North carolina vs Boston college — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 16.4% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #501-600). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 16.4% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1439).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $72K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 90.8%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 34,779 |
| International students | 9% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 96% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $85 | — |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Boston college?
It's harder to get into North carolina. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do North carolina or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Boston college?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #501-600 for Boston college.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Boston college?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $61,753 at Boston college.
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