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Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA·Private nonprofit·9,865 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for competitive applicants and students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $92,500 within 10 years; exceptional 91% graduation rate.

16%
Accept
9,865
Students
$39,866
Net Price
91%
Grad Rate
$92,500
Earnings
10 yr
$17,962
Debt

About This School

Boston College is a private nonprofit institution located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts with approximately 9,865 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 16%. The average net price after financial aid is $39,866 per year. The graduation rate is 91%, and the typical graduate earns $92,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Boston College (BC) is a private Catholic Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order, the university has more than 15,000 total students.

This is a strong option for students drawn to a values-grounded, Jesuit education with real career payoff — a 91% graduation rate and median earnings of $92,500 a decade out suggest students are finishing and landing well. The relatively modest median debt of $17,962 at graduation looks reasonable against those earnings, though the $39,866 average net price means you'll want to run the numbers carefully before assuming aid will make it affordable for your family. At 16% acceptance, it's a reach for most applicants, so apply with clear-eyed expectations.

Founded
1863
Setting
Small city
Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Social Sciences19%
Biological Sciences14%
Psychology10%
Computer Science7%
Communications6%
Health Professions5%
English3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Leonard NimoyAmy PoehlerChris O'DonnellJohn CurtinKofi KingstonEd MarkeyTom McCarthyRobert GalloAlejandro BedoyaBonnie SomervilleRikishiMarty Walsh

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1501
Reading 75th %ile760
Math 75th %ile780

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite34

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$67,680
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,680
Avg Net Price
$39,866
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants13%
Median debt at graduation$17,962

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
91%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
95%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$92,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,962
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,962
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$64,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$92,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 5.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White58%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino12%
Asian11%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (9,865 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Boston College

140 Commonwealth Avenue

Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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