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Boston College vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Boston College is a private college in Chestnut Hill, MA. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private institute in Worcester, MA. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants and Worcester Polytechnic Institute about 60%, making Boston College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $41,704 a year at Boston College after aid, and about $43,071 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. About 91% of students graduate at Boston College, compared with 89% at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Ten years after enrolling, Boston College alumni earn a median of about $103,937, against $103,470 for Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chestnut Hill, MA
Worcester, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,085
5,447
Acceptance rate
16%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1440–1540
1300–1460
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,704
$43,071
Full cost / yr
$89,493
$78,679
In-state tuition
$70,702
$60,965
Out-of-state tuition
$70,702
$60,965
Application fee
$80
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,284
$24,018
$30k - $48k
$7,304
$24,452
$48k - $75k
$13,112
$32,350
$75k - $110k
$19,999
$37,753
Over $110k
$60,308
$49,716
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
89%
Freshman retention
96%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$85,717
$85,038
Median earnings (10 yr)
$103,937
$103,470
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
12%
First-generation students
13%
13%
International students
6%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Feb 1

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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute harder to get into?
Boston College is harder to get into. It admits about 16% of applicants, compared with 60% at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Boston College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $41,704 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,071 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Before aid, Worcester Polytechnic Institute costs about $78,679 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Boston College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,284 there, against about $24,018 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Boston College or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Boston College is the larger of the two, with about 10,085 undergraduates against 5,447 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Does Boston College or Worcester Polytechnic Institute have a better graduation rate?
Boston College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 89% at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Do graduates of Boston College or Worcester Polytechnic Institute earn more?
Boston College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $103,937 ten years after enrolling, against about $103,470 for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Boston College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute require SAT or ACT scores?
Boston College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Boston College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1440–1540 at Boston College and 1300–1460 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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