Boston University

What are the graduation rates for students at Boston University?

Boston University demonstrates a notably high graduation success, with an overall graduation rate of 90%, ranking it in the top 5% nationally. This level of achievement reflects strong academic performance and student support systems across the institution. Male students graduate at a rate of 87%, while female students have a slightly higher rate of 92%, both figures also placing them within the top 5%. Such consistency between genders highlights an equitable outcome in degree completion.

The university's commitment to timely graduation is further underscored by its four-year graduation rate of 83% and its six-year graduation rate which aligns with the overall rate at 90%, both categorized as very high and nationally competitive. These indicators suggest that a significant majority of students complete their studies within the standard timeframe or shortly thereafter.

Retention rates at Boston University are equally impressive, with 95% of students continuing their studies beyond their first year, placing retention in the institution within the top 10% of comparable universities. This strong retention metric often correlates with student satisfaction and institutional support, both vital for successful degree attainment.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Boston University?

Boston University graduates show a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Those pursuing degrees in engineering-related disciplines tend to report some of the highest average earnings. For instance, graduates with a degree in Computer Engineering have an average salary of $90,529, followed by Computer Science majors earning approximately $82,237. Mechanical Engineering alumni earn around $69,404, while Biomedical/Medical Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates average $61,357 and $61,072 respectively.

Business-related programs also demonstrate strong financial prospects. Graduates in Business Administration, Management and Operations earn about $60,547, and those in Hospitality Administration/Management average $46,076. Within the health sciences, Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science graduates report an average salary of $67,918, showcasing competitive compensation in allied health professions.

Education fields generally yield more modest earnings, with Special Education and Teaching degrees producing average salaries of $46,446, and Teacher Education and Professional Development in specific subject areas averaging $41,943. More specialized education degrees like Teacher Education and Professional Development for specific levels and methods have earnings close to $37,298, while the broader category of Education, General stands at $34,838.

Degrees in communications and media offer varied results. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn around $41,873, while Journalism majors make approximately $36,717. Those focused on Radio, Television, and Digital Communication typically earn about $32,475. Meanwhile, business-adjacent fields like Public Relations and Advertising were not accompanied by earnings data.

In the sciences, earnings range broadly. Economics graduates earn roughly $53,654, and Mathematics majors make about $43,129. Biology-related degrees vary from $30,006 in Biology, General to $38,708 in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Fields in psychology tend towards the lower end of the spectrum, with Psychology, General at $36,705 and Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology around $31,373.

Degrees in the liberal arts and humanities generally reflect moderate incomes. English Language and Literature graduates earn about $32,854, Philosophy majors roughly $36,276, and Political Science and Government degree holders have an average salary near $39,106. International Relations and National Security Studies graduates also fare similarly with an average income around $38,920. Sociology alumni earn on average $33,033.

Artistic fields like Design and Applied Arts present earnings close to $46,444, while Visual and Performing Arts, General and Fine and Studio Arts report lower averages near $28,215 and $24,688 respectively. Drama/Theatre Arts graduates show average earnings around $25,859.