College Comparison
Boston College vs Vanderbilt 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
Nashville, TN
Total Enrollment
15,432
13,575
Undergrad Enrollment
10,314
7,221
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
8:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
16.4%
5.9%
Average GPA
4.00
3.93
SAT Range
1440–1540
1500–1570
ACT Range
33–35
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$50
Total Applicants
35,037
45,409
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,866
$80,184
Avg Net Price
$39,866
$19,040
Tuition (In-State)
$62,950
$58,130
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,950
$58,130
Room & Board
$18,916
$22,054
% Receiving Aid
40.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$56,971
$64,404
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
96.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$103,937
$91,565
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Explore by Location
Boston is in Chestnut Hill, MA
Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston College is $39,866 per year, compared to $19,040 at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is $20,826 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston College typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Vanderbilt University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Boston College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Vanderbilt University has a graduation rate of 94%. Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Vanderbilt University has a ratio of 8:1. Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,404.
The median earnings for Boston College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $103,937, compared to $91,565 for Vanderbilt 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. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN in a city: large setting.

