Boston College Acceptance Rate, Ranking and Tuition
Boston College Acceptance Rate, Ranking and Tuition
Boston College is a private research university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Founded in 1863, the university has a rich history and Boston college is one of the most rated colleges and it is well know for its strong Jesuit Catholic tradition, academic excellence, and commitment to service.
As an aspiring student looking for to gaining admission into Boston college, it is important to be aware of the key information’s that can help you make informed decisions about your education. This key information’s includes details on the school’s acceptance rate, ranking, and tuition costs. In this article, we will focus on Boston College’s acceptance rate, ranking, and tuition, with a particular emphasis on out-of-state students.
Boston College Acceptance Rate
Boston College’s acceptance rate for the class of 2023 was 27.9%. This means that out of 35,552 applications received, 9,923 students were accepted to enroll in the class of 2023. This acceptance rate is slightly lower compared to the previous year’s acceptance rate of 28.8%.
Before selecting Boston college as your college choice of admission, it is important to note that Boston College is a highly selective university, with a rigorous admission process. The university considers a range of factors in its admission decisions, including academic achievement, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and recommendations.
Boston College Acceptance Rate Out of State:
The acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants is generally similar to the overall acceptance rate. In the class of 2023, approximately 55% of students came from outside of Massachusetts, and the acceptance rate for these students was 27.8%.
Over the years, Boston College’s acceptance rate has been consistently low, indicating a highly selective admissions process. Compared to other universities, Boston College’s acceptance rate is relatively low, which speaks to the academic rigor and competitiveness of the institution.
It’s also worth noting that the acceptance rate for out-of-state students is typically lower than that for in-state students. In 2025, the acceptance rate for out-of-state students was 17%, compared to 22% for in-state students. This means that if you’re applying to Boston College as an out-of-state student, your chances of being accepted may be lower than if you were a Massachusetts resident.
We’ll be taking a closer look at the competitiveness of the class of 2027, as well as the Boston College SAT requirement.
What Kind of Person Goes to Boston College?
Boston College is known for attracting students who are academically driven, socially conscious, and service-oriented. In addition to having strong academic records, BC students are often involved in a range of extracurricular activities, from sports and clubs to volunteering and community service.
The student body at Boston College is diverse and inclusive, with a strong commitment to fostering an environment where all students can thrive. The university actively works to create a welcoming and supportive community, with programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
Competitiveness of Class of 2027
The class of 2027 is shaping up to be just as competitive as previous classes at Boston College. In 2026, the university received a total of 34,262 applications, with only 20.1% of applicants being admitted. While official data on the competitiveness of the class of 2027 is not yet available, it’s safe to assume that the admissions process will remain highly selective.
Accepted students tend to have impressive academic records, with high GPAs and strong standardized test scores. However, Boston College also values well-rounded students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and extracurricular activities.
The admissions process at Boston College is notoriously difficult, with a high bar for academic excellence and a rigorous evaluation of each applicant’s overall profile. This is why it’s important to put your best foot forward and showcase your unique qualities and accomplishments in your application.
Boston College Ranking
Boston College consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States. The university is ranked 33rd in the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s National Universities ranking. BC is also recognized for its strong undergraduate business program, which is ranked 17th in the country.
As of present, below is the current ranking of Boston College according to various ranking organisations and publications:
| Ranking | Source | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37th | U.S. News & World Report | National Universities | 37 |
| 37th | Forbes | America’s Top Colleges | 37 |
| 52nd | Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education | U.S. College Rankings | 52 |
| 53rd | QS World University Rankings | United States | 53 |
| 69th | Times Higher Education | World University Rankings | 69 |
In addition to U.S. News & World Report, Boston College is ranked highly by other organizations and publications, including Forbes, The Princeton Review, and QS World University Rankings. While rankings should not be the sole factor in choosing a university, they can provide valuable insights into the academic quality and reputation of an institution.
Boston College Tuition
Boston College is a private institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The cost of tuition and fees for undergraduate students at Boston College for the 2022-2023 academic year is $60,100. Room and board expenses are estimated to be an additional $17,150, bringing the total cost of attendance to $77,760.
Below is an estimated tuition fee for Boston College for the year 2023:
| Tuition and Fees | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $60,100 | $60,100 |
| Room and Board | $17,150 | $17,150 |
| Activity Fee | $510 | $510 |
| Total | $77,760 | $77,760 |
Please note that these are estimated figures and are subject to change. It’s always best to check with the university for the most up-to-date and accurate tuition information.
At Boston College, Tuition rates are the same as for out-of-state students and in-state students, since it is a private institution and does not differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students.
