Boston college vs Old dominion — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston college is the more selective of the two (16.4% vs 90.4% acceptance). Boston college ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #801-900). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $55K). Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Old dominion for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston college is more selective (16.4% vs 90.4% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1197).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $55K); Boston college has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.8% vs 46.3%).
Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $30,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Old dominion |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 90.4% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 19.9% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1197 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 15,100 |
| International students | 12% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $55K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $49K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $80K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 46.3% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 77% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $24,000 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $33,780 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $30,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 53% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $32,043 |
| Application fee | — | $50 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 23,743 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Old dominion?
It's harder to get into Boston college. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Old dominion accepts 90.4%.
Do Boston college or Old dominion graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Old dominion?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $33,780 per year at Old dominion.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Old dominion?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1197 at Old dominion; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Old dominion?
Boston college ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #801-900 for Old dominion.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Old dominion?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $30,437 at Old dominion.
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