as likely as/more likely than

Hi,

I 'd like to know the difference between the two choices, below.

According to a survey of graduating medical students conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges, minority graduates are nearly four times more likely than other graduates to plan on practicing in socioeconomically deprived areas.

(A) minority graduates are nearly four times more likely than other graduates to plan on practicing

(B) minority graduates are nearly four times as likely as other graduates to plan on practicing

I appreciate your input.