Boston University's published cost of attendance reaches $82,694 per year, consisting of $65,168 in tuition, $18,110 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $26,996 after financial aid, representing savings of $55,698 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) | $82,694 |
| Tuition and Fees | $65,168 |
| Room and Board | $18,110 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$55,698 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $26,996 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,453 |
| $30–48k | $11,167 |
| $48–75k | $13,639 |
| $75–110k | $25,501 |
| $110k+ | $48,018 |
Boston University's published cost of attendance reaches $82,694 per year, consisting of $65,168 in tuition, $18,110 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $26,996 after financial aid, representing savings of $55,698 from the sticker price. This net price falls $6,535 below the peer median of $33,531, indicating more generous financial aid relative to similar institutions.
The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price reflects the university's commitment to need-based financial aid, particularly for students from lower and middle-income families. Net costs vary significantly by family income level, ranging from $11,453 for families earning under $30,000 to $48,018 for families earning above $110,000. This progressive pricing structure indicates that financial aid concentrates among students with the greatest economic need.
Boston University's financial aid approach results in significant cost reductions for most students, with average savings of $55,698 from the published cost of attendance. The net price of $26,996 falls substantially below the peer median, indicating more generous aid policies relative to similar private research universities.
With 18.0% Pell-eligible students, the university serves a meaningful share of students from lower-income backgrounds, though this percentage remains below that of public institutions. The progressive pricing structure, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $11,453, demonstrates prioritization of access for students with the greatest financial need.
The gap between published costs and actual net price reflects substantial institutional investment in financial aid, making the university more accessible than sticker prices might suggest. Financial aid concentration toward lower income tiers aligns with federal and institutional aid targeting, creating affordability for students who might otherwise be priced out of private higher education.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Boston University graduates finish with median debt of $23,250, ranking around the national average at the 45.0th percentile and nearly identical to the peer median of $23,168. Debt levels span from $12,250 at the 25th percentile to $30,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating modest variation in borrowing patterns among students who borrow.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income levels, suggesting that most graduates can service their loans without financial stress. Parent PLUS loans average $34,000 with monthly payments of $448, representing additional family borrowing beyond student debt levels.
The combination of modest student debt levels and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for loan repayment and long-term financial stability. Debt levels remaining around peer medians despite higher sticker prices reflects the university's financial aid approach, which controls borrowing for students receiving aid.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Boston University represents a strong investment proposition despite earnings that fall below expectations relative to student preparation levels. Graduates earn $83,238 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 95.0th percentile nationally and $6,667 above the peer median.
However, earnings fall $16,383 below expectations compared to similar students, ranking at the 4.6th percentile for value-added performance. Median debt of $23,250 remains manageable relative to earnings levels, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that supports long-term financial stability.
The university's net price advantage of $6,535 relative to peer institutions partially offsets the below-expected earnings performance. Low-income graduates earn $83,300, ranking in the top 5% nationally, indicating strong mobility outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
