by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Boston U worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Boston U is ranked #2,452 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #41 of 85 for value.
Among the majors Boston U offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | #1 of 3 |
| Cultural Anthropology | #5 of 6 |
| Computational Mathematics | #13 of 17 |
| Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies | #14 of 25 |
| Printmaking | #15 of 33 |
| Rehabilitation Science | #17 of 20 |
| Hospitality / Tourism | #18 of 21 |
| Other Hospitality Administration/Management | #18 of 21 |
| Other Social Sciences | #21 of 27 |
| Political and Social Sciences | #21 of 27 |
Read the full Boston U value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Boston University is ranked #6 out of #96 in Massachusetts for quality and #41 out of #85 for Massachusetts value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the Boston U financial aid page to be sure.
Boston University is ranked #2,452 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Boston University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Boston U costs about $54,716. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $218,865 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $86,268 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $24,402 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $54,716 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $218,865 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the Boston U net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
What Boston U costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Boston U degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $345,072 | — | — |
| All Students | $218,865 | #2,452 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $97,608 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $345,072 | — | — |
| All Students | $218,865 | #41 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $97,608 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Boston U shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $11,453 |
| $30K–$48K | $11,167 |
| $48K–$75K | $13,639 |
| $75K–$110K | $25,501 |
| Over $110K | $48,018 |
About 51% of Boston U undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $54,501 per year. Get more details on the Boston U financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Boston U net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.