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Boston College vs Harvard University

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

9
Boston Wins
6
Tied / N/A
31
Harvard Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
New England
10,085
Enrollment
7,601
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
$61,676
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,676
$41,704
Average Net Price
$19,066
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,697
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,991
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$2,091
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$53,337
13%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
4%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
97%
96%
Retention Rate
98%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,048
13%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

52%
Female
50%
57%
White
31%
13%
Hispanic
12%
5%
Black
9%
11%
Asian
22%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$99,572
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$101,095
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$101,817
$19,000
Median Debt
$14,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
88%
Earning Above HS
88%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
175.92%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5774.2%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
304.7%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$174,000

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.69
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.02
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
9.6%

Research (Times HE)

#161
World Rank
#1
40.1
Teaching Score
99.7
33.6
Research Score
98.7
78
Citations Score
98.8

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.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

4% accept 97% grad $101,817 earnings $19,066 net

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

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