BC vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

Compare Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA with Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Boston College is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (15,432 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, MA (Small City setting); Caldwell University is in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Boston College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boston College 10:1; Caldwell University 12:1.

BC vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BC or Caldwell University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Caldwell University than BC ($21,875 vs. $32,519).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 25% lower than at Boston College ($14,188 vs. $18,916).
• Boston College is 73.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $29,854 more per year; $70,702.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.1% higher at BC than at Caldwell University (about $29,854 more per year; $70,702.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Boston College (100% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston College students is 76.2% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($56,971 vs. $32,340).

BC vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BC or Caldwell University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Caldwell University and BC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston College (1490) is 240 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston College 1440/1540; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BC - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BC Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BC students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than BC (16.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.5% at BC vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

BC vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BC and Caldwell University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Boston College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Boston College earn a median of about $44,100 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($90,900 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Boston College graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than Caldwell University graduates ($19,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, BC graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caldwell University graduates ($196 vs. $266).
• More BC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.