Head-to-head · 2026
Boston College vs Boston University
Compare average net price ($41,704 at Boston College; $24,402 at Boston University), ROI score (6.23 vs 8.53), ten-year median earnings ($103,937 vs $83,238), and admissions selectivity (16.4% acceptance at Boston College; 11.1% at Boston University) using federal College Scorecard data. Boston College has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. Boston University leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Boston College | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.23 | 8.53 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $41,704 | $24,402 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $103,937 ✓ | $83,238 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 11.1% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% ✓ | 88.7% |
| Median debt | $19,000 ✓ | $23,250 |
| Enrollment | 10,085 | 18,248 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1507 ✓ | 1480 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Boston College costs $17,302 more per year than Boston University ($41,704 vs $24,402). Boston College graduates report $20,699 higher median earnings after ten years ($103,937 vs $83,238). On EduGradify's model that puts Boston University ahead on projected ROI (8.53 vs 6.23, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Boston University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Boston College is selective at 16.4% acceptance versus 11.1% (highly competitive) at Boston University.
Frequently asked
Boston College vs Boston University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Boston College or Boston University the better value?
Boston University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.53 vs 6.23), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Boston University is cheaper — average net price $24,402 per year vs $41,704 at Boston College. The annual difference of $17,302 adds up to about $69,208 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Boston College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $103,937 vs $83,238 at Boston University. The annual gap in the federal data is $20,699.
Which school is harder to get into?
Boston University is more selective at 11.1% acceptance vs 16.4% at Boston College.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Boston College reports a C value grade; Boston University reports B.