Boston College vs NYU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Boston College and New York University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Boston College vs NYU at a glance
Boston College admits 16.4% of applicants and NYU 9.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $38,930 at Boston College and $35,737 at NYU. Six-year graduation rates are 89.8% and 87.8%, 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 NYU 9.2%, so NYU is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $38,930 a year at Boston College and $35,737 at NYU; NYU costs $3,193 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $7,293 at Boston College and $16,349 at NYU.
- 89.8% of students graduate within six years at Boston College, against 87.8% at NYU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $112,178 for Boston College and $90,957 for NYU; Boston College is $21,221 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at Boston College and $19,000 at NYU.
- Boston College enrolls 10,085 students (small city) and NYU 28,663 (large city).
Side by side
Boston College and NYU 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 | NYU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 9.2% |
| Applicants | 39,846 | 95,517 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1440–1540 | 1480–1560 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $38,930 | $35,737 |
| Tuition, in state | $73,508 | $65,622 |
| Tuition, out of state | $73,508 | $65,622 |
| Cost of attendance | $93,039 | $86,574 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $7,293 | $16,349 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,451 | $15,400 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $9,615 | $21,188 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $23,616 | $31,450 |
| Over $110,000 | $61,800 | $68,303 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 89.8% | 87.8% |
| First-year retention | 96% | 95.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $112,178 | $90,957 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $19,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,085 | 28,663 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Chestnut Hill, MA | New York, NY |
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 NYU 77; 35 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Economics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Political Science and Government
Questions about Boston College vs NYU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Boston College or NYU?
NYU is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Boston College admits 16.4% of applicants and NYU admits 9.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Boston College 1440–1540; NYU 1480–1560.
Which is cheaper, Boston College or NYU?
NYU has the lower average net price after grants: $38,930 a year at Boston College against $35,737 at NYU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $7,293 and $16,349. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Boston College or NYU graduates earn more?
Boston College graduates earn more at the median: $112,178 ten years after entry for Boston College and $90,957 for NYU. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $19,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Boston College or NYU?
Boston College does: 89.8% of Boston College students graduate within six years, against 87.8% at NYU.
How big are Boston College and NYU?
Boston College has 10,085 students in Chestnut Hill, MA and NYU has 28,663 students in New York, NY.