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Boston College vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

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

22
Boston Wins
6
Tied / N/A
18
Rensselaer Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
10,085
Enrollment
5,714
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
63%
1507
SAT Average
1456
34
ACT Midpoint
33
1440-1540
SAT Range
1375-1510

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$64,081
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,081
$41,704
Average Net Price
$36,228
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$24,078
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$26,289
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$28,212
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,541
13%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
51%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
83%
96%
Retention Rate
91%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
89%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,820
13%
First-Gen Students
14%

Student Body

52%
Female
34%
57%
White
45%
13%
Hispanic
11%
5%
Black
5%
11%
Asian
22%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.73

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$83,054
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$95,369
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$102,051
$19,000
Median Debt
$23,750
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.23x
88%
Earning Above HS
89%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
304.91%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6462.1%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
471.8%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$114,200

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.79
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.02
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
5.7%

Research (Times HE)

#161
World Rank
#104
40.1
Teaching Score
50.5
33.6
Research Score
54.6
78
Citations Score
64.9

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.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY · Private nonprofit

63% accept 83% grad $102,051 earnings $36,228 net

With an enrollment of about 5,700 students, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, is a great fit for those looking to dive deep into STEM fields. With programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Mathematics, it attracts students who are serious about blending technical skills with practical applications. The acceptance rate of 63% means there's room for a diverse range of applicants, making it accessible without compromising on the quality of education.

After graduation, Rensselaer alumni can expect solid financial outcomes. With a ten-year earnings average of $102,051, students typically see a significant return on their investment in education. That’s a strong indicator of how well graduates navigate the workforce, especially in fields like engineering and tech, which are in high demand. This financial success is paired with a net price of $36,228 after aid, making it a reasonable choice for those who are willing to invest in their future.

When it comes to affordability, the median debt for graduates is $23,750, which is quite manageable given the earning potential. The 20% Pell Grant rate suggests that there's support for low-income students, but the school also attracts a mix of others who thrive on the collaborative and rigorous environment. If you're motivated, willing to engage deeply with your studies, and interested in a strong career trajectory, Rensselaer could be a great match for you.

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