Boston College vs United States Air Force Academy
United States Air Force Academy is highly selective with a 13.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Boston College (15.7%).
Admissions & Outcomes
United States Air Force Academy has a higher yield rate (79.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Boston College has a higher median SAT (1490 vs 1350).
Chestnut Hill, MA
USAF Academy, CO
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Boston College
- 1 Computer Science$84,100
- 2 Information Science/Studies$76,460
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$75,518
- 4 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$71,015
- 5 Mathematics$70,596
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Boston College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 4 Communication and Media Studies
- 5 Computer Science
United States Air Force Academy
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 3 International/Global Studies
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Systems Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Boston College
- International students12%
- Tuition (international)$59,050
- Est. total cost/year$75,422
- School typePublic
United States Air Force Academy
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)N/A
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Boston College or United States Air Force Academy?
United States Air Force Academy is more selective with a 13.9% acceptance rate, compared to 15.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
What is the graduation rate at Boston College vs United States Air Force Academy?
Boston College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.9%, compared to 88.1%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Boston College or United States Air Force Academy?
Boston College has a larger international student population at 12% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Boston College and United States Air Force Academy?
At Boston College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $84,100 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.