Overview
Boston College is a highly selective private four-year institution in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The school accepts 16.7% of applicants and enrolls 9,865 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 16.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,488
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,435–1,540
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 34
- Total Enrollment
- 9,865
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Boston College admits students through four separate undergraduate schools, and your choice matters more than at most universities. The Carroll School of Management, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, and Connell School of Nursing each have distinct cultures and admission requirements. You cannot easily transfer between schools once enrolled, so research each thoroughly before applying.
The admissions committee prioritizes intellectual engagement over pure achievement. Your essays should reference specific BC traditions like the Red Bandana Run honoring 9/11 hero Welles Crowther, or mention professors whose research aligns with your interests. Boston College maintains a distinctly Jesuit identity that emphasizes service and social justice, so connect your experiences to these values rather than generic community service descriptions.
Don't assume BC is just another Catholic school or treat it as a safety for the Ivies. The Jesuit educational philosophy of "cura personalis" (care for the whole person) shapes everything from curriculum to campus life. Your application should reflect understanding of how this philosophy connects to your academic and personal goals.
Boston College offers two early decision rounds, which provide significant admission advantages. ED1 applications are due November 1, while ED2 allows you to apply by January 1 after seeing regular decision results elsewhere. Both options bind you to attend if accepted.
Your supplemental essays carry enormous weight here. The school asks why you want to attend BC specifically, not just any selective institution. Reference particular programs like the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program or the Woods College of Advancing Studies. Mention how BC's location between Boston's academic resources and suburban campus appeals to you.
Avoid writing about wanting to attend basketball games or the beautiful campus. These responses signal you haven't researched what makes BC distinctive academically and culturally. Instead, discuss how specific faculty research, the Core Curriculum's integration of liberal arts with professional preparation, or BC's emphasis on forming "men and women for others" aligns with your aspirations.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $39,866/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $67,680
- Students Receiving Aid
- 13%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $103,937/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 95.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boston College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Boston College requires either SAT or ACT scores for all applicants. The school does not have a test-optional policy.
When is the early decision deadline for Boston College?
Boston College offers Early Decision I with a November 1 deadline and Early Decision II with a January 1 deadline. Regular decision applications are due January 1.
Can you transfer to Boston College as a sophomore?
Boston College accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants must have completed at least 12 credit hours of college coursework.
What GPA do you need to get into Boston College?
Boston College does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. Most admitted students have strong academic records with A- or better grades in challenging coursework.