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Boston College vs University of Pennsylvania

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

Boston College
#42
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
Private
University of Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Chestnut Hill, MA

Philadelphia, PA

Total Enrollment

15,432

29,109

Undergrad Enrollment

10,314

11,478

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

16.4%

5.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1440–1540

1510–1570

ACT Range

33–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$75

Total Applicants

35,037

65,226


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,866

$75,386

Avg Net Price

$39,866

$31,229

Tuition (In-State)

$62,950

$56,212

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,950

$56,212

Room & Board

$18,916

$19,174

% Receiving Aid

40.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,971

$65,458


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$103,937

$111,371

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Boston is in Chestnut Hill, MA

Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%, while Penn has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Penn is more selective than Boston College.

The average net price at Boston College is $39,866 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. Penn is $8,637 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston College typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Penn, 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 Penn has a graduation rate of 96%. Penn has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. Penn 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 Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.

The median earnings for Boston College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $103,937, compared to $111,371 for Penn graduates. Graduates from Penn 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. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.