Head-to-Head Comparison
Bowdoin College vs Brigham Young University
- Bowdoin Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 12
- Brigham Young Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bowdoin College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,398 vs Brigham Young University's $15,564, Bowdoin College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Bowdoin College benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,735 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bowdoin
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,735 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Brigham Young University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,398, roughly $1,166 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Brigham Young
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bowdoin graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); Brigham Young in Business & Marketing (17%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Bowdoin College over Brigham Young University. Median earnings of $82,735 ten years after enrollment vs $75,790.
Pick Bowdoin College over Brigham Young University. Net price $14,398 vs $15,564.
Pick Bowdoin College over Brigham Young University. 1.1% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Bowdoin College over Brigham Young University. 95% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bowdoin College and Brigham Young University are close on paper, but Bowdoin College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Bowdoin College is the harder admit. It takes 7% of applicants, while Brigham Young University takes 68%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,376.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Bowdoin College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Bowdoin College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,398, about $1,166 a year below Brigham Young University's $15,564. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $18,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $4,664 before any change in aid. Choosing Bowdoin College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Bowdoin College graduates report median earnings of $82,735, compared with $75,790 at Brigham Young University. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brigham Young University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Bowdoin College graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 14% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Bowdoin College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.1%; at Brigham Young University, it is 0.7%. Bowdoin College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Bowdoin College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Bowdoin College to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Bowdoin College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, while Brigham Young University leans toward Business & Marketing, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,500, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Bowdoin College has less business program depth, and Brigham Young University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Brigham Young University's enrollment of 32,952 far exceeds Bowdoin College's 1,873.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bowdoin holds onto its admits more tightly: 54% of admitted students enroll, versus 24% at Brigham Young — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Bowdoin offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Brigham Young does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Bowdoin College is an excellent fit for students who are academically driven and ready to engage in a tight-knit community. With a total enrollment of 1,873, this private nonprofit institution in Brunswick, Maine, stands out for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts. Students here often delve into social sciences, biology, physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics, allowing them to develop a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths.
When it comes to life after graduation, Bowdoin graduates see solid earnings, with a 10-year median income of $82,735. This financial stability highlights the value of a Bowdoin degree in the job market. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting those with financial need, the college’s overall affordability makes it a viable option for many families looking for a meaningful investment in education.
Looking at the numbers, the net price after aid is $14,398, and the median debt for graduates is $18,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook. Bowdoin tends to attract students who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment and are eager to contribute to their communities, both on campus and beyond.
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
Rankings They Appear On
Bowdoin College is featured on the Best Colleges in Maine ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bowdoin's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while Brigham Young leads with Business Administration (17%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Bowdoin) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brigham Young).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bowdoin College is strongest in Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, while Brigham Young University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Engineering. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bowdoin College or Brigham Young University?
Bowdoin College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Bowdoin College or Brigham Young University?
Bowdoin College is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,398 after aid versus $15,564 at Brigham Young University.
Do Bowdoin College or Brigham Young University graduates earn more?
Bowdoin College graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,735 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,790 at Brigham Young University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bowdoin College or Brigham Young University?
Bowdoin College has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 82%.
Bowdoin College vs Brigham Young University: which is better for social mobility?
Bowdoin College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.1% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Bowdoin College or Brigham Young University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Bowdoin College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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