College Comparison
Northeastern 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
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
School
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Northeastern | Boston College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 9.9%wins | 15.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1460–1550wins | 1430–1540 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 33–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,141wins | $67,680 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,116wins | $39,866 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,538 | $103,937wins |
| Graduation Rate | 90.4% | 91.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.5%wins | 95.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 13:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 15,719wins | 9,865 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Northeastern edges out Boston College on 6 of 9 measurable categories — including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Northeastern Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 9.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1460–1550
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,141
- ✓Avg Net Price: $32,116
Boston College Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $103,937
- ✓Graduation Rate: 91.0%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 13:1
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