Washington university vs Boston college — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 16.4% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #501-600). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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 Washington university for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 16.4% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $86K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 90.8%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $70,702); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Boston college |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 16.4% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 42.5% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1507 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 34,779 |
| International students | 27% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $162K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 90.8% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 96% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $70,702 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $61,753 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $24,892 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 14,726 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Boston college?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Boston college accepts 16.4%.
Do Washington university or Boston college graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Boston college?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $70,702 per year at Boston college.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Boston college?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1507 at Boston college; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Boston college?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #501-600 for Boston college.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Boston college?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $61,753 at Boston college.
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