Psychology at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,175/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #483 of 926 Psychology, General programs

Program Analysis

A Boston University Psychology degree positions you well due to the university's selective nature and its vibrant urban setting. The strong outcomes for graduates reflect both the rigorous curriculum and the robust labor market in Boston, a hub for healthcare, research, tech, and education. You'll find ample opportunities within the city's leading hospitals, biotech firms, and research institutions, often in analytical, HR, or research support roles. The professional networks cultivated through a selective institution like BU, combined with access to a thriving alumni base, can significantly open doors. While some data-focused tasks in psychology might face AI disruption, the human-centric skills developed – critical thinking, empathy, and complex problem-solving – remain highly valued in roles like management or specialized psychology fields. To maximize your potential, actively seek internships in your areas of interest and strategically plan for potential graduate studies to unlock the highest-earning career paths.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Psychology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $583K $576K $523K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,374
54% growth from Year 1

About Boston University

Boston University admits 11% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, enrolling 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Industrial-organizational psychologists $109,840/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Psychology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Boston University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Boston University?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology at Boston University?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What do students actually pay for Psychology at Boston University?
The 59% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $260,672. At a net cost of $107,984, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →