Boston College vs Wake Forest University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Boston College and Wake Forest University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Boston College vs Wake Forest University at a glance
Boston College admits 16.4% of applicants and Wake Forest University 21.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $38,930 at Boston College and $28,165 at Wake Forest University. Six-year graduation rates are 89.8% and 90.3%, 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 Wake Forest University 21.7%, so Boston College is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $38,930 a year at Boston College and $28,165 at Wake Forest University; Wake Forest University costs $10,765 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $7,293 at Boston College and $6,242 at Wake Forest University.
- 89.8% of students graduate within six years at Boston College, against 90.3% at Wake Forest University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $112,178 for Boston College and $104,443 for Wake Forest University; Boston College is $7,735 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at Boston College and $19,500 at Wake Forest University.
- Boston College enrolls 10,085 students (small city) and Wake Forest University 5,485 (midsize city).
Side by side
Boston College and Wake Forest 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 | Wake Forest University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 21.7% |
| Applicants | 39,846 | 15,156 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1440–1540 | 1410–1520 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 32–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $38,930 | $28,165 |
| Tuition, in state | $73,508 | $70,332 |
| Tuition, out of state | $73,508 | $70,332 |
| Cost of attendance | $93,039 | $91,202 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $7,293 | $6,242 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,451 | $6,576 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $9,615 | $14,876 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $23,616 | $13,571 |
| Over $110,000 | $61,800 | $65,247 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 89.8% | 90.3% |
| First-year retention | 96% | 92.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $112,178 | $104,443 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,085 | 5,485 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
| Location | Chestnut Hill, MA | Winston-Salem, NC |
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 Wake Forest University 39; 31 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Boston College vs Wake Forest University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Boston College or Wake Forest University?
Boston College is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Boston College admits 16.4% of applicants and Wake Forest University admits 21.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Boston College 1440–1540; Wake Forest University 1410–1520.
Which is cheaper, Boston College or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University has the lower average net price after grants: $38,930 a year at Boston College against $28,165 at Wake Forest University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $7,293 and $6,242. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Boston College or Wake Forest University graduates earn more?
Boston College graduates earn more at the median: $112,178 ten years after entry for Boston College and $104,443 for Wake Forest University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Boston College or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University does: 89.8% of Boston College students graduate within six years, against 90.3% at Wake Forest University.
How big are Boston College and Wake Forest University?
Boston College has 10,085 students in Chestnut Hill, MA and Wake Forest University has 5,485 students in Winston-Salem, NC.