About Boston College
Boston College combines rigorous academics with deep Catholic tradition in a tight-knit community of 9,865 students. The Jesuit university emphasizes service and intellectual growth through strong liberal arts programs. Notable graduates include Secretary of State John Kerry and comedian Amy Poehler. The 16.66% acceptance rate reflects the school's selectivity, drawing high-achieving students with SAT scores averaging 1488.
The sticker price of $87,405 looks daunting, but most families pay far less through generous aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,851 after aid, while those from $110,000+ households average $56,247. Graduates earn a median of $103,937 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $19,000 quite manageable. The monthly loan payment of $201 represents a solid return on investment.
Division I athletics create serious school spirit, with 764 student-athletes competing in the ACC. The Eagles are particularly known for football and basketball success. The 95.37% retention rate shows students love the Chestnut Hill campus experience. With 91% graduating within six years and a 95.6% employment rate, BC delivers on its promise of academic excellence and career preparation.
The sticker price of $87,405 looks daunting, but most families pay far less through generous aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,851 after aid, while those from $110,000+ households average $56,247. Graduates earn a median of $103,937 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $19,000 quite manageable. The monthly loan payment of $201 represents a solid return on investment.
Division I athletics create serious school spirit, with 764 student-athletes competing in the ACC. The Eagles are particularly known for football and basketball success. The 95.37% retention rate shows students love the Chestnut Hill campus experience. With 91% graduating within six years and a 95.6% employment rate, BC delivers on its promise of academic excellence and career preparation.
Academics & Faculty
Boston College operates as a Catholic research university rooted in the Jesuit tradition of rigorous liberal arts education. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship, contributing to an impressive 91% six-year graduation rate. Students benefit from the Jesuit emphasis on educating the whole person through critical thinking and service. The Carroll School of Management ranks among the top business programs nationally. Boston College's nursing and education schools also maintain strong reputations. With 95.37% of students returning for their sophomore year, the academic environment clearly resonates with undergraduates. The combination of research opportunities and personalized attention creates an intellectually demanding yet supportive atmosphere.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 59.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 91.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.0%
- Retention Rate
- 95.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $103,937
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $117,572 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $115,060 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $111,435 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $100,439 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $93,588 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $84,100 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $76,460 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $75,518 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
Campus Life
Campus sits on 175 acres in Chestnut Hill, just six miles from downtown Boston. You'll need that winter coat - Boston winters are long and cold, with snow lasting through March. With housing capacity for 7,607 students and total enrollment of 9,865, about three-quarters of students live on campus in the Gothic Revival buildings that define BC's collegiate atmosphere.
The Jesuit Catholic identity shapes daily life here, though students of all backgrounds thrive in this environment. Friday nights often mean cheering on the Eagles at Alumni Stadium, where Division I football draws passionate crowds. The 27 varsity sports programs create a strong athletic culture across campus. Students frequently take the T into Boston for internships, jobs, or weekend adventures in the North End or Back Bay.
On campus, the Quad serves as the social heart where students gather between classes. BC's "work hard, play hard" reputation rings true - rigorous academics during the week give way to social life centered around residence halls and campus events. The 95.37% retention rate suggests most students find their place in this tight-knit community of about 10,000 undergraduates.
The Jesuit Catholic identity shapes daily life here, though students of all backgrounds thrive in this environment. Friday nights often mean cheering on the Eagles at Alumni Stadium, where Division I football draws passionate crowds. The 27 varsity sports programs create a strong athletic culture across campus. Students frequently take the T into Boston for internships, jobs, or weekend adventures in the North End or Back Bay.
On campus, the Quad serves as the social heart where students gather between classes. BC's "work hard, play hard" reputation rings true - rigorous academics during the week give way to social life centered around residence halls and campus events. The 95.37% retention rate suggests most students find their place in this tight-knit community of about 10,000 undergraduates.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 7,607 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1863
Campus Safety (2023)
72 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–37°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.2"
Student Demographics
Boston College draws ambitious students from across the nation, with nearly 80% coming from out of state. The student body reflects the school's top reputation, as only 12.73% receive Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men, fitting BC's strength in liberal arts and business programs. The campus is predominantly white at 58%, though diversity has grown in recent years. Students here typically come from affluent families who value the Jesuit educational tradition. The competitive admissions process, with just a 16.66% acceptance rate, ensures most students share similar academic backgrounds and career ambitions.
- Men
- 47.0%
- Women
- 53.0%
- White
- 58.3%
- Black
- 5.4%
- Hispanic
- 11.6%
- Asian
- 11.2%
- In-State Students
- 21.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 12.7%
Location
Boston College sits in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, just six miles from downtown Boston. The campus occupies a suburban setting that blends Gothic Revival architecture with tree-lined streets in one of America's most college-dense regions. Students can reach the heart of Boston via the Green Line trolley in about 30 minutes. The surrounding area offers both small-town charm and easy access to internships, cultural venues, and professional sports teams in the city. With 79% of students coming from out-of-state, the campus draws heavily from across the country to this strong New England location. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Boston College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $103,937
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $90,978
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $64,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 90.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Boston College?
Boston College accepts 16.66% of applicants, making it highly selective among Catholic universities. Students admitted typically score between 1435-1540 on the SAT, reflecting the school's academic rigor and Jesuit educational tradition.
How much does Boston College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Boston College is $39,866, lower than the full cost of $87,405. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,851 on average, while the median debt upon graduation is $19,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Boston College?
Boston College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 9,865 total students. The school combines rigorous liberal arts education with Catholic Jesuit values, emphasizing small class sizes and close mentorship relationships.
What do Boston College graduates earn after graduation?
Boston College graduates earn a median of $103,937 ten years after graduation, with a strong 95.6% employment rate. The school's extensive alumni network includes notable figures like John Kerry and Amy Poehler, helping students launch successful careers.
Where is Boston College located and what is campus life like?
Boston College sits in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, housing 7,607 students in on-campus facilities. The Eagles compete in 27 Division I sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference, with athletics playing a central role in campus culture and school spirit.
Does Boston College have a strong Catholic identity?
Boston College maintains its Roman Catholic and Jesuit heritage, founded in 1863 with the motto "Ever to Excel." Only 12.73% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a relatively affluent student body that largely embraces the school's traditional Catholic educational mission.
