Northwestern vs Boston college — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 16.4% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #501-600). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $89K). Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 16.4% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 90.8%).
Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $70,702); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 34,779 |
| International students | 20% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Boston college?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do Northwestern or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Boston college?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #501-600 for Boston college.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Boston college?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $61,753 at Boston college.
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