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College comparison
Boston College vs Claremont McKenna
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 |  Claremont McKenna Claremont, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateClaremont McKenna College is more selective | 16% | 10% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1440–1540 | 1470–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 10,085 | 1,388 |
| Avg net price | $41,704 | $28,849 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Claremont McKenna reports higher median earnings | $103,937 | $104,736 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 91% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $13,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 3.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Boston College vs Claremont McKenna: how they compare
For a data-driven family, the choice between Boston College and Claremont McKenna College involves weighing financial and economic metrics against campus environment and admissions patterns.
By the numbers Claremont McKenna is more selective (10% vs. 16% acceptance) with a slightly higher SAT range (1470–1560 vs. 1440–1540). Financially, Claremont McKenna presents a stronger value proposition: its average net price is $29k (vs. $42k at Boston College) and it delivers 3.6× earnings per dollar of net price (vs. 2.5×), despite nearly identical 10-year median earnings ($105k vs. $104k). Claremont McKenna also excels in economic mobility (296% vs. 160%) and has far more stable admissions (32% admit-rate volatility vs. 70%). Boston College holds a slight edge in federal financial health (DOE score 3.0/3 vs. 2.5/3). Both share a 91% graduation rate.
Where they overlap Both institutions are highly selective, private liberal arts universities known for strong undergraduate business and economics programs. They foster active campus cultures and achieve identical high graduation rates and very similar long-term earnings outcomes, indicating robust career preparation.
How they differ The environments contrast: Boston College offers a traditional campus experience in a major Northeast city, while Claremont McKenna provides an intimate community in a suburban consortium. Culturally, Boston College is larger with a broader university setting, whereas Claremont McKenna emphasizes smaller class sizes and a collaborative student body.
Who each suits Boston College suits a student seeking a vibrant, traditional campus life integrated into a major city, who values a slightly broader university setting. Claremont McKenna College is a match for a student who prioritizes financial value, high economic mobility, a stable admissions process, and an intensely collaborative, small-college environment focused on leadership, economics, and government.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Boston College or Claremont McKenna College harder to get into?
- Claremont McKenna College is more selective: Boston College's acceptance rate is approximately 16% and Claremont McKenna College's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Boston College vs Claremont McKenna College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1440–1540 at Boston College and 1470–1560 at Claremont McKenna College. 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.