How Are Students Affording $300K Degrees in Boston on Minimum Wage?

How Are Students Affording $300K Degrees in Boston on Minimum Wage? A student in Boston works a minimum-wage job while attending a private university where the full cost of attendance can approach $100,000 per year. So how does a student earning about $10,800 before taxes afford a degree that can cost more than $300,000? This is an illustrative financial example. Marcus is fictional, and actual tuition, grants, loan eligibility, housing costs, interest rates, and repayment options vary by student and school. Sources & Data • Boston University 2026–27 Tuition and Cost of Attendance: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/tuition/ • Massachusetts Minimum Wage: https://www.mass.gov/minimum-wage-program • Harvard College Financial Aid: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid • Federal Student Loan Limits: https://studentaid.gov/articles/subsidized-vs-unsubsidized-loans/ • Federal Parent PLUS Loan Rules: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent • 2026 Parent PLUS Loan Limit FAQ: https://fsapartners.ed.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/Loan%20Limits%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%20May%2020.%202026%205%20p.m_.pdf • 2026–27 Federal Student Loan Interest Rates: https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2026-06-04/interest-rates-federal-direct-loans-first-disbursed-between-july-1-2026-and-june-30-2027 • Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans: https://edfinancial.studentaid.gov/Lower-Payment-Options • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Co-Signer Guidance: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-co-signer-for-a-student-loan-en-565/ • Federal Student Aid Cost and Aid Offer Guidance: https://studentaid.gov/articles/evaluating-financial-aid-offers/ #StudentLoans #CollegeAffordability #CollegeCosts #FinancialAid #ParentPLUSLoans #StudentDebt #BostonUniversity #CollegeTuition #FAFSA #PersonalFinance ⚠️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, tax, college-admissions, or student-loan advice. The figures shown are illustrative estimates and do not guarantee actual college costs, financial aid, loan approval, or repayment amounts. 🤖 CONTENT DISCLOSURE This production uses AI-assisted voice synthesis and automated media tools to present original research and financial analysis.