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Boston College vs Colby College

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

20
Boston Wins
10
Tied / N/A
16
Colby Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
New England
Region
New England
10,085
Enrollment
2,407
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
7%
1507
SAT Average
1501
34
ACT Midpoint
33
1440-1540
SAT Range
1460-1550

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$69,600
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,600
$41,704
Average Net Price
$17,180
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,049
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,251
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$3,666
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$46,511
13%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
9%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
89%
96%
Retention Rate
94%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,207
13%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

52%
Female
57%
57%
White
55%
13%
Hispanic
8%
5%
Black
5%
11%
Asian
10%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.66

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$60,052
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$68,015
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$80,490
$19,000
Median Debt
$19,157
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.24x
88%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
90.38%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6082.8%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
148.6%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$208,700

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
9.9%

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.

Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 89% grad $80,490 earnings $17,180 net

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Colby College is tailored for students who thrive in a highly selective environment and are eager to dive into topics like Social Sciences, Psychology, Biology, and Computer Science. It’s a small community of about 2,407 students, making it easier to form close connections with peers and professors alike. Those who choose Colby are often passionate about their fields and want to engage deeply in their studies.

Looking at life after graduation, alumni report impressive earnings, with a 10-year median income of $80,490. This suggests that a Colby education can lead to solid financial outcomes, helping graduates secure well-paying jobs. The affordability factor is also notable; with a net price of $17,180, many students find that they can graduate without being burdened by excessive debt, as the median debt sits at $19,157. This balance helps foster mobility for those who want to move up in their careers.

The numbers tell a clear story: Colby is not just about getting a degree but about setting up students for success in the real world. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that support is available for those who need it, the overall environment tends to attract highly motivated individuals. Those who thrive here share a commitment to their studies and benefit from both a strong academic foundation and a supportive community.

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