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College Comparison

Boston College vs Northwestern 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
Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Chestnut Hill, MA

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

15,432

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

10,314

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

16.4%

7.7%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1440–1540

1510–1570

ACT Range

33–35

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$75

Total Applicants

35,037

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,866

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$39,866

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$62,950

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,950

$62,391

Room & Board

$18,916

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

40.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,971

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$103,937

$89,363

More Comparisons
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Boston is in Chestnut Hill, MA

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Boston College.

The average net price at Boston College is $39,866 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Northwestern University is $12,723 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston College typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Boston College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern 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 Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Boston College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $103,937, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern 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. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.