Virginia 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 16.8% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #501-600). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 Virginia for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Boston college for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston college is more selective (16.4% vs 16.8% acceptance); Boston college has a higher median SAT (1507 vs 1480).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 90.8%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Virginia | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 40% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 58,951 | 34,779 |
| International students | 12% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $87K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $130K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 97.9% | 96% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $59,512 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $37,123 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,137 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 26,470 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Virginia or Boston college?
It's harder to get into Boston college. Virginia accepts 16.8% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do Virginia or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $87K.
How much is tuition at Virginia vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $59,512 per year at Virginia and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for Virginia or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Virginia and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Virginia or Boston college?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Virginia vs #501-600 for Boston college.
Which university offers more financial aid — Virginia or Boston college?
The average aid package is $37,123 at Virginia and $61,753 at Boston college.
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