Boston University Master's Programs: A Comprehensive Guide to Tuition and Fees

Understanding the costs associated with pursuing a master's degree is a crucial step for prospective graduate students. This article provides a detailed breakdown of tuition, fees, and other expenses related to master's programs at Boston University (BU), offering insights into financial aid opportunities and strategies for managing educational costs.

General Tuition and Fees

For the 2025 academic year, the tuition and fees for Boston University's graduate programs amount to $67,626. This figure serves as a baseline for understanding the financial commitment required for graduate studies at BU. However, it's important to note that the total cost of attendance can vary depending on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices.

Tuition Per Credit Hour

For students pursuing part-time studies or taking additional credits, BU charges $2,084 per credit hour. This rate applies to both part-time and full-time students who exceed the standard course load.

Specific Program Tuition

While the general graduate tuition provides a starting point, certain programs, such as law and medicine, have distinct tuition structures.

School of Law: The tuition for the School of Law is $71,382.
School of Medicine: The tuition for the School of Medicine is $73,190.

These figures highlight the specialized costs associated with professional degrees in these fields.

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) represents the total estimated cost of attending BU for an academic year. For 2025, the COA is $90,207, irrespective of whether a student chooses on-campus or off-campus living. This figure includes tuition and fees, as well as estimates for books, supplies, and living expenses.

Historical Tuition Trends and Projections

Analyzing historical tuition trends can provide insights into potential future costs. The undergraduate tuition has risen by 4.50% compared to the previous year, and the graduate tuition has also risen by 4.50% compared to the previous year. Based on recent tuition increase rates, the estimated 4-year COA for students admitted in Fall 2025 is $370,542.

Projected Net Price After Financial Aid

Financial aid can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for students. After receiving financial aid, the net price for 4 years of attending the school is $167,730.

Projected Costs for Future Classes

The following table illustrates the projected net costs for future graduating classes, taking into account estimated tuition increases and financial aid:

Class of	Fall	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Total Net Price
2029	2025	$40,465	$41,436	$42,418	$43,411	$167,730
2030	2026	$41,436	$42,418	$43,411	$44,414	$171,679
2031	2027	$42,418	$43,411	$44,414	$45,428	$175,670
2032	2028	$43,411	$44,414	$45,428	$46,452	$179,704
2033	2029	$44,414	$45,428	$46,452	$47,488	$183,782

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Boston University offers various forms of financial aid to help students manage the cost of their education. 48% of enrolled students have received grants or scholarships, and the average aid amount is $50,703.

Merit-Based Scholarships

All applicants who are offered admission into a graduate program are considered for merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on the strength of the student’s application, which is reviewed holistically by an admission committee.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Students who do not receive a merit scholarship may be eligible for financial aid in the form of loans. Federal financial aid includes both the unsubsidized and the graduate plus loan, which students may use to cover tuition and living expenses.

The BU Promise

BU meets 100% demonstrated financial need, without loans, for all domestic first-year students who have not previously attended college. Starting in 2026/2027, admitted first-year students with total household incomes under $200,000 and typical assets can anticipate a financial aid award with a parent contribution of no more than $20,000, covering at least full tuition plus a percentage of housing and dining plan cost. Families with total household incomes of $200,000+ will receive a tailored financial aid package based on your family’s specific circumstances. Starting in the 2026/2027 academic year, first-year students will receive financial aid awards that do not include loans. Families may choose to use reasonable educational borrowing to help cover expenses. Students must submit complete financial aid applications prior to the application deadline and meet all eligibility criteria in order to be considered for BU Need-Based Financial Assistance.

Sample Costs Based on Household Income

The following table illustrates sample costs for admitted first-year students starting in 2026/2027, based on total household income with typical assets:

Total Household Income	Total Scholarship and Grant	Net Cost of Attendance*
$0 - $75,000	Full Tuition + Standard Housing & Dining Plan	$0
$75,001 - $100,000	Full Tuition +	$10,000 or less
$100,001 - $150,000	Full Tuition +	$15,000 or less
$150,001 - $200,000	Full Tuition +	$20,000 or less
$200,000 +	Tailored Financial Aid

*Table illustrates sample costs for admitted first-year students starting in 2026/2027. Based on total household income with typical assets. Cost of Attendance based on standard Housing and Dining Plan cost for four years and standard 25/26 Tuition - $69,870.

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

Student Loan Debt

Understanding student loan debt is crucial for financial planning. At Boston University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $23,250. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $246. Additionally, 8% of graduating students at Boston University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $73,370 in private loan debt at graduation. The average total indebtedness of the 2024 graduating class was $36,132, with 34% of graduating students having borrowed any loan type.

Additional Expenses

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for additional expenses such as medical insurance and clinical education fees.

Medical Insurance

Massachusetts state law requires students to have adequate medical insurance, and full-time BU students are charged for medical insurance each fall semester. The 2025-2026 premium is as follows: Basic Plan $3,538 or Plus Plan $4,741.

Clinical Education Fees

Clinical education fees vary by program. Students should consult their specific program details for the applicable fees.

Managing Your Finances

Managing your money while enrolled in graduate school is very important. BU provides resources, such as an unofficial Budget Worksheet, to help students estimate their personal monthly budget by inserting their projected income and expenses.

Additional Ways to Reduce Costs

Besides scholarships and financial aid, there are other ways to reduce the cost of attendance.

Working During School

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

Key Considerations

Full-time vs. Part-time Enrollment: Tuition, fees, and total program costs are determined by enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time). If you enroll in 3-4 courses (12-16 credits) in a semester, you are charged the full-time semester rate. If you enroll in 1-2 courses (4-8 credits) in a semester, you are charged the part-time per-credit rate. The majority of programs require the completion of 8 courses (32 credits).
Tuition Changes: The Trustees of the University reserve the right to change tuition rates or fees at their discretion.

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