Boston University — Boston, MA

International Relations and National Security Studies

at Boston University · Boston, MA

Moderate Value

Could go either way

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $38,920/yr starting out — that's 30% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 11.9 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $24,402/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $106,080 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$86,285/yr

Starting Salary

$38,920

Finish Rate

88.7%

$86,285/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $24,402/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $61,883/yr)

4 Years Total

$345,140

Typical Debt

$23,250

Interest You'd Owe

+$8,472

What You'd Really Pay

$106,080

That's about $264/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$389,200

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$106,080

Pays for Itself In

11.9 yrs

Salary Boost

+30%

Ahead After 10 Years

$283,120

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost29.2/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed11.3/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost4/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.3/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.