As you prepare to budget for your educational expenses, you will find some costs easier to predict than others. You will also need money for books, supplies, personal expenses and transportation. Here is a breakdown of billed and estimated expenses for the 2026/2027* academic year for on-campus programs at BU. Part-time and online students should refer to the following page for tuition and fee information.
Tuition, Fees and Estimated Living Expenses
| Item | Per semester (16 units) | Academic Year (2 semesters/32 units) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition: | $36,512 | $73,024 |
| Fees | $604 | $1,208 |
| Housing & Food (estimate) | $8,125 | $16,250 |
| Personal (estimated) | $1,646 | $3,292 |
| Transportation (estimated) | $560 | $1,120 |
| Books & Supplies (estimated) | $647 | $1,294 |
| Fed. Loan Fees | TBD | TBD |
| Total | $48,094 | $96,188 |
Medical Insurance $4,054* (based on 26/27 rate)
*Tuition is billed per-credit/unit. Each unit costs $2,282. College of Communication courses are 2 or 4 units. For reference, one 4 unit course costs $9,128 in tuition ($2,282 * 4 = $9,128). Full-time students are enrolled in between 12-18 units each semester. Most students will be enrolled in 16 units per semester for the duration of their program.
Students in the College of Communication masters programs are billed per credit, regardless of enrollment status (full-time or part-time). The same per-credit rate applies to all courses taken, regardless of the school or college in which they are offered.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change by action of the Board of Trustees. These figures are based on the 2026/2027 rates. Students with a third semester of enrollment will have an additional semester of tuition and fees.
Massachusetts law requires all students enrolled in at least 75% of the full-time curriculum to have medical insurance. Students who cannot demonstrate coverage under a qualifying medical insurance plan are required to purchase the University’s student health insurance plan, which is due and payable with your first-semester charges. For more information, see the Student Financials website.
BU Los Angeles Programs (BULA)
Students in the MS in Television, MFA in Screenwriting, and MS in Media Ventures program will have a different cost breakdown for the semester(s) spent in Los Angeles. Los Angeles fees are set by the Study Abroad Office and can be found on their website.
Los Angeles Internship Program (MS Media Ventures – Spring): estimated budget sheet for 2025/2026
Los Angeles Internship Program (MS in Media Ventures – Summer): estimated budget sheet for 2026
Los Angeles Internship Program (MFA in Screenwriting – Spring): estimated budget sheet for 2025/2026
Los Angeles Internship Program (MS in Television – Fall): estimated budget sheet for 2025/2026
Online Programs
M.S in Strategic Integrated Communication (online):
- Tuition: $30,000 for the 32 credit degree program ($937.50 per credit)
- Note: Students pursuing this program are ineligible for scholarships from the College of Communication.
- If your plans change, be sure to withdraw before the first day of each class to be eligible for a refund. Once a class begins, tuition will be billed and becomes non-refundable. Please see the tuition refund schedule.
Certificate in Civic Science Communication (online):
- Tuition: $3,750 per course ($937.50 per credit)
- Student Services Fee: $75 per semester
- Note: Students pursuing a certificate are ineligible for scholarships from the College of Communication.
- If your plans change, be sure to withdraw before the first day of each class to be eligible for a refund. Once a class begins, tuition will be billed and becomes non-refundable. Please see the tuition refund schedule.
Please find more information for part-time and online programs here.