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Boston College vs Bowdoin College

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

14
Boston Wins
12
Tied / N/A
20
Bowdoin Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
New England
Region
New England
10,085
Enrollment
1,873
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
7%
1507
SAT Average
1520
34
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1440-1540
SAT Range
1470-1550

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$67,832
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,832
$41,704
Average Net Price
$14,398
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$3,145
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,800
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,007
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,196
13%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
8%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
95%
96%
Retention Rate
97%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
89%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,216
13%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

52%
Female
51%
57%
White
53%
13%
Hispanic
15%
5%
Black
5%
11%
Asian
11%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$61,692
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$79,520
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$82,735
$19,000
Median Debt
$18,500
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.22x
88%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
109.47%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4153.2%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
263.6%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$177,600

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.81
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
10.4%

Research (Times HE)

#161
World Rank
N/A
40.1
Teaching Score
N/A
33.6
Research Score
N/A
78
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit

16% accept 91% grad $103,937 earnings $41,704 net

With an acceptance rate of just 16%, Boston College attracts students who are academically driven and ready to engage deeply with their studies. The school excels in areas like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Psychology, among others. If you’re looking for a community that values both rigorous academics and a strong sense of tradition, this is a place where you can thrive.

Once you graduate, you can expect to make, on average, $103,937 after ten years in the workforce. That’s a solid figure that speaks to the value of a degree from Boston College. Students who study here often find themselves well-prepared for the job market, which is crucial as we consider our financial futures. The blend of a strong curriculum and a supportive network can lead to successful career paths.

Looking at the financial aspects, the net price after aid is around $41,704, and students typically graduate with a median debt of $19,000. This debt load is manageable for many, especially considering the earning potential after graduation. Boston College tends to attract students who are ready to invest in their education and take full advantage of the opportunities available, paving the way for both personal and professional growth.

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 95% grad $82,735 earnings $14,398 net

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Bowdoin College is an excellent fit for students who are academically driven and ready to engage in a tight-knit community. With a total enrollment of 1,873, this private nonprofit institution in Brunswick, Maine, stands out for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts. Students here often delve into social sciences, biology, physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics, allowing them to develop a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths.

When it comes to life after graduation, Bowdoin graduates see solid earnings, with a 10-year median income of $82,735. This financial stability highlights the value of a Bowdoin degree in the job market. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting those with financial need, the college’s overall affordability makes it a viable option for many families looking for a meaningful investment in education.

Looking at the numbers, the net price after aid is $14,398, and the median debt for graduates is $18,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook. Bowdoin tends to attract students who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment and are eager to contribute to their communities, both on campus and beyond.

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