Students at Boston University achieve some of the strongest long-term earnings in American higher education, with graduates consistently outperforming peers at similar institutions.
The university delivers exceptional financial outcomes across income levels, placing it among the most effective institutions nationwide for converting education into sustained economic success.
Boston University delivers exceptional long-term value, ranking among the top 5% of all universities nationwide for graduate earnings. What makes BU distinctive is how consistently it converts selectivity into outstanding financial outcomes—graduates earn a median of $83,238 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 95th percentile nationally. With only 18% of students receiving Pell Grants and 17% being first-generation, BU serves a more affluent student body but delivers remarkable results for those it enrolls.
The university's strength spans multiple high-return disciplines, from computer science graduates earning around $85,000 early in their careers to business majors who benefit from extensive alumni networks in finance, consulting, and technology. BU's position as a large private research university in Boston provides unparalleled access to internships, co-ops, and entry-level opportunities in one of America's most dynamic job markets.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Boston University exemplifies how academic selectivity can translate into sustained economic advantage. The university combines the resources of a major research institution with the career outcomes typically seen only at the most elite private universities, making it a compelling choice for families who prioritize long-term financial returns and can manage the substantial upfront investment required.
Boston University's program portfolio reflects its position as a comprehensive research university with particular strength in professionally-oriented fields. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program, graduating 691 students annually, and the highest aggregate return generator, combining substantial enrollment with solid median earnings of $60,597. This scale creates meaningful alumni networks and employer relationships that benefit graduates throughout their careers.
Computer Science represents BU's highest-earning program, with graduates earning around $84,994 early in their careers—a reflection of both strong technical preparation and Boston's thriving technology sector. The program's 232 annual graduates enter a job market where demand for technical talent consistently outpaces supply, leading to competitive starting salaries and rapid career advancement opportunities.
The university's location in Boston provides unique advantages across all programs. Even fields with more modest early earnings benefit from proximity to world-class hospitals, financial services firms, consulting companies, and technology startups. BU's extensive alumni network throughout New England and beyond creates pathways for career advancement that extend well beyond initial job placement, helping explain why graduates across disciplines achieve such strong long-term earning outcomes.
Boston University graduates achieve some of the strongest long-term earnings in higher education. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $83,238, placing BU in the top 5% nationally for graduate earnings. This exceptional performance reflects both the university's academic selectivity and its strategic location in Boston's thriving job market, where graduates regularly secure positions in finance, technology, consulting, and healthcare sectors that offer substantial earning potential.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly but trend toward high returns. Business Administration, BU's largest program with 691 graduates, produces median earnings of $60,597 and represents the highest aggregate return due to its scale and consistent placement in well-paying careers. Computer Science graduates earn around $84,994 early in their careers, reflecting strong demand for technical talent in Boston's innovation economy. Even programs with more modest early earnings, such as the university's extensive liberal arts offerings, benefit from BU's alumni network and employer relationships that create pathways to career advancement over time.
The university's Boston location provides graduates with immediate access to one of America's most concentrated professional job markets. Cost of living in the Boston metro area runs well above national averages, but BU graduates' strong earning power typically provides sufficient purchasing power to thrive in this expensive but opportunity-rich environment.
Boston University requires a substantial financial commitment, particularly for middle- and high-income families. Low-income students pay about $11,453 annually after aid, which is competitive with many private universities, while middle-income families face costs around $13,639 per year. However, high-income families pay nearly the full sticker price at $48,018 annually, reflecting BU's limited merit aid and focus on need-based assistance for lower-income students.
The university's debt profile reflects this high-cost structure. Typical graduates leave with $23,250 in federal student loans, a manageable level given BU's strong earning outcomes, but families also rely heavily on Parent PLUS loans, which average $34,000. This combination means total family borrowing often exceeds $50,000, requiring careful financial planning and realistic assessment of a family's ability to service both student and parent debt over time.
What makes BU's costs sustainable for many families is the exceptional earning power of its graduates. With median earnings of $83,238 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building wealth over time. The university's 0% default rate and strong loan repayment patterns demonstrate that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, though the upfront investment remains substantial and requires families to weigh long-term returns against immediate financial capacity.
Boston University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
