Head-to-head comparison
Boston College vs. Boston University
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Boston College or BU harder to get into?
BU is harder to get into than Boston College. BU's 11.1% acceptance rate is lower than Boston College's 16.4%.
Which is cheaper, Boston College or BU?
BU costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, BU's average net price is $24,402 vs $41,704 at Boston College.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Boston College graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $103,937 at Boston College and $83,238 at BU.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Boston College | BU |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 11.1% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1440–1540 | 1420–1530 |
| ACT mid-50% | 33–35 | 32–34 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,493 | $86,285 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $41,704 | $24,402 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 10,085 | 18,248 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 90.8% | 88.7% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $103,937 | $83,238 |
| Setting | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Boston, Massachusetts |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
BU is meaningfully harder to get into. A 5.3-percentage-point gap between 16.4% (Boston College) and 11.1% (BU) reflects real selectivity differences. Boston College is the more realistic target for a balanced college list.
BU is significantly cheaper after aid. The average net price gap is $17,302 per year, $69,208 over four years. For most families that difference is the deciding factor when both schools admit you.
Boston College graduates earn $20,699 more on average at the 10-year mark. This usually reflects major distribution more than school quality — schools that concentrate in CS, engineering, and finance pull higher medians than schools with more humanities and social science graduates. BU grads' earnings within the same major category are typically comparable.
BU is substantially larger with 18,248 undergrads vs 10,085 at Boston College. Bigger universities have more major options and broader research opportunities; smaller ones offer more access to faculty and tighter-knit communities.
BU has a more international student body (21.2% non-resident students vs 6.5%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Boston College is 52.2% women, 6.5% international, and 11.1% Asian-American. BU is 58.1% women, 21.2% international, and 20.5% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Boston College | BU |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 52.2% | 58.1% |
| International | 6.5% | 21.2% |
| White | 56.6% | 32.2% |
| Asian | 11.1% | 20.5% |
| Hispanic | 13.0% | 11.5% |
| Black | 5.3% | 5.9% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Boston College vs. BU?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Boston College if
- Your odds are realistic at Boston College (slightly easier admit)
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($103,937 vs $83,238)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- its Jesuit mission
Pick BU if
- Net price matters: BU costs $17,302 less per year on average
- the Kilachand Honors College
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Boston College
16.4% accept · Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Full profile
Boston University
11.1% accept · Boston, Massachusetts
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.