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Boston College vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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

26
Boston Wins
7
Tied / N/A
13
Virginia Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Southeast
10,085
Enrollment
30,923
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

16%
Acceptance Rate
55%
1507
SAT Average
1364
34
ACT Midpoint
29
1440-1540
SAT Range
1280-1450

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,702
In-State Tuition
$15,948
$70,702
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,764
$41,704
Average Net Price
$24,953
$4,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$11,689
$7,304
Net Price ($30-48K)
$11,670
$13,112
Net Price ($48-75K)
$17,894
$60,308
Net Price ($110K+)
$34,201
13%
Pell Grant Rate
15%
30%
Federal Loan Rate
34%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
86%
96%
Retention Rate
93%
61%
Full-Time Faculty
99%
$18,131
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,162
13%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

52%
Female
46%
57%
White
57%
13%
Hispanic
10%
5%
Black
6%
11%
Asian
14%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.64

Outcomes

$85,717
Earnings (6yr)
$67,377
$89,620
Earnings (8yr)
$75,717
$103,937
Earnings (10yr)
$81,698
$19,000
Median Debt
$21,500
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
88%
Earning Above HS
82%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

160.29%
Mobility Rate
135.19%
5621.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4751.9%
285.2%
From Bottom 20%
284.5%
$168,400
Parent Median Income
$123,300

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.76
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
6.6%

Research (Times HE)

#161
World Rank
#251-275
40.1
Teaching Score
36.9
33.6
Research Score
40.4
78
Citations Score
30.3

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.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

55% accept 86% grad $81,698 earnings $24,953 net

With an enrollment of over 30,000 students, Virginia Tech stands out as a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Business and Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The acceptance rate of 55% means that while it's competitive, many students can find a place here. The strong graduation rate of 86% indicates that students are not just getting in, but also succeeding in completing their degrees, which is a big deal when you think about the investment in time and resources.

For graduates, the financial payoff is significant. On average, alumni earn about $81,698 a decade after finishing their degrees. This level of earnings suggests that the education received here translates well into the job market. While the net price after aid is $24,953, the relatively low median debt of $21,500 means that most students don’t leave with an overwhelming financial burden, making the prospect of repayment more manageable.

When it comes to who thrives at Virginia Tech, students who are practical, focused, and drawn to STEM or business disciplines often find their niche. The campus is supportive and encourages collaboration, which is beneficial for those looking to build networks. With a Pell Grant rate of 15%, it’s clear that some financial aid is available, but it’s important to consider how this fits into your overall financial picture. Ultimately, students who are proactive and engaged with their education here tend to do well both during their studies and as they transition into their careers.

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