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Boston College vs Smith College

Boston College is a private college in Chestnut Hill, MA. Smith College is a private college in Northampton, MA. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants and Smith College about 21%, making Boston College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $27,579 a year at Smith College after aid, and about $41,704 at Boston College. About 91% of students graduate at Boston College, compared with 89% at Smith College. Ten years after enrolling, Boston College alumni earn a median of about $103,937, against $64,027 for Smith College.

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Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private

Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chestnut Hill, MA
Northampton, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,085
2,544
Acceptance rate
16%
21%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1440–1540
1420–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,704
$27,579
Full cost / yr
$89,493
$86,030
In-state tuition
$70,702
$65,178
Out-of-state tuition
$70,702
$65,178
Application fee
$80
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,284
$1,363
$30k - $48k
$7,304
$3,737
$48k - $75k
$13,112
$6,559
$75k - $110k
$19,999
$11,750
Over $110k
$60,308
$40,477
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
89%
Freshman retention
96%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$85,717
$45,731
Median earnings (10 yr)
$103,937
$64,027
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$17,550
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
18%
First-generation students
13%
19%
International students
6%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Boston College or Smith College harder to get into?
Boston College is harder to get into. It admits about 16% of applicants, compared with 21% at Smith College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Boston College or Smith College?
Smith College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,579 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,704 at Boston College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Boston College and Smith College?
Before aid, Smith College costs about $86,030 a year and Boston College about $89,493. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Boston College or Smith College?
Smith College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,363 there, against about $4,284 at Boston College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Boston College or Smith College?
Boston College is the larger of the two, with about 10,085 undergraduates against 2,544 at Smith College.
Does Boston College or Smith College have a better graduation rate?
Boston College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 89% at Smith College.
Do graduates of Boston College or Smith College earn more?
Boston College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $103,937 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,027 for Smith College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Boston College and Smith College require SAT or ACT scores?
Boston College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Smith College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Boston College and Smith College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1440–1540 at Boston College and 1420–1540 at Smith College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school