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Boston College vs Columbia University in the City of New York

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

14
Boston Wins
8
Tied / N/A
24
Columbia Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
10,085
Enrollment
8,973
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1507
SAT Average
1553
34
ACT Midpoint
35
1440-1540
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$71,845
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$71,845
$41,704
Average Net Price
$21,590
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,570
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,275
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,866
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$50,621
13%
Pell Grant Rate
23%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
96%
96%
Retention Rate
98%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
43%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$21,516
13%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

52%
Female
45%
57%
White
29%
13%
Hispanic
15%
5%
Black
8%
11%
Asian
19%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$88,535
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$98,435
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$19,000
Median Debt
$21,500
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
88%
Earning Above HS
86%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
307.36%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6121.7%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
502.1%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$169,600

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.03
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
10.3%

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.

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

4% accept 96% grad $102,491 earnings $21,590 net

Columbia University in the City of New York is an excellent fit for ambitious students who are ready to dive deep into their studies. With an acceptance rate of just 4%, it attracts driven individuals who excel academically. Students here often focus on top programs such as Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and English & Literature. The tight-knit community and diverse course offerings create an environment where students can thrive.

Life after graduation looks promising for Columbia alumni, with a ten-year earnings average of $102,491. This figure indicates the long-term financial benefits of attending this university. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and often find themselves in positions that allow for upward mobility. The high graduation rate of 96% suggests that most students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of the support and resources available.

When it comes to the practical aspects of attending Columbia, the net price after aid is approximately $21,590, which is quite manageable given the high earning potential. With a median debt of $21,500, most graduates come out with a reasonable financial burden. The combination of these factors, along with the strong academic environment, tends to attract students who are not only academically talented but also motivated to make the most of their educational experience.

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