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Boston College vs University of Pennsylvania

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

5
Boston Wins
7
Tied / N/A
34
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
10,085
Enrollment
10,650
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1507
SAT Average
1553
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1440-1540
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$68,686
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,686
$41,704
Average Net Price
$28,699
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-3,012
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$316
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$10,439
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$55,972
13%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
10%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
97%
96%
Retention Rate
99%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
79%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$22,117
13%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

52%
Female
57%
57%
White
27%
13%
Hispanic
11%
5%
Black
9%
11%
Asian
28%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$90,555
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$100,118
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$111,371
$19,000
Median Debt
$15,715
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
88%
Earning Above HS
90%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
176.28%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3025.0%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
582.7%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$95,400

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.88
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
7.8%

Research (Times HE)

#161
World Rank
#109
40.1
Teaching Score
46.3
33.6
Research Score
49.2
78
Citations Score
77.6

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.

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $111,371 earnings $28,699 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the University of Pennsylvania attracts students who are not only academically strong but also deeply passionate about their fields. This school is especially well-suited for those interested in areas like Biology and Biomedical studies, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Computer Science and IT, and Business and Marketing. The vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia adds an urban edge to the college experience, making it a great fit for students looking to engage in both rigorous academics and lively city life.

Looking at the outcomes, graduates from Penn see significant returns on their investment. With a 10-year earnings average of $111,371, it's clear that a degree from here can open doors to lucrative career paths. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds, the high graduation rate of 97% suggests that students who enroll are likely to complete their studies successfully.

Financially, the net price after aid sits at $28,699, which is manageable given the strong earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $15,715, students here can graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive at Penn are often highly motivated, driven, and ready to take advantage of the rich resources and opportunities available within the institution and the surrounding city.

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