BC vs. Long Island University

Comparable Facts

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

Long Island University is larger than BC based on total student enrollment (16,689 students vs. 15,432 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, MA (Small City setting); Long Island University is in Brookville, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Boston College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Long Island University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Boston College 10:1; Long Island University 15:1.

BC vs. Long Island University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BC or Long Island 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 Long Island University than BC ($24,867 vs. $32,519).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Long Island University are 5.7% lower than at Boston College ($17,846 vs. $18,916).
• Boston College is 66.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Long Island University (about $28,270 more per year; $70,702.00 vs. $42,432.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.6% higher at BC than at Long Island University (about $28,270 more per year; $70,702.00 vs. $42,432.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Long Island University than at Boston College (97% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston College students is 86% larger than aid received by Long Island University students ($56,971 vs. $30,635).

BC vs. Long Island University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BC or Long Island 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 Long Island University and BC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston College (1490) is 260 points higher than at Long Island University (1230).
• Incoming BC students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 25 at Long Island University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston College 1440/1540; Long Island University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Boston College 33/35; Long Island University 21/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BC - Test optional; Long Island University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BC Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BC students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Long Island University (3.36).
• Long Island University has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than BC (16.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.5% at BC vs. 8% at Long Island University.

BC vs. Long Island University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BC and Long Island 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 Long Island University's (42%).
• Graduates from Boston College earn a median of about $36,300 more per year than Long Island University graduates about ten years after starting college ($90,900 vs. $54,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Boston College graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Long Island University graduates ($19,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, BC graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Long Island University graduates ($196 vs. $263).
• More BC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Long Island University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 53%)

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.