Boston College is a private university in Chestnut Hill, MA with 16,604 students. Its 15.7% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $103,937 ten years after enrollment.
Boston College accepts 15.7% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students with above-average GPAs and solid test scores (where applicable) are in Match territory. Below the median, consider it a Reach.
Your Profile
Boston College Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
Boston College True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Boston College. Families earning $0-30k pay around $4,284 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $60,308. 13% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Boston College enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. The median debt of $19,000 is very manageable relative to the $85,717 median salary six years out.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$4,284
$17,136
$30-48k
$7,304
$29,216
$48-75k
$13,112
$52,448
$75-110k
$19,999
$79,996
$110k+
$60,308
$241,232
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$18,475
Total Cost of Attendance
$89,493
Popular Majors at Boston College
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
27.2%
Social Sciences
18.0%
Biological Sciences
11.0%
Psychology
8.0%
Computer Science
7.0%
Communication
5.0%
Health Professions
3.8%
Multidisciplinary
3.1%
English/Literature
2.8%
Philosophy/Religion
2.6%
History
2.3%
Mathematics/Statistics
2.1%
Student Demographics
White
56.6%
Black/African American
5.1%
Hispanic/Latino
11.1%
Asian
11.0%
International
9.3%
How to Get Into Boston College
Boston College is selective, but your odds are real if you meet the academic profile. Target a 1455+ SAT to be competitive. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can tip the scale at schools in this selectivity range.
1485
Target SAT Score
33
Target ACT Score
15.7%
Acceptance Rate
36,069
Total Applicants
What Boston College Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Considered
Application Essay
Very Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Very Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Very Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Important
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Important
Boston College Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Boston College EA/ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Action
Nov 1
Early Decision
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Jan 2
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 1
Early Decision: Boston College offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Boston College is your clear first choice.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
13.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$19,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$85,717
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston College
What is Boston College's acceptance rate?
Boston College has an acceptance rate of 15.7%, making it highly selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Boston College?
The middle 50% SAT range at Boston College is 1430-1540. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 33-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Boston College?
The most popular majors at Boston College by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (27.2%), Social Sciences (18.0%), Biological Sciences (11.0%), Psychology (8.0%), Computer Science (7.0%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Boston College graduates earn?
Boston College graduates earn a median salary of $103,937 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Boston College worth the cost?
With median earnings of $103,937 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $19,000, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Boston College a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
Can I transfer to Boston College?
Boston College accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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