Boston College (BC) is a private Jesuit research university located in Chestnut Hill, see this page Massachusetts, just six miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1863 to educate Boston’s Irish Catholic immigrant community, it has grown into one of the nation’s foremost universities—a leader in the liberal arts, scientific inquiry, and formative education .
Jesuit Identity and Mission
BC’s identity is inseparable from its Jesuit, Catholic heritage. The university’s mission urges students to “look inward but always to reach out—to develop their minds and talents to the fullest and use them in service to others” . This ethos is captured in the university’s motto, “Ever to Excel,” drawn from Book Six of The Iliad .
The university seeks students who are “academically talented, intellectually curious, desire a close-knit community, and are eager to use their talents to improve society” . While rooted in Catholic tradition, BC welcomes students of all backgrounds who share a commitment to personal growth, character formation, and service .
Academic Structure
BC enrolls approximately 9,654 undergraduates and 5,072 graduate students across eight schools and colleges . Undergraduates apply to one of four divisions:
- Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences — The largest division, with 1,641 enrolled in the Class of 2029
- Carroll School of Management — 615 students in the entering class
- Lynch School of Education and Human Development — 125 students
- Connell School of Nursing — 98 students
Students do not declare a major until the end of their sophomore year, allowing for exploration across disciplines . The university maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, with 49.4% of classes having fewer than 20 students .
Rankings and Selectivity
Boston College is consistently ranked among the top national universities:
- #36 National Universities (U.S. News & World Report)
- #54 Best Value School (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
The university has become increasingly selective. For the Class of 2029:
Admitted students present exceptional academic credentials:
The Class of 2029 represents 48 states, 5 U.S. territories, and 54 countries, with 195 international students, 396 Pell Grant recipients, and 308 first-generation students .
Cost and Financial Aid
BC is a significant investment, but the university is deeply committed to accessibility. Boston College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all domestic students .
Direct Costs for 2026–2027:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $75,070 |
| Mandatory Fees | $1,354 |
| Housing | $11,270 |
| Food | $7,564 |
| Total Direct Costs | $95,258 |
Source: Boston College Trustees
Financial aid highlights:
- $197.7 million budgeted for need-based scholarships and grants in 2026–27
- Average need-based financial aid package: $65,000+
- More than 67% of undergraduates receive financial aid
- 97% of the Class of 2025 are employed, in graduate school, or engaged in a fellowship or volunteer experience
Important note: Need-based financial aid is not available to international students who are not U.S. original site citizens or permanent residents .
Notable Alumni
BC’s alumni network includes leaders across government, business, entertainment, and sports:
Government and Public Service:
- John F. Kerry — Former U.S. Secretary of State, former U.S. Senator, 2004 Democratic presidential nominee
- Ed Markey — U.S. Senator from Massachusetts
- Ernest Moniz — Former U.S. Secretary of Energy
- R. Nicholas Burns — Former U.S. Ambassador to China and NATO
Business:
- Phil Schiller — Apple Fellow, former Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at Apple
- Karen S. Lynch — Former President and CEO of CVS Health
- Peter Lynch — Vice Chairman of Fidelity Management & Research Company
Entertainment and Media:
- Amy Poehler — Actress, comedian, and producer (Saturday Night Live, Parks and Recreation)
- Chris O’Donnell — Actor (NCIS: Los Angeles, Scent of a Woman)
- Clinton Kelly — Television personality (What Not to Wear, The Chew)
- Leonard Nimoy — Actor best known as Spock in Star Trek
Sports:
- Doug Flutie — Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL quarterback
- Matt Ryan — Former NFL quarterback, CBS Sports analyst
- Luke Kuechly — Former NFL linebacker, Carolina Panthers
Who Boston College Is For
Boston College is an excellent fit for students who:
- Value a Jesuit, Catholic education that integrates intellectual rigor with ethical formation and service
- Seek a close-knit community within a mid-sized university setting
- Want the cultural and professional opportunities of Boston while studying on a traditional, picturesque campus
- Are interested in strong programs in business, nursing, education, and the liberal arts
- Qualify for need-based financial aid (domestic students)
With its blend of academic excellence, Jesuit values, click over here now and a location that offers the best of both campus life and city access, Boston College provides an education that is both intellectually demanding and deeply formative.