Boston University vs Boston College
Boston College reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($103,937 vs $83,238). Boston University recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 2.5 yrs vs 2.8 yrs).
| Measure | Boston UniversityMA | Boston CollegeMA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $83,238 | $103,937 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 2.5 yrs | 2.8 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $24,402 | $41,704 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $86,285 | $89,493 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 80.5% | 86.3% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 88.7% | 90.8% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 94.7% | 96% |
| Admission rate | 11.1% | 16.4% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $23,250 | $19,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 18,248 | 10,085 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 6.7 | 5.5 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is Boston University or Boston College a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, Boston University recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 2.5 yrs vs 2.8 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, Boston University or Boston College?
Boston University's average net price is $24,402 per year and Boston College's is $41,704 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.