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College Comparison

Boston College vs Harvard University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Boston College
#42
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
Private
Harvard University
#1
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Chestnut Hill, MA

Cambridge, MA

Total Enrollment

15,432

30,259

Undergrad Enrollment

10,314

8,844

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

7:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

16.4%

3.6%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1440–1540

1510–1580

ACT Range

33–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$85

Total Applicants

35,037

54,008


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,866

$73,849

Avg Net Price

$39,866

$16,816

Tuition (In-State)

$62,950

$52,659

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,950

$52,659

Room & Board

$18,916

$21,190

% Receiving Aid

40.0%

56.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,971

$68,015


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

97.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$103,937

$101,817

More Comparisons
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Boston is in Chestnut Hill, MA

Harvard is in Cambridge, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%, while Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. This means Harvard University is more selective than Boston College.

The average net price at Boston College is $39,866 per year, compared to $16,816 at Harvard University. Harvard University is $23,050 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston College typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Harvard University, 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 Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%. Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Harvard University has a ratio of 7:1. Harvard University 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 Harvard University, 56% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,015.

The median earnings for Boston College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $103,937, compared to $101,817 for Harvard University 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. Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.