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College comparison
Boston College vs BU
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA |  BU Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBoston University is more selective | 16% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1440–1540 | 1420–1530 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 10,085 | 18,248 |
| Avg net price | $41,704 | $24,402 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Boston College reports higher median earnings | $103,937 | $83,238 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 89% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $23,250 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 2.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Quick answers
- Is Boston College or Boston University harder to get into?
- Boston University is more selective: Boston College's acceptance rate is approximately 16% and Boston University's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Boston College vs Boston University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1440–1540 at Boston College and 1420–1530 at Boston University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.