Boston college vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 16.4% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #35). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
Choose North carolina for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 16.4% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1439).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $72K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 90.8%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | — | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 66,535 |
| International students | 12% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | — | $85 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or North carolina?
It's harder to get into North carolina. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Boston college or North carolina graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or North carolina?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or North carolina?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $20,705 at North carolina.
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