Boston College vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The lower acceptance rate belongs to Boston University: 12.8% against 16.2% (Boston College).
The share of international students differs sharply: 20.1% (Boston University) against 6.6% (Boston College).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Boston University awards international students $56,639 on average, Boston College awards $39,634.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Boston University lists $94,427 against $94,048 (Boston College), but after average aid what remains is $25,031 against $32,295.
None of these figures decides on its own; what decides is which course you want to be on, and on what budget.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Boston University is the more selective of the two (12.83% vs 16.19% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #101-150). Boston College graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $83K). Boston University has lower sticker-price tuition ($71,372 vs $73,508 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical - the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston College for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Boston University for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston University is more selective (12.83% vs 16.19% acceptance); Boston College has a higher median SAT (1500 vs 1470).
Boston College graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $83K); Boston College has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.8% vs 88.7%).
Boston University has lower sticker-price tuition ($71,372 vs $73,508); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston College | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.19% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1500 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | - | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 76,776 |
| International students | 6.6% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $68K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $73,508 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 100% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | - | $80 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston College or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Boston College accepts 16.19% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Boston College or Boston University graduates earn more?
Boston College graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Boston College vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $73,508 per year at Boston College and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Boston College or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1500 at Boston College and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Boston College or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston College vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Boston College or Boston University?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston College and $69,396 at Boston University.
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