Brigham Young University offers exceptional affordability that distinguishes it from typical private nonprofit institutions. The published cost of attendance is $20,879 per year, including $6,496 in tuition, $9,720 for room and board, and $1,040 for books and supplies.
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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) | $22,690 |
| Tuition and Fees | $6,688 |
| Room and Board | $10,396 |
| Books and Supplies | $392 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,126 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,564 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,444 |
| $30–48k | $10,112 |
| $48–75k | $13,062 |
| $75–110k | $16,378 |
| $110k+ | $20,542 |
Brigham Young University offers exceptional affordability that distinguishes it from typical private nonprofit institutions. The published cost of attendance is $20,879 per year, including $6,496 in tuition, $9,720 for room and board, and $1,040 for books and supplies. The average student pays $14,487 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,392 compared to the sticker price.
This average net price sits $19,044 below the peer median of $33,531, demonstrating BYU's unique cost structure within private higher education. The university's approach to pricing creates substantial affordability advantages for families across income levels. Net prices range from $9,531 for the lowest-income families to $20,042 for the highest-income bracket, showing a progressive aid structure while maintaining accessibility.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
BYU graduates maintain exceptionally manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Median debt reaches $11,069, ranking at the 89th percentile nationally and sitting $12,099 below the peer median of $23,168.
Debt ranges from $5,018 at the 25th percentile to $16,435 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students graduate with minimal borrowing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 falls well below concerning thresholds, indicating graduates can comfortably service their educational debt.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,532 with monthly payments of $139, reflecting moderate family borrowing levels. The combination of low tuition, effective aid, and controlled borrowing creates favorable debt outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
BYU represents an exceptional educational investment despite earnings that fall modestly below demographic expectations. While graduates earn $5,513 below expectations relative to similar student populations, placing the institution in the below-average tier for this measure, the extraordinary affordability more than compensates.
Median earnings of $75,790 rank at the 91st percentile nationally, demonstrating strong absolute outcomes. The debt advantage of $12,099 compared to peer institutions, combined with the 0.15 debt-to-earnings ratio, creates substantial long-term financial benefits.
The return index reaches the 93.3rd percentile, reflecting the powerful combination of solid earnings with minimal debt burden. Low-income graduates earn $76,900, ranking in the top 5% nationally, indicating exceptional mobility outcomes.
BYU's financial aid approach creates broad affordability across diverse student populations. With 32.3% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves substantial numbers of lower-income students who benefit from the progressive net price structure.
The $6,392 average financial aid savings represents moderate aid levels given the institution's low base tuition. Net prices by income tier demonstrate consistent affordability rather than dramatic aid concentration, reflecting the university's foundational approach to accessible pricing.
The institution's unique sponsorship and operational model enables this broad affordability that extends beyond typical financial aid mechanisms. This approach creates value for families who might not qualify for substantial need-based aid at other private institutions but benefit from BYU's controlled cost structure.
