Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes. This guide will help you compare two prominent institutions – [BC] and [Bates]. We’ll provide an in-depth look at each school’s overview, cost & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a better understanding of what each school has to offer and which one might be the best fit for you.
BC Overview
Boston College, or BC, is a private Jesuit research university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Established in 1863, BC has a strong commitment to liberal arts education, offering various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The campus is known for its Gothic architecture, extensive library system, and strong athletic programs.
BC Costs & Tuition
Tuition at BC for the 2021-2022 academic year is $59,050, with an additional $15,640 for room and board. It is important to note that the university offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance.
BC Admissions
Admission to BC is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 27%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The university also considers extracurricular activities and community involvement in its admissions decisions.
BC Degrees Offered
Boston College offers over 50 undergraduate majors across its four schools: Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences, Carroll School of Management, Connell School of Nursing, and Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Additionally, BC offers various graduate and professional programs, including law, social work, theology, and business.
BC Academics
BC is well-regarded for its strong liberal arts curriculum, with a focus on critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, ensuring personalized attention and access to resources. Popular majors at BC include finance, psychology, and biology.
BC Diversity
Boston College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its community. The university provides various programs and resources to support students from different backgrounds, including the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center, which offers services for students of African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent.
BC Students
With a total enrollment of over 14,000 students (including approximately 9,300 undergraduates), BC has a vibrant and diverse student body. The university offers various clubs and organizations, including cultural, religious, and special interest groups. Additionally, BC is known for its strong athletics program, with the Eagles competing in NCAA Division I sports.
BC Campus
BC’s picturesque campus spans 175 acres and is located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Newton, Massachusetts, just six miles from downtown Boston. The campus features stunning Gothic architecture, including the iconic Gasson Hall. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and resources, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.
BC Alumni
Notable BC alumni include former Secretary of State John Kerry, television personality Amy Poehler, and former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan. The university has a strong alumni network, with various events and resources available to help graduates connect with one another and advance their careers.
BC Rankings
BC consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, BC is ranked #35 in National Universities and #34 in Best Value Schools.
BC Outcomes
The outcomes for BC graduates are impressive, with a 93% six-year graduation rate and a strong alumni network. According to PayScale, the average early career salary for BC alumni is $65,300, and the mid-career salary is $131,700.
Bates Overview
Bates College is a private liberal arts college located in Lewiston, Maine. Founded in 1855, Bates is known for its commitment to social justice and inclusivity, offering a diverse range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. The college is a member of the prestigious New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and has a strong focus on experiential learning and community engagement.
Bates Costs & Tuition
Tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year at Bates is $58,170, with an additional $16,170 for room and board. Like BC, Bates offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students, helping to lower the overall cost of attendance.
Bates Admissions
Admission to Bates is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 12%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Bates is test-optional, meaning students are not required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for consideration.
Bates Degrees Offered
Bates offers over 30 majors and 25 minors across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The college also offers interdisciplinary programs, allowing students to design their own majors based on their unique interests.
Bates Academics
Bates is known for its rigorous academic programs, with a strong emphasis on writing, research, and critical thinking skills. The student-faculty ratio at Bates is 10:1, allowing for personalized instruction and mentorship. Popular majors at Bates include economics, psychology, and political science.
Bates Diversity
Bates is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its community. The college offers various resources and support services to ensure that all students feel welcomed and included on campus, such as the Office of Intercultural Education and various affinity groups.
Bates Students
With a total enrollment of approximately 1,800 students, Bates has a close-knit and supportive community. The college offers over 100 clubs and organizations, ranging from cultural and religious groups to special interest clubs. Additionally, Bates students actively participate in varsity, club, and intramural sports.
Bates Campus
The Bates campus sits on 133 acres in the heart of Lewiston, Maine, and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. The college has a strong commitment to sustainability, with several LEED-certified buildings and ongoing initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Bates Alumni
Notable Bates alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout, Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses, and former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe. The college has a strong alumni network, with numerous opportunities for graduates to connect and support one another.
Bates Rankings
Bates is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, Bates is ranked #23 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #33 in Best Value Schools.
Bates Outcomes
Bates graduates enjoy successful careers and postgraduate opportunities, with a six-year graduation rate of 89%. According to PayScale, the average early career salary for Bates alumni is $59,800, and the mid-career salary is $108,200.
BC vs Bates Cost Comparison
Both BC and Bates have similar tuition costs, with BC’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year at $59,050 and Bates’ tuition at $58,170. Room and board are also comparable, with BC’s cost at $15,640 and Bates’ at $16,170. Both institutions offer financial aid and scholarships for eligible students, which can significantly lower the overall cost of attendance.
BC vs Bates Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both BC and Bates are highly competitive, with BC having an acceptance rate of approximately 27% and Bates having an acceptance rate of around 12%. Both schools require high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay for admission. BC requires standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), while Bates is test-optional.
BC vs Bates Academic Difficulty
Both BC and Bates are known for their rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on liberal arts education. BC has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, while Bates has a ratio of 10:1, ensuring small class sizes and personalized instruction for students. Both schools offer a wide range of undergraduate majors and encourage critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
BC vs Bates Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both BC and Bates enjoy successful careers and strong alumni networks. BC’s six-year graduation rate is 93%, with an average early career salary of $65,300 and a mid-career salary of $131,700. Bates has a six-year graduation rate of 89%, with an average early career salary of $59,800 and a mid-career salary of $108,200.
