Choosing the right college is an important decision that can significantly impact your future. In this article, we will compare two prominent universities, Boston College (BC) and the University of Notre Dame. By examining various aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes, we will provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice.
Boston College (BC) Overview
Boston College is a private, Jesuit Catholic research university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Founded in 1863, BC offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including arts and sciences, business, education, and social work. With a strong commitment to liberal arts education and a focus on developing well-rounded students, Boston College has earned a reputation for excellence in academics and research.
BC Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Boston College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $60,202, with room and board estimated at $15,420. Additional fees may apply, and financial aid is available for eligible students. According to the university’s website, over 70% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, with an average award of $41,000 per year.
BC Admissions
Boston College is a highly selective institution, with an acceptance rate of approximately 19%. Admissions are based on various factors, including high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1370 and 1510 and ACT scores between 32 and 35.
BC Degrees Offered
Boston College offers over 50 undergraduate majors and more than 30 master’s and doctoral programs. Popular majors include economics, finance, psychology, communication, and political science. The university also offers interdisciplinary programs and study abroad opportunities to enrich the educational experience.
BC Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Boston College provides a supportive and engaging academic environment. The university is known for its strong commitment to liberal arts education and emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Faculty members at BC are accomplished scholars who are dedicated to teaching and fostering intellectual growth.
BC Diversity
Boston College values diversity and inclusivity, with students from all 50 states and over 90 countries. Approximately 32% of the undergraduate student body identifies as a person of color, and 7% are international students. The university also provides resources and support for first-generation college students, as well as various cultural, religious, and affinity groups to foster a sense of belonging and community.
BC Students
Boston College has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 9,300 students. The campus is known for its strong sense of community, with over 300 student organizations and clubs available to join. BC students are also actively engaged in community service, with over 80% of undergraduates participating in service projects throughout their college experience.
BC Campus
The Boston College campus is located in Chestnut Hill, a picturesque suburb of Boston. The 338-acre campus features stunning gothic architecture and is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and athletic facilities. The campus is also conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for students to explore the vibrant city of Boston.
BC Alumni
Boston College has a vast network of over 182,000 alumni worldwide. Some notable BC alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, comedian Amy Poehler, and former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie. The university’s strong focus on career development and networking opportunities helps ensure that graduates are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields.
BC Rankings
Boston College consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, BC is ranked 35th among national universities and 26th in best undergraduate teaching. The university is also ranked 38th in the 2021 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.
BC Outcomes
According to the university’s website, the average starting salary of BC graduates is $60,000, with a 93% success rate in full-time employment or graduate school enrollment within six months of graduation. Moreover, Boston College boasts a strong alumni network that provides valuable networking opportunities and resources for students as they enter the workforce.
University of Notre Dame Overview
The University of Notre Dame is a private, Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana. Founded in 1842, Notre Dame is known for its strong academic programs, commitment to community service, and storied athletic tradition. With a focus on undergraduate education, Notre Dame offers a diverse range of programs in arts and letters, science, engineering, business, and architecture.
Notre Dame Costs & Tuition
Tuition at the University of Notre Dame for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,843, with room and board estimated at $16,222. Additional fees may also apply, and financial aid is available for eligible students. Approximately 73% of undergraduate students receive need-based financial aid, with an average award of $41,400 per year.
Notre Dame Admissions
The University of Notre Dame is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 17%. Admissions are based on a variety of factors, including high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1390 and 1540 and ACT scores between 32 and 35.
Notre Dame Degrees Offered
Notre Dame offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, as well as various master’s and doctoral programs. Popular majors include finance, computer science, mechanical engineering, political science, and economics. The university also offers numerous study abroad opportunities and interdisciplinary programs to provide students with a well-rounded education.
Notre Dame Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, the University of Notre Dame provides a supportive and engaging academic environment. The university is known for its rigorous academics, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. Notre Dame’s faculty members are accomplished scholars who are dedicated to teaching and fostering intellectual growth.
Notre Dame Diversity
The University of Notre Dame is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse campus community. Approximately 28% of the undergraduate student body identifies as a person of color, and 7% are international students. Notre Dame also offers various cultural, religious, and affinity groups, as well as resources and support for first-generation college students.
Notre Dame Students
Notre Dame has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 8,600 students. The campus is known for its strong sense of community, with over 400 student clubs and organizations available to join. In addition to academic pursuits, Notre Dame students are also actively engaged in community service and athletics, with many students participating in intramural and club sports.
Notre Dame Campus
The University of Notre Dame’s picturesque campus spans over 1,250 acres and features stunning collegiate gothic architecture. The campus is home to numerous state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and athletic facilities. In addition, the campus is located near South Bend, Indiana, providing students with access to cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities.
Notre Dame Alumni
Notre Dame has a vast network of over 140,000 alumni worldwide. Some notable Notre Dame alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, sportscaster Hannah Storm, and former NFL player Joe Montana. The university’s strong focus on career development and networking opportunities helps ensure that graduates are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields.
Notre Dame Rankings
The University of Notre Dame consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Notre Dame is ranked 19th among national universities and 25th in best undergraduate teaching. The university is also ranked 24th in the 2021 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.
Notre Dame Outcomes
According to the university’s website, the average starting salary of Notre Dame graduates is $61,800, with a 91% success rate in full-time employment or graduate school enrollment within six months of graduation. Moreover, the University of Notre Dame boasts a strong alumni network that provides valuable networking opportunities and resources for students as they enter the workforce.
BC vs Notre Dame Cost Comparison
Comparing the costs of attending Boston College and the University of Notre Dame, both schools have similar tuition rates, with BC’s 2021-2022 tuition at $60,202 and Notre Dame’s at $58,843. Room and board costs are also comparable, with BC’s estimated cost at $15,420 and Notre Dame’s at $16,222. Both institutions offer financial aid for eligible students, with similar average award amounts. Ultimately, the total cost of attendance for both schools is relatively similar, and students should consider other factors, such as program offerings and campus environment, when making their decision.
BC vs Notre Dame Admissions Difficulty
Both Boston College and the University of Notre Dame are highly selective institutions, with acceptance rates of 19% and 17% respectively. Both schools have similar middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students, indicating comparable levels of academic achievement among applicants. Given these similarities, it can be inferred that the admissions difficulty for both Boston College and Notre Dame is relatively similar.
BC vs Notre Dame Academic Difficulty
In terms of academic difficulty, both Boston College and the University of Notre Dame are known for their rigorous programs and commitment to intellectual growth. Both schools emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.