Iowa state vs Boston college — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston college is the more selective of the two (16.4% vs 88.7% acceptance). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition.
Choose Boston college for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston college is more selective (16.4% vs 88.7% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1204).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $63K); Boston college has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.8% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 34,779 |
| International students | 8% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 96% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $40 | — |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Boston college?
It's harder to get into Boston college. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do Iowa state or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Boston college?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $61,753 at Boston college.
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