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Boston College vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

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

13
Boston Wins
16
Tied / N/A
17
California Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Far West
10,085
Enrollment
21,996
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
31%
1507
SAT Average
N/A
34
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1440-1540
SAT Range
N/A

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$13,596
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,665
$41,704
Average Net Price
$16,665
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,529
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$7,253
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,896
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,772
13%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
25%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
86%
96%
Retention Rate
96%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
69%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$12,673
13%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

52%
Female
50%
57%
White
48%
13%
Hispanic
25%
5%
Black
1%
11%
Asian
14%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.68

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$72,358
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$82,835
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$90,768
$19,000
Median Debt
$18,500
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
88%
Earning Above HS
79%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$168,400
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.85
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
7.0%

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.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

31% accept 86% grad $90,768 earnings $16,665 net

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has an impressive graduation rate of 86%. This high rate indicates strong student support and engagement, contributing to a successful academic environment. With nearly 22,000 students, Cal Poly combines a vibrant campus life with a commitment to academic excellence.

Graduates from Cal Poly earn a median salary of $90,768 ten years post-graduation. This figure reflects the effectiveness of the university's programs in preparing students for the workforce. Although the Pell Grant rate is 19%, the university's focus on practical, career-oriented education significantly enhances economic mobility for many students.

The cost of attendance is relatively affordable, with a net price of $16,665 and a median debt of $18,500. This financial structure positions Cal Poly as a viable option for students seeking quality education without overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here are often those interested in fields like engineering, business, and computer science, where hands-on experience and industry connections are paramount.

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