Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Boston College
University Park, PA — Chestnut Hill, MA
| Metric | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA | Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | University Park, PA | Chestnut Hill, MA |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 42,284 | 10,085 |
| Acceptance Rate | 60.6% | 16.4% |
| SAT Average | 1,337 | 1,507 |
| In-State Tuition | $20,644 | $70,702 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,790 | $70,702 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,875 | $41,704 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 | $19,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.9% | 90.9% |
| Retention Rate | 92.6% | 96.0% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $55,620 | $85,717 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $103,937 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 3192600.0% | 214900.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Boston College compare?▼
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA) has an acceptance rate of 16.4%, in-state tuition of $70,702, and median 10-year earnings of $103,937.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Boston College?▼
Boston College graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $103,937 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Boston College?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $32,875 per year versus $41,704.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Boston College has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 90.9% vs 85.9%.
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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.
Related
Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025