PrivateUrbanBoston College
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Highly selective — top graduate earnings
Boston College is a private institution in Chestnut Hill with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1501, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 9.9K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
91% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $103,937 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $39,866.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Eagles
History & Fun Facts
- •With the approval of his Jesuit superiors, McElroy raised funds and purchased land for "The Boston College" on Harrison Avenue in the Hudson neighborhood of South End, Boston, Massachusetts, in 1857.
- •On April 1, 1863, the college was granted a university charter by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, allowing the board of trustees to confer degrees typically awarded by colleges in the state.
- •John Bapst served as the first President of Boston College and launched the collegiate instruction program on September 5, 1864.
- •Move to Chestnut Hill In 1907, newly installed president Thomas I.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1501
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
November 1
Decision by Late December
Regular Decision
January 1
Decision by Late March
Supplemental essays required.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
International Students
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Boston College is one of 21 private U.S. universities that are need-blind in admission
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
68.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,962
Academics
Research: Strong undergraduate research opportunities across all schools
Programs (128)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
95%
Campus Life
Boston College competes in Division I as the Eagles; particularly strong in hockey, football, and basketball
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
75
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Boston South Station 7 miles via subway
Walkability
Walkable campus with excellent public transit access via Green Line
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Boston
Major city attractions including museums, sports venues, historic sites accessible via subway
Cleveland Circlewalkable
Local dining and shopping district near campus
Chestnut Hill Reservoirwalkable
Scenic 1.5-mile loop popular for running and walking
Days out near Chestnut Hill
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Waltham, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small24 days