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Boston College vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

16
Boston Wins
12
Tied / N/A
18
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
10,085
Enrollment
36,902
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
45%
1507
SAT Average
1427
34
ACT Midpoint
29
1440-1540
SAT Range
1380-1520

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$11,603
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,103
$41,704
Average Net Price
$17,354
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,200
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,101
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,134
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,292
13%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
89%
96%
Retention Rate
96%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,643
13%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

52%
Female
53%
57%
White
59%
13%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
2%
11%
Asian
11%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.62

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$61,275
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$69,868
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$73,792
$19,000
Median Debt
$20,484
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
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
1.78
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

#161
World Rank
#27
40.1
Teaching Score
74.3
33.6
Research Score
77.3
78
Citations Score
90.6

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 Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

45% accept 89% grad $73,792 earnings $17,354 net

With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.

Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.

When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.

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