / yr
Median Salary $75,171

Law

Graduates 227 / yr
Median Salary $139,986

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

Graduates 218 / yr
Median Salary $70,479

Dentistry

Graduates 202 / yr
Median Salary $111,866

Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

Graduates 192 / yr
Median Salary $38,610

Medicine

Graduates 190 / yr
Median Salary $70,654

Journalism

Graduates 187 / yr
Median Salary $59,418

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General

Graduates 181 / yr
Median Salary $42,894

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions

Graduates 174 / yr
Median Salary $76,682

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Graduates 168 / yr
Median Salary $106,809

Compare Similar Institutions

Quinnipiac University

Earnings $65,744
Tuition $53,090
Acceptance 77%
Compare

Southern Methodist University

Earnings $65,556
Tuition $64,460
Acceptance 61%
Compare

Rochester Institute of Technology

Earnings $65,457
Tuition $57,016
Acceptance 71%
Compare

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Earnings $65,391
Tuition $42,204
Acceptance 75%
Compare

Campus Location

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA 02215

Boston University is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The campus is in a city setting.

All Colleges in Massachusetts ROI Analysis Affordable in Massachusetts Browse All Majors

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 10.9%.