Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Boston College vs Boston University

Chestnut Hill, MA · Boston, MA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Boston CollegeBoston University
Acceptance Rate15.7%10.8%
In-State Tuition$67,680$65,168
Out-of-State Tuition$67,680$65,168
Average Net Price$21,178$14,465
Graduation Rate91.0%90.0%

GradFax Analysis

Boston College accepts 15.7% of applicants. Boston University accepts 10.8%. Boston College's tuition is $67,680. Boston University's is $65,168. Boston University is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 91% at Boston College, 90% at Boston University.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Boston College profileBoston University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Boston College or Boston University?

Boston University. It accepts 10.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Boston College or Boston University more affordable?

Boston University has lower published tuition: $65,168 versus $67,680. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Boston College is at 91%; Boston University is at 90%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Boston College vs Boston University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax