Boston college vs Stony brook — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston college is the more selective of the two (16.4% vs 49% acceptance). Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #301-400). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 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 Stony brook 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 49% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1419).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $75K); Boston college has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.8% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 55,880 |
| International students | 12% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | — | $0 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into Boston college. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do Boston college or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Stony brook?
Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $15,261 at Stony brook.
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