College Comparison
Boston University vs Boston College: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Boston University
Boston, MA
School
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston University | Boston College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.8%wins | 15.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1520 | 1430–1540wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34 | 33–34wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,168wins | $67,680 |
| Avg Net Price | $26,996wins | $39,866 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,238 | $103,937wins |
| Graduation Rate | 90.0% | 91.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.5% | 95.4%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 13:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 17,850wins | 9,865 |
Verdict
Boston University and Boston College are remarkably similar across key metrics. Your decision should come down to campus culture, location, financial aid package, and specific program strength.
Boston University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.8%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $65,168
- ✓Avg Net Price: $26,996
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Boston College Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1430–1540
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $103,937
- ✓Graduation Rate: 91.0%
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