Boston College's published cost of attendance reaches $83,683 per year, including $67,680 in tuition, $18,475 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $39,866 after financial aid, representing savings of $43,817 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $89,493 |
| Tuition and Fees | $70,702 |
| Room and Board | $18,916 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$47,789 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $41,704 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $4,284 |
| $30–48k | $7,304 |
| $48–75k | $13,112 |
| $75–110k | $19,999 |
| $110k+ | $60,308 |
Boston College's published cost of attendance reaches $83,683 per year, including $67,680 in tuition, $18,475 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $39,866 after financial aid, representing savings of $43,817 from the sticker price. This net price exceeds the peer median of $27,143 by $12,723, positioning Boston College among the more expensive options even after aid.
The substantial gap between published and actual costs reflects significant financial aid distribution, though aid concentrates heavily toward lower-income students. Families across all income levels face higher costs compared to similar institutions, with even the lowest-income students paying $5,851 annually. The high net price relative to peers indicates that Boston College requires substantial family financial resources or increased borrowing for most students.
Boston College's financial aid strategy concentrates resources toward lower-income students while maintaining high costs for middle and upper-income families. The 12.7% Pell share indicates limited enrollment of students from families earning under $50,000 annually, reflecting both admission selectivity and affordability barriers.
The $43,817 average financial aid savings masks significant variation, with aid flowing primarily to families demonstrating the greatest financial need. Merit aid appears limited given the focus on need-based assistance, meaning academically qualified middle-income students may receive minimal aid despite strong credentials.
The aid profile suggests families should expect to pay close to full price unless they qualify for substantial need-based assistance. Early financial aid planning becomes crucial for families seeking to understand their actual costs before applying, as published net price averages may not reflect individual family circumstances.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Boston College graduates carry median debt of $19,000, which falls $5,181 below the peer median of $24,181 and ranks at the 75th percentile for debt management. Student debt ranges from $11,001 at the 25th percentile to $19,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students borrow similar amounts regardless of family income.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 suggests manageable debt levels relative to post-graduation income, with graduates earning more than five times their debt burden annually. Parent PLUS debt averages $37,340 with monthly payments of $492, representing significant family borrowing beyond student loans.
The combination of lower student debt and higher parent borrowing suggests families shift financial responsibility to parents rather than students, protecting graduates from excessive debt burdens. However, total family borrowing including Parent PLUS loans creates substantial obligations that extend beyond student graduation.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Boston College generates strong return on investment despite high upfront costs, with graduates earning $2,831 less than expected based on student demographics while achieving among the highest absolute earnings nationally. The median earnings of $103,937 significantly exceed the peer median of $63,066 by $40,871, demonstrating substantial earnings advantage over similar institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates graduates can comfortably manage loan payments while pursuing career advancement. However, the modestly below average affordability ranking at the 8.7th percentile reflects high costs that create barriers for many families.
The return index percentile of 97.2% indicates among the highest returns we track, suggesting the investment pays off for families who can afford the initial costs. The combination of exceptional earnings outcomes and controlled debt levels creates favorable long-term financial prospects, though the high net price requires substantial upfront family resources.
