Boston University
Boston, MA, USA

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$29,154
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$26,482
$30k - $48k
$24,148
$48k - $75k
$28,388
$75k - $110k
$33,704
$110k+
$47,331
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$62,360
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$62,360
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$17,400
Books and Supplies
$1,000
Tuition Payment Plan
Yes
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
89%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
16%
Average Aid Per Year
$45,724
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
16%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,249
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$43,326
Students receiving state aid
4%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3,172
Students receiving federal aid
17%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,249
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$61,929
$30k - $48k
$63,129
$48k - $75k
$56,453
$75k - $110k
$44,986
$110k+
$24,786
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$388,385,440
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$26,469,040

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
26%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$10,878
Students receiving federal loans
25%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,204
Average Other Loans Per Year
$26,314
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$22,250
Loan Default Rate
2%
US National: 7%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$239

What Students Are Saying

It's a bit expensive, but coupled with some hard work to get scholarships or a job you can get here. BU definitely makes an effort to help students cut costs here and there, like encouraging on-campus living as the Boston living cost is high. My classes definitely are worth their weight in knowledge gained, and cosmetic work on campus lets you know your money is definitely going to enrich your college experience and not just to the administrative pockets.
Alex from Waco, TX
Everyone says this: BU is very expensive. And yes, it is. Fortunately, I received a good amount of aid from a high-middle class family. So you never know what you are going to get.
But you have to realize, Boston is expensive so BU tries to stay competitive. If you are looking to cut costs, look at off-campus apartments that are most times cheaper than dorming.
Gabby from NJ
Simply put, BU is expensive.
Cristina from Haverstraw, NY
BU is a very reputable school. Specifically, I am in the Questrom School of Business and I feel like they prepare you very well for the real-world. It helps to know that you're not wasting your time and breaking your back studying for nothing. The relevance of what I'm being taught makes me want to understand the material more because I know that I'll actually be using it. I still don't think that any university should be $50k+ a year but that's a different story for a different day. I'm here and I love it. Even with the thousands of students here, I still feel like I'm cared for on an individual level. We have it better than a lot of other schools, so I feel like the complaints should be kept to a minimum. It's all about perspective. I'm very happy to be here.
JR from Boston, MA
obviously bu is very expensive. if you're military, check yellow ribbon deadlines early to make sure you don't miss them. it's an investment, so you get out what you put in.
elizabeth from northern virginia
With the resources available to students, academic rigor, and location, BU is a great place for those who are ready to branch out and explore the world and explore their own preferences. Don't let the price scare you. If money is an issue, make it known to advisors so they can assist you. It's possible to survive without spending a dollar out of pocket here.
Katherine from Joliet, IL
Boston University is one of those few schools who focus primarily on educating their students and providing for their student life. Many other schools, even elite schools, have very easy curriculum that do not challenge their students but that will not happen here for most colleges. Despite that, I do not believe students should attend this school unless they are paying a net amount of $20,000 or less per year after scholarships and grants. The current $60,000 cost of attendance is a complete rip-off and students would be better off attending other schools.
Daniel from Staten Island, NY
The only reason why I didn't give this 5 stars was because I know others who have to pay more than I do. BU gives AMAZING financial aid, I've only known one person who didn't get a near-full ride and that was because of his grades. If you have good grades in high school you will get so much merit aid it's ridiculous. Looking at how much I've learned compared to my high school friends who are at other schools now, I would pay $50,000 a year straight up because it's worth it.
Chelsea from Rumford, ME
I think I am getting my money's worth, and at the same time the financial aid is more than generous here, so I am getting a lot more bang than the buck I had to give.
Michelle from Miami, FL