Boston College: Complete Guide 2025

Boston College (BC) is a private Jesuit university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It is just a few miles from downtown Boston. Boston College (BC) offers more than 100 majors in areas like arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing. This gives students the chance to choose subjects they are interested in and work toward their career goals.

The campus blends tradition and modernity, with beautiful Gothic-style buildings, updated facilities, and green spaces perfect for relaxing or studying. Students enjoy a welcoming student environment with 314 clubs and organizations to join, along with easy access to Boston’s cultural and career opportunities. 

With a competitive 15.9% Boston College acceptance rate and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Boston College offers a focused, engaging college experience that supports both academic success and personal growth. Over the years, Boston College basketball has produced many standout players. In the next section, we’ll explore what it’s like to live, learn, and grow as a student at BC.

Boston College: What You Need to Know

Founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus, Boston College is one of the oldest Jesuit institutions in the U.S. Its Jesuit, Catholic roots shape the university’s mission, encouraging students to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually. While grounded in tradition, BC welcomes students of all backgrounds and promotes a well-rounded, values-based education. Boston College hockey is known for producing top athletes who go on to play professionally.

Looking at Boston College vs Florida State, both schools offer strong programs but have different campus experiences. Here’s a quick look at what makes Boston College stand out:

• Type: Private, coeducational research university
• Status: Classified as “Research 1” for high research activity and doctoral programs
• Student Body: Approximately 15,234 students in total enrollment
• Motto: Ever to Excel—a call to academic excellence, service, and leadership
• Values: Rooted in Jesuit principles of truth-seeking, ethical living, and serving others

Choosing FSU vs Boston College depends on what kind of college experience you want.

Boston College Rankings:

• #37 in National Universities (tie) – U.S. News & World Report
• #52 in Best Value Schools – U.S. News & World Report
• =#526 in QS World University Rankings 2026

Boston College has a strong athletic tradition, with competitive teams across multiple sports, including football, basketball, and hockey. The school competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), drawing large crowds and passionate fans. The MI State vs Boston College rivalry has sparked many exciting games over the years.

Boston College Courses

Boston College is made up of nine distinct schools and colleges. Whether you're interested in business, science, education, or theology, BC’s structure allows students to dive deep into their passions while benefiting from the resources of a major research university. Students looking into colleges in Boston will find that Boston College combines rigorous academics with a strong sense of community.

Undergraduate Programs 

Boston College offers more than 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations across a wide range of subjects.  In addition to their chosen field of study, all undergraduates complete BC’s core curriculum.

Some Popular Degrees Offered:

• B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)
• B.S. (Bachelor of Science)
• A.A. (Associate of Arts)
• A.S. (Associate of Science)

Graduate Programs

Boston College offers advanced degrees through its eight graduate schools, with programs leading to master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees in over 90 areas of study. As a designated R1 research university, BC provides graduate students with access to top-tier research opportunities, giving them the tools and guidance they need to learn how to conduct research at an advanced level.

Some Popular Degrees Offered:

• M.A. – Master of Arts
• M.S. – Master of Science
• M.B.A. – Master of Business Administration
• M.Div. – Master of Divinity
• J.D. – Juris Doctor
• LL.M. – Master of Laws
• D.N.P. – Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy
• Ed.D. – Doctor of Education

Boston College Admission Requirements

Boston College is a highly selective private university that evaluates applicants holistically. To build a competitive application, students should demonstrate strong academic performance, submit standardized test scores (if available), craft thoughtful personal essays, and showcase meaningful extracurricular activities.

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Boston College uses the Common Application for all undergraduate admissions. Here’s a clear breakdown of Boston College admission requirements you’ll need to submit as part of your application:

1. Application Platform

• All applications must be submitted through the Common Application.
• Choose either Early Decision or Regular Decision when applying.

2. Boston College Writing Supplement

• Required as part of the Common Application.
• Must be submitted online; mailed or emailed essays will not be accepted.

3. Standardized Testing & English Proficiency (for International Students)

• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores..
• Recommended scores:
  
  • TOEFL iBT: 100+
  • IELTS: 7.5+
  • Duolingo: 130+

4. Transcripts

• Submit your official high school or secondary school transcript.

5. Supporting Documents

• School Report and Counselor Recommendation Form – Submitted by your school counselor, includes a letter of recommendation and transcript.
• Two Teacher Evaluations – Preferably from teachers in English, Social Studies, Science, Math, or Foreign Language.
• Mid-Year Grade Report – Required for Regular Decision applicants and Early Decision applicants who are deferred.

6. Application Fee

• A non-refundable fee of $80 or an official fee waiver request must be submitted for your application to be reviewed.

Graduate Program Requirements

Applying to a graduate program at Boston College involves submitting several key documents and meeting specific academic and language standards. Below is a clear summary of what prospective students need to prepare for a complete application:

1. Online Application

• Complete the official graduate application form.
• Pay the non-refundable application fee of $75 (or submit an approved fee waiver).

2. Academic Transcripts

• Submit unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions with your application.
• International applicants must provide a course-by-course transcript evaluation (from a NACES-approved agency) upon enrollment to verify a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalent.

3. Letters of Recommendation

• Three letters of recommendation are required for most programs.

4. Statement of Purpose

• Most programs require a 1–2 page personal statement explaining your academic background, goals, and reasons for applying.

5. Writing Sample (if required by program)

• A scholarly paper, generally 20–25 pages, relevant to your field of study.

6. English Language Proficiency

• Accepted scores:
  
  • TOEFL iBT: 100+
  • IELTS: 7.0+

Application Deadlines for Boston College

If you're planning to apply to Boston College, it's essential to keep track of the Boston College admissions application deadlines.

How to Apply to Boston College

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the Boston College admission process. While the order may vary slightly, all parts must be submitted for your application to be reviewed.

Step 1: Start by filling out the Common Application at commonapp.org. Choose either Early Decision or Regular Decision as your application type.

Step 2: Submit your official high school or secondary school transcript. This must be provided as part of your academic history.

Step 3: Submit your letter of recommendation and statement of purpose. 

Step 4: Pay the non-refundable application fee or submit an approved fee waiver request for your application to be processed.

Step 5: If you’re an international student, submit your English proficiency test scores

Tuition Fees for Boston College

Below is a breakdown of the Boston College tuition for the upcoming academic year 2025-2026.

*Tuition Fees are subject to change- might vary each year/intake

Scholarship Opportunities at Boston College

Boston College scholarships support students who excel in academics, leadership, and community involvement. 

Find Student Housing Near Boston College

Boston College is located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Boston, surrounded by leafy streets, historic homes, and easy access to parks, cafes in Boston, and public transportation. On campus, BC offers a variety of housing choices across 35 residence halls, including traditional dorms, suites, and apartment-style living. These on-campus options are designed to support a vibrant student life and foster a strong sense of community.

For students looking for Boston student housing off campus living, amber helps find reliable and comfortable student housing options near Boston College. Whether you're looking for a shared space or a private apartment, Amber offers flexible, student-friendly choices close to campus.

Here are a few popular housing options near BC:

• June Homes 02445, Boston
• 315 Allston Street, Boston
• 31 Queensberry Street, Boston
• 85 Park Drive, Boston