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College comparison
Boston College vs Georgetown
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 |  Georgetown Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateGeorgetown University is more selective | 16% | 13% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1440–1540 | 1390–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 10,085 | 7,569 |
| Avg net price | $41,704 | $40,815 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Boston College reports higher median earnings | $103,937 | $103,494 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 95% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $15,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 1.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Boston College vs Georgetown: how they compare
Both Boston College and Georgetown are private universities in major East Coast cities, offering strong financial returns but with distinct cultural identities.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles are similar in key outcomes. Both offer a 2.5× earnings-per-dollar value on nearly identical average net prices (BC: $42k, Georgetown: $41k) and 10-year median earnings (BC: $104k, Georgetown: $103k). Selectivity is close, with Georgetown slightly more exclusive (13% acceptance vs. 16% for BC) and a marginally wider SAT middle-50% range (1390–1550 vs. 1440–1540). The clearest differentiators are in mobility and stability: Georgetown’s 195% economic-mobility rate notably outpaces BC’s 160%, while BC shows higher admit-rate volatility (70% vs. 37%) and a stronger DOE financial-health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.4/3). Georgetown also has a higher graduation rate (95% vs. 91%).
Where they overlap Both provide a residential undergraduate experience in city settings (Boston and Washington, D.C.), with high graduation rates and on-campus living. They deliver equivalent long-term financial value for the investment.
How they differ Culturally, Georgetown is frequently described as having a more traditional college experience with prominent football and basketball culture, and is perceived as more internationally diverse. Boston College is often noted for having highly engaged professors and a strong, social campus vibe. Georgetown’s reputation is particularly strong in pre-law, foreign service, and finance recruitment.
Who each suits Georgetown suits a student seeking a globally oriented, politically engaged environment with a classic athletic scene and a reputation in government, law, and international affairs. Boston College is an excellent fit for a student who prioritizes a tight-knit, socially active campus with dedicated faculty mentorship, all within the academic ecosystem of Boston.
Quick answers
- Is Boston College or Georgetown University harder to get into?
- Georgetown University is more selective: Boston College's acceptance rate is approximately 16% and Georgetown University's is approximately 13% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Boston College vs Georgetown University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1440–1540 at Boston College and 1390–1550 at Georgetown 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.