University of Notre Dame vs Boston College

Boston College reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($103,937 vs $99,980). University of Notre Dame recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.7 yrs vs 2.8 yrs).

Measure University of Notre DameIN Boston CollegeMA
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$99,980$103,937
Years to recoup four-year net cost1.7 yrs2.8 yrs
Average net price per year$26,780$41,704
Sticker cost of attendance per year$83,271$89,493
Share earning above a high-school grad84.9%86.3%
Six-year graduation rate95.2%90.8%
First-year retention (full-time)99.1%96%
Admission rate11.3%16.4%
Median federal debt at graduation$19,000$19,000
Undergraduate enrollment8,81810,085
Financial health (NACUBO CFI)7.65.5

Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.

Is University of Notre Dame or Boston College a better value?

On the transparent payback measure, University of Notre Dame recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.7 yrs vs 2.8 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.

Which costs more, University of Notre Dame or Boston College?

University of Notre Dame's average net price is $26,780 per year and Boston College's is $41,704 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.

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Value rankings

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.