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College Comparison

Princeton 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

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

School

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricPrincetonBoston College
Acceptance Rate4.5%wins15.7%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1500–1580wins1430–1540
ACT Range (25th–75th)34–35wins33–34
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,710wins$67,680
Avg Net Price$10,555wins$39,866
Median Earnings (10 yr)$110,066wins$103,937
Graduation Rate97.1%wins91.0%
Retention Rate97.3%wins95.4%
Student–Faculty Ratio5:1wins13:1
Total Enrollment5,5799,865wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Princeton edges out Boston College on 9 of 10 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.

Princeton Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,710

Boston College Strengths

  • Total Enrollment: 9,865

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