Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Boston College vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

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

22
Boston Wins
15
Tied / N/A
9
Pennsylvania Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
10,085
Enrollment
42,284
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
61%
1507
SAT Average
1337
34
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1440-1540
SAT Range
1240-1420

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$20,644
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,790
$41,704
Average Net Price
$32,875
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$19,845
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$20,049
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$25,667
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$37,831
13%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
40%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
86%
96%
Retention Rate
93%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,120
13%
First-Gen Students
29%

Student Body

52%
Female
50%
57%
White
63%
13%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
5%
11%
Asian
8%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.58

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$55,620
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$60,370
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$19,000
Median Debt
$25,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.39x
88%
Earning Above HS
73%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$168,400
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.71
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
6.0%

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.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

61% accept 86% grad $63,435 earnings $32,875 net

With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.

After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.

When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad