College Comparison
Boston College vs Santa Clara University
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
Santa Clara, CA
Total Enrollment
15,432
9,728
Undergrad Enrollment
10,314
6,577
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
16.4%
48.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.74
SAT Range
1440–1540
1350–1490
ACT Range
33–35
31–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$70
Total Applicants
35,037
18,970
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,866
$76,773
Avg Net Price
$39,866
$50,959
Tuition (In-State)
$62,950
$56,880
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,950
$56,880
Room & Board
$18,916
$19,893
% Receiving Aid
40.0%
71.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$56,971
$28,368
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
90.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
85.0%
Retention Rate
96.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$103,937
$109,183
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Explore by Location
Boston is in Chestnut Hill, MA
Santa Clara is in Santa Clara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston College is $39,866 per year, compared to $50,959 at Santa Clara University. Boston College is $11,093 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston College typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Santa Clara University, the typical SAT range is 1350-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Boston College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 90%. Boston College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Santa Clara University has a ratio of 11:1. Boston College 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 Santa Clara University, 71% of students receive aid with an average grant of $28,368.
The median earnings for Boston College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $103,937, compared to $109,183 for Santa Clara University graduates. Graduates from Santa Clara University 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. Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA in a city: midsize setting.

