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Boston College vs Cornell University

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

5
Boston Wins
7
Tied / N/A
34
Cornell Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
10,085
Enrollment
15,995
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
9%
1507
SAT Average
1535
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1440-1540
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$69,314
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,314
$41,704
Average Net Price
$28,690
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,776
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,070
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,796
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,992
13%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
18%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
95%
96%
Retention Rate
98%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,953
13%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

52%
Female
53%
57%
White
31%
13%
Hispanic
13%
5%
Black
7%
11%
Asian
27%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$87,830
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$97,098
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$104,043
$19,000
Median Debt
$14,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
88%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
290.70%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5935.4%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
489.8%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$143,300

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
9.3%

Research (Times HE)

#161
World Rank
#14
40.1
Teaching Score
82.2
33.6
Research Score
88.8
78
Citations Score
88.1

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.

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit

9% accept 95% grad $104,043 earnings $28,690 net

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, is a fitting choice for students who are academically driven and eager for a deeply engaging campus experience. With an acceptance rate of just 9%, this school attracts some of the brightest minds, and it has a graduation rate of 95%. Students here dive into popular programs like Computer Science, Business, and Engineering, all of which are designed to prepare them for competitive fields.

After graduation, individuals from Cornell see impressive financial returns, with a median earning of about $104,043 after ten years. This level of income reflects the value of the education received and the strong career paths available to graduates. Although the cost of attendance can be significant, the financial aid landscape is supportive, especially for those who qualify for Pell Grants, which help about 18% of students.

The net price after aid stands at approximately $28,690, which is manageable considering the median debt of $14,000 that graduates carry. This financial framework means that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of debt, allowing them to focus on their careers and aspirations rather than being weighed down by financial burdens. Those who thrive at Cornell are typically motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the many resources and connections available to them.

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