Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Boston College vs Purdue University-Main Campus

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

19
Boston Wins
14
Tied / N/A
13
Purdue Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
10,085
Enrollment
44,503
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
50%
1507
SAT Average
1364
34
ACT Midpoint
30
1440-1540
SAT Range
1200-1480

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$9,992
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,794
$41,704
Average Net Price
$14,600
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,098
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,241
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,438
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$22,742
13%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
22%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
83%
96%
Retention Rate
93%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,473
13%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

52%
Female
47%
57%
White
54%
13%
Hispanic
8%
5%
Black
3%
11%
Asian
15%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$60,838
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$66,951
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$19,000
Median Debt
$19,500
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27x
88%
Earning Above HS
80%

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
1.67
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public

50% accept 83% grad $72,424 earnings $14,600 net

With an enrollment of over 44,500 students, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a solid choice for those who thrive in a large, dynamic environment. It’s particularly appealing for students interested in engineering, business, computer science, biology, and social sciences. The 50% acceptance rate suggests a competitive atmosphere, and the 83% graduation rate indicates that many students are successfully completing their degrees.

After graduation, students can expect a median earning of $72,424 after ten years. That’s a significant number, especially for graduates entering fields like engineering and technology. While the cost of attendance is reasonable, the long-term financial outlook is promising, making it clear that a degree from Purdue can lead to solid career opportunities.

When it comes to affordability, the net price after aid averages around $14,600, which is manageable for many families. With a median debt of $19,500, students leave with a debt load that is relatively low compared to potential earnings. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated, ambitious, and ready to take advantage of the university's strong programs and supportive resources.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

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

Ad