Boston college vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 16.4% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #12). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($104K vs $104K). Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $70,702 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: lower graduate debt.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 16.4% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1507).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $104K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 90.8%).
Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $70,702); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 67,846 |
| International students | 12% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Boston college or Cornell graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $104K at Boston college and $104K at Cornell.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Cornell?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $62,257 at Cornell.
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