Boston College
About Boston College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Boston College is a private Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It is known for its strong programs in finance, nursing, education, and theology, and has a competitive Division I athletics program in the ACC.
Founded
1863
Location
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Students
15,203
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
16.4%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
90.8%
Above national average
Tuition
$70,702
Per year
Avg Net Price
$41,704
After financial aid
SAT Average
1507
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$103,937
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 6 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$80
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 1
Boston College admits about 16.4% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1507. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1507/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
90.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96%
4-Year Grad
88%
6-Year Grad
91%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
60.9%
$/Student
$27.0K
Class Size
Medium
88% of students graduate on time, and with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$70,702
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,916
Books & Supplies
$1,250
Total Cost of Attendance
$89,493
After Financial Aid
$41,704
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$4,284
Receive Grants
12.9%
Take Loans
30%
The total cost of attendance runs about $89,493/yr, including $18,916 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $41,704.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Boston College fund their education.
While in School
12.9%
Get Grants
Free money
30%
Take Loans
Must repay
$103,007
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$201/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 30% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Boston College.
Gender
52.2%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,085
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,118
Graduates
13.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
2%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 6.5% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
10,085
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Stunning Gothic campus on Chestnut Hill
- +Boston access for internships and culture
- +Strong alumni network, especially in finance
- +Passionate Eagles athletics community
Cons
- -Jesuit identity may not suit everyone
- -Boston cost of living is high
- -Newton campus housing feels isolated
- -Cold, snowy New England winters
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Boston College fields 17 varsity teams with 921 student athletes, about 9% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Atlantic Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
17
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
921
9% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
52% / 48%
478
Men
443
Women
12
Men's Teams
15
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Boston Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$103,937
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$82K
384 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$72K
335 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$39K
220 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$47K
158 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$55K
153 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$87K
144 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $86K six years out, climb to $82K by year eight, and reach $104K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Boston College
What is the acceptance rate at Boston College?▾
How much does Boston College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Boston College?▾
How much do Boston College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.