Boston college vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 16.4% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #11). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $101K). Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 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.
Choose Yale 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
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 16.4% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $101K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 90.8%).
Yale has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,250 vs $70,702); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | — | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 50,264 |
| International students | 12% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | — | $80 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Boston college or Yale graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $101K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Yale?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Yale?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $76,770 at Yale.
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