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Boston College vs Northwestern University

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

10
Boston Wins
6
Tied / N/A
30
Northwestern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
10,085
Enrollment
9,201
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1507
SAT Average
1533
34
ACT Midpoint
35
1440-1540
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$68,322
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,322
$41,704
Average Net Price
$29,167
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,764
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,099
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,898
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,777
13%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
17%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
96%
96%
Retention Rate
98%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$20,322
13%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

52%
Female
52%
57%
White
31%
13%
Hispanic
16%
5%
Black
8%
11%
Asian
21%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$76,844
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$83,487
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$19,000
Median Debt
$15,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
88%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
169.42%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5518.6%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
307.0%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$168,500

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
11.3%

Research (Times HE)

#161
World Rank
#25
40.1
Teaching Score
64.5
33.6
Research Score
68.8
78
Citations Score
95.3

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.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit

8% accept 96% grad $89,363 earnings $29,167 net

Northwestern University has an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating strong student support and academic success. This high rate reflects the university’s commitment to helping students complete their degrees on time. With an acceptance rate of just 8%, gaining admission is highly competitive, attracting top talent from across the country.

The earnings potential for graduates is significant, with a 10-year median income of $89,363. This figure suggests that students who attend Northwestern can expect a strong return on their investment. However, 19% of students receive Pell Grants, which highlights that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, yet still have the opportunity to thrive here.

The net price for attending Northwestern is $29,167, and the median debt is relatively low at $15,000, making it more manageable for graduates. Students who excel here often pursue majors in engineering, social sciences, and communications. Those who thrive at Northwestern are typically motivated and high-achieving individuals, ready to engage in a challenging academic environment.

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