About

About Boston College

jesuit catholic missionstrong business programshigh research activity

Boston College is a private research university in Chestnut Hill, MA, known for its jesuit catholic mission, strong business programs, and high research activity. With an acceptance rate of 17%, Boston College is highly selective, typically enrolling around 2,335 students each year. Boston College is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1450–1520, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Students who apply Early Decision are admitted at 30%, roughly double the regular decision rate of 15%, making Early Decision one of the more significant strategic levers available. Boston College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need; the average net price for families earning under $30,000 is $4,284.

Admissions

Boston College acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

17%
Overall Accept Rate
1485
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1450 – 1520 (test optional)

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ED advantage at Boston College: ED acceptance rate is 30% vs 15% regular decision, more than double. If Boston Collegeis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Boston College

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Boston College takes its Jesuit, cura personalis identity seriously, so your essays should reflect how you pursue growth of the whole person, intellectually, ethically, and in service to others, rather than simply listing achievements.
Essay Strategy
In your Why BC supplement, name specific programs, faculty research, or initiatives like the Gabelli Presidential Scholars or the Connell School of Nursing that connect directly to your academic goals, because vague references to Boston or campus beauty will not stand out in this applicant pool.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Boston College actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Meets 100% of demonstrated need: Boston College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. Boston College's sticker price of ~$81k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$81k/yr$4.3k
30k-48k~$81k/yr$7.3k
48k-75k~$81k/yr$13.1k
75k-110k~$81k/yr$20.0k
110k+~$81k/yr$60.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

91%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$86k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
10,192
Undergrad Enrollment
Boston College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch