Boston college vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 16.4% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #23). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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, higher retention, lower graduate debt.
Choose Washington university 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
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 16.4% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $86K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 90.8%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $70,702); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | — | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 32,754 |
| International students | 12% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 95% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Boston college or Washington university graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Washington university?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $75,604 at Washington university.
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