Boston College vs Boston University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Boston College and Boston University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Boston College vs Boston University at a glance
Boston College admits 16.4% of applicants and Boston University 11.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $38,930 at Boston College and $36,503 at Boston University. Six-year graduation rates are 89.8% and 89.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Boston College admits 16.4% of applicants and Boston University 11.1%, so Boston University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $38,930 a year at Boston College and $36,503 at Boston University; Boston University costs $2,427 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $7,293 at Boston College and $16,336 at Boston University.
- 89.8% of students graduate within six years at Boston College, against 89.5% at Boston University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $112,178 for Boston College and $89,087 for Boston University; Boston College is $23,091 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at Boston College and $17,500 at Boston University.
- Boston College enrolls 10,085 students (small city) and Boston University 18,248 (large city).
Side by side
Boston College and Boston University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Boston College | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 11.1% |
| Applicants | 39,846 | 75,778 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1440–1540 | 1420–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 32–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $38,930 | $36,503 |
| Tuition, in state | $73,508 | $71,372 |
| Tuition, out of state | $73,508 | $71,372 |
| Cost of attendance | $93,039 | $90,106 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $7,293 | $16,336 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,451 | $39,763 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $9,615 | $52,880 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $23,616 | $70,352 |
| Over $110,000 | $61,800 | $83,101 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 89.8% | 89.5% |
| First-year retention | 96% | 94.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $112,178 | $89,087 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $17,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $199 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,085 | 18,248 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Chestnut Hill, MA | Boston, MA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Boston College reports 51 bachelor's programs and Boston University 80; 37 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Boston College vs Boston University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Boston College or Boston University?
Boston University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Boston College admits 16.4% of applicants and Boston University admits 11.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Boston College 1440–1540; Boston University 1420–1530.
Which is cheaper, Boston College or Boston University?
Boston University has the lower average net price after grants: $38,930 a year at Boston College against $36,503 at Boston University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $7,293 and $16,336. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Boston College or Boston University graduates earn more?
Boston College graduates earn more at the median: $112,178 ten years after entry for Boston College and $89,087 for Boston University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $17,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Boston College or Boston University?
Boston College does: 89.8% of Boston College students graduate within six years, against 89.5% at Boston University.
How big are Boston College and Boston University?
Boston College has 10,085 students in Chestnut Hill, MA and Boston University has 18,248 students in Boston, MA.