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Boston College vs Fairfield University

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

29
Boston Wins
8
Tied / N/A
9
Fairfield Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
New England
10,085
Enrollment
5,373
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
33%
1507
SAT Average
1335
34
ACT Midpoint
29
1440-1540
SAT Range
1260-1390

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$58,350
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,350
$41,704
Average Net Price
$48,095
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$33,302
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$35,155
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$26,953
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$50,773
13%
Pell Grant Rate
7%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
43%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
84%
96%
Retention Rate
91%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
100%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,298
13%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

52%
Female
65%
57%
White
79%
13%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
1%
11%
Asian
2%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.36

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$73,693
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$87,663
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$88,794
$19,000
Median Debt
$26,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29x
88%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
157.73%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6319.4%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
249.6%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$151,500

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.03
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
3.9%

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.

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit

33% accept 84% grad $88,794 earnings $48,095 net

Fairfield University has an impressive graduation rate of 84%, indicating that most students successfully complete their degrees. This high rate suggests a strong support system and engaged faculty, which helps students navigate their academic journey.

According to Opportunity Insights data, Fairfield's graduates earn a median income of $88,794 ten years after enrollment. This figure points to the university’s effectiveness in preparing students for the job market, particularly in fields like Business, Health Professions, and Communications. While the Pell Grant rate stands at 7%, indicating limited access for low-income students, the potential for upward mobility remains significant for those who do enroll.

The cost of attending Fairfield is notable, with a net price of $48,095 and a median debt of $26,000. Students who thrive here are often those pursuing careers in high-demand sectors, leveraging the university's strong programs in Business and Health Professions. Graduates leave with solid earning potential, which helps to mitigate the financial burden of their education.

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