Southern california vs Boston college — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 16.4% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #501-600). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $92K). Boston college has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,702 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 16.4% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1495).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $92K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 90.8%).
Boston college has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,702 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 34,779 |
| International students | 27% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 96% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $85 | — |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Boston college?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do Southern california or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $92K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Boston college?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #501-600 for Boston college.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Boston college?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $61,753 at Boston college.
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