For graduate students, tuition rates vary depending on the specific program. The average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs at Boston College is $29,380 per year. However, this can range from as low as $23,310 for some master’s programs to as high as $66,570 for certain doctoral programs.
Boston College offers various financial aid options and scholarships to help students with the cost of tuition. The majority of students at BC receive some form of financial aid, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and work-study programs.
In addition, Boston College offers a number of scholarships and grants specifically for undergraduate students, such as the Presidential Scholars Program and the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program.
When compared to other universities, Boston College’s tuition rates are on the higher end. However, it is important to note that private universities generally have higher tuition rates than public universities. Additionally, Boston College’s strong reputation and academic offerings make it a worthwhile investment for many students.
Boston College Graduate Programs
Boston College offers a variety of graduate programs across its nine schools and colleges. These programs range from master’s degrees in fields such as education, social work, and business, to doctoral programs in disciplines like theology, philosophy, and psychology.
The acceptance rates and requirements for graduate programs at Boston College vary by program. Some programs may require certain standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, while others may not. Generally, graduate programs at Boston College are highly selective, with acceptance rates ranging from around 10% to 50%, depending on the program.
Overall, Boston College’s graduate programs are highly regarded and offer a strong academic foundation for students looking to advance their careers or pursue further education.
Comparison of Boston College with Other Universities
Boston College is not the only university in the Boston area, so it’s worth comparing it to some of its neighboring schools, below are comparison of Boston College with out Universities:
Boston University vs. Boston College
Boston University is another prominent university in Boston, and it’s often compared to Boston College. Here are some key differences:
- Boston University is larger, with around 34,000 undergraduate and graduate students, compared to Boston College’s 9,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students.
- Boston University is less selective than Boston College, with an acceptance rate of around 22%, compared to Boston College’s acceptance rate of around 20%.
- Boston University is generally seen as more urban and cosmopolitan, while Boston College is often seen as more suburban and traditional.
- Boston University has a larger international student population, while Boston College has a larger percentage of students who come from the Northeastern United States.
| Aspect | Boston University | Boston College |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Urban | Suburban |
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 18,515 | 9,358 |
| Graduate Enrollment | 16,327 | 4,673 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 12:1 |
| Average Class Size | 27 | 27 |
| Acceptance Rate | 18% | 24% |
| SAT Range (middle 50%) | 1320-1500 | 1380-1500 |
| ACT Range (middle 50%) | 30-34 | 32-34 |
| Tuition and Fees (2022-2023) | $59,074 | $60,202 |
| Campus Housing | Yes | Yes |
| Division I Athletics | Yes | Yes |
| Notable Programs | Communication, Business, Law | Nursing, Theology, Education |
Harvard vs. Boston College
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and it’s located just a few miles from Boston College. Here are some key differences:
- Harvard is much larger than Boston College, with around 6,700 undergraduate students and 14,500 graduate students.
- Harvard is much more selective than Boston College, with an acceptance rate of around 3.4% for the class of 2026.
- Harvard is known for its strong research programs and its emphasis on graduate education, while Boston College is known for its strong undergraduate liberal arts education.
- Harvard is significantly more expensive than Boston College, with an estimated cost of attendance of over $78,000 per year.
| Feature | Harvard | Boston College |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts |
| Ivy League | Yes | No |
| Enrollment | 31,566 (2019) | 14,753 (2021) |
| Acceptance rate | 3.4% (2021) | 21% (2021) |
| Ranking | #2 National University (U.S. News) | #34 National University (U.S. News) |
| Undergraduate majors | 50+ | 80+ |
| Graduate programs | 120+ | 50+ |
| Student-faculty ratio | 6:1 | 12:1 |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I | NCAA Division I |
| Endowment | $41.9 billion (2021) | $2.9 billion (2021) |
| Notable alumni | Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Al Gore | John F. Kennedy, Amy Poehler, Chris O’Donnell |
Other Relevant Comparisons
Other universities in the area that are often compared to Boston College include:
- Northeastern University, which is similar in size to Boston University and is known for its co-op program that integrates work experience with classroom learning.
- Tufts University, which is located in nearby Medford, Massachusetts and is known for its strong programs in international relations and engineering.
- Brandeis University, which is located in nearby Waltham, Massachusetts and is known for its strong programs in the humanities and social sciences.
In conclusion, Boston College is a highly selective and respected university that offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs. Its acceptance rate is competitive, but it has a diverse student body and a strong commitment to student success.
While its tuition is on the higher side, there are many financial aid options and scholarships available to help students manage the cost.
Compared to other universities in the area, Boston College offers a more traditional and suburban campus experience, with a strong focus on undergraduate education. Overall, it’s a great option for students looking for a top-tier education in the Boston area.
