Boston college vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston college is the more selective of the two (16.4% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #201-300). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 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: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston college is more selective (16.4% vs 73.9% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1250).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $62K); Boston college has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.8% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 31,716 |
| International students | 12% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 87% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 100% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Houston?
It's harder to get into Boston college. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Boston college or Houston graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Houston?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $16,450 at Houston.
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