College Comparison
Boston College vs Columbia University in the City of New York
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chestnut Hill, MA
New York, NY
Total Enrollment
15,432
35,173
Undergrad Enrollment
10,314
9,164
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
16.4%
4.0%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1440–1540
1510–1580
ACT Range
33–35
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$85
Total Applicants
35,037
60,115
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,866
$79,569
Avg Net Price
$39,866
$22,000
Tuition (In-State)
$62,950
$61,989
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,950
$61,989
Room & Board
$18,916
$17,580
% Receiving Aid
40.0%
52.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$56,971
$67,010
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
96.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$103,937
$102,491
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Explore by Location
Boston is in Chestnut Hill, MA
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston College is $39,866 per year, compared to $22,000 at Columbia University in the City of New York. Columbia University in the City of New York is $17,866 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston College typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Columbia University in the City of New York, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Boston College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%. Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a ratio of 6:1. Columbia University in the City of New York offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Boston College, 40% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,971. At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive aid with an average grant of $67,010.
The median earnings for Boston College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $103,937, compared to $102,491 for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates. Graduates from Boston College tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, MA in a city: small setting. Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting.