Boston College vs Boston University
Boston University is highly selective with a 10.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Boston College (15.7%). Graduates of Boston College earn $20,699 more per year at the 10-year mark ($103,937 vs $83,238). For families earning $48k–$75k, Boston University is more affordable at $11,778 net price vs $13,112. Students at Boston College graduate with less debt ($19,000 vs $23,250).
Admissions & Outcomes
Boston College has a higher yield rate (41.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1490, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Chestnut Hill, MA
Boston, MA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Boston College is more affordable at $4,284 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $60,308 vs $47,504.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Boston University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Boston College
- 1 Computer Science$84,100
- 2 Information Science/Studies$76,460
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$75,518
- 4 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$71,015
- 5 Mathematics$70,596
Boston University
- 1 Computer Science$84,994
- 2 Computer Engineering$82,440
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$70,829
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$68,858
- 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering$67,660
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Boston College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 4 Communication and Media Studies
- 5 Computer Science
Boston University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Economics
- 5 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Boston College
- International students12%
- Tuition (international)$59,050
- Est. total cost/year$75,422
- School typePublic
Boston University
- International students29%
- Tuition (international)$56,854
- Est. total cost/year$74,712
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 29% international enrollment, Boston University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Boston College or Boston University?
Boston University is more selective with a 10.8% acceptance rate, compared to 15.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Boston College or Boston University?
Boston College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $103,937 compared to $83,238. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Boston College or Boston University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Boston University has a lower net price at $11,778 per year vs $13,112. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Boston College vs Boston University?
Boston College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.9%, compared to 89.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Boston College or Boston University?
Boston University has a larger international student population at 29% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Boston College and Boston University?
At Boston College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $84,100 within two years. At Boston University, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $84,994. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.