Boston University

What are the graduation rates for students at Boston University?

Boston University reports a six-year graduation rate of 89% for the measured cohort of first-time, full-time students. Its reported four-year rate is 75%, and its first-year retention rate is 95%.

Graduation rates follow a defined entering cohort over time; they do not mean that every current student, transfer student, or part-time student has the same likelihood of finishing. The difference between the four- and six-year figures also matters financially: an additional year can add living expenses and, depending on aid eligibility, tuition costs. Retention measures whether students return for the following year, not whether they ultimately complete a degree.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Boston University?

Program-level federal earnings data show substantial variation among former Boston University students one year after completing their programs. These figures are useful for comparing reported outcomes by field, but they are not salary offers or predictions for an individual graduate.

College Scorecard's one-year program measure reports median earnings for federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled during the measurement period. Reported examples include $82,237 for computer science, $60,547 for business administration and management, $41,873 for communication and media studies, and $36,717 for journalism. Degree level and program classification should be checked when making comparisons.

The measure leaves out people who do not meet its reporting conditions, and a one-year snapshot may not capture later earnings or the effects of graduate study. Occupation, location, experience, and whether a field commonly requires further training can all affect how informative a comparison is. BU's career support is a service available to students, not evidence that any particular job or earnings level will follow.