Boston college vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston college is the more selective of the two (16.4% vs 16.8% acceptance). Virginia 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 $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 larger aid package.
Choose Virginia for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston college is more selective (16.4% vs 16.8% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1480).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 90.8%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 58,951 |
| International students | 12% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Boston college. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Boston college or Virginia graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $87K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Virginia?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $37,123 at Virginia.
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