CAMPUS · CHESTNUT HILL, MA · PRIVATE

Boston College

15.7%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

MATCH

Boston College is a match for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

15.7%

of 36,069 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$103,937

across all majors

Boston College at a Glance

15.7%

Acceptance Rate

1485

Average SAT

Average ACT

16,604

Total Enrollment

$103,937

Median Salary (10yr)

$19,000

Median Debt

13.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Boston College

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	710	760	735
SAT Math	720	780	750
SAT Total	1430	1540	1485
ACT Composite	33	34	33

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	36,069
Students Admitted	5,645
Students Enrolled	2,335
Yield Rate	41.4%

Boston College Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#39	2025

Boston College Overview

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.

Full Name	Boston College
Location	Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Type	Private
Website	bc.edu/
Total Enrollment	16,604
Undergrad Enrollment	10,425
Female Students	52.8%

Sticker Price vs What You Actually Pay

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.

Full Cost Breakdown

Room & Board	$18,475
Total Cost of Attendance	$89,493

What You'll Actually Pay (Net Price by Income)

After financial aid, the real cost depends on your family's income. These are average net prices for students receiving aid.

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

Financial Aid & Student Debt at Boston College

13.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

$19,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Is Boston College Worth the Cost? (ROI Analysis)

$103,937

Median Earnings (10yr)

$19,000

Median Debt

5.5x

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio

A ratio above 2x generally means the investment pays off. Boston College — 5.5x ratio is excellent — graduates earn well relative to their debt burden.

Boston College True Cost by Family Income

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

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.