Rhode Island vs Boston College - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Rhode Island accepts most of the applications it receives (72.2%), while Boston College turns away the overwhelming majority (16.2%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 6.6% (Boston College) against 1.2% (Rhode Island).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Boston College awards international students $39,634 on average, Rhode Island awards $26,565.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Boston College lists $94,048 against $54,758 (Rhode Island), but after average aid what remains is $32,295 against $37,163.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Boston College is the more selective of the two (16.19% vs 72.2% acceptance). Boston College ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #501-600). Boston College graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $70K). Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $73,508 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 Rhode Island for: lower tuition.
Choose Boston College for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston College is more selective (16.19% vs 72.2% acceptance); Boston College has a higher median SAT (1500 vs 1160).
Boston College graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $70K); Boston College has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.8% vs 73.3%).
Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $73,508); Boston College offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $17,595).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode Island | Boston College |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | - | - |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 16.19% |
| Yield rate | 16.4% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1500 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.65 | - |
| Number of applications | 28,021 | 34,779 |
| International students | 1.2% | 6.6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $104K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $44K | $68K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 96% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $38,398 | $73,508 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,595 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 57% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $42,945 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $65 | - |
| Enrollment | 14,466 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode Island or Boston College?
It's harder to get into Boston College. Rhode Island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Boston College accepts 16.19%.
Do Rhode Island or Boston College graduates earn more?
Boston College graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode Island vs Boston College?
Sticker-price tuition is $38,398 per year at Rhode Island and $73,508 per year at Boston College.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode Island or Boston College?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode Island and 1500 at Boston College; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Rhode Island or Boston College?
Boston College ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode Island vs #501-600 for Boston College.
Which university offers more financial aid - Rhode Island or Boston College?
The average aid package is $17,595 at Rhode Island and $61,753 at Boston College.
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