Boston College
United States • Founded 1863 • World Rank #1023
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1863, the Boston College is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Chestnut Hill (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Massachusetts.
Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Boston College (BC) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Boston College (BC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 161-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
BC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Boston College — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Boston College's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.
Academic Structures
The colleges, schools, and faculties that house Boston College's degrees are below. Clinical units and teaching hospitals are often part of medical schools, with separate governance arrangements.
Unit 8 items
- Carroll School of Management
- Connell School of Nursing
- Law School
- Lynch School of Education
- Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Social Work
- School of Theology and Ministry
- Woods College of Advancing Studies
Programs Offered
Below: Boston College's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
125 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 49 programmes
Showing 10 of 49.
Master's Degree 45 programmes
Showing 10 of 45.
Doctorate 25 programmes
Showing 10 of 25.
Professional Doctorate 2 programmes
Certificate 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes
How to apply to Boston College
How to apply to Boston College — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Boston College offers 125 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check entry requirements
Each programme at Boston College has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Boston College's online portal at www.bc.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (617) 552 8000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston College
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Boston College as a study destination.
When did Boston College open?
Boston College traces its founding to 1863 (approximately 163 years ago).
Where is Boston College located?
Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, United States.
Is Boston College public or private?
Boston College is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Boston College?
Student enrolment at Boston College is around 10,000-14,999.
How is Boston College ranked?
Boston College is ranked #1023 globally and #168 in United States.
What is Boston College's religious tradition?
Boston College operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.
How is Boston College organised academically?
Boston College has 8 academic units.
Is Boston College officially recognised?
Boston College is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
What is Boston College's official website?
You can find Boston College online at www.bc.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Some the United States systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
Membership criteria for International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) signal what the network values — research output, teaching quality, internationalisation, or institutional governance. Knowing the criteria helps interpret what membership means.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Chaplaincy provision and pastoral care at Christian-Catholic institutions varies in depth — some maintain full-time chaplains; others bring in visiting clergy. Worth comparing across the peers listed below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities near Boston College often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at Boston College is narrow in your area.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Education & Teaching programmes in the United States. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.
Universities Compared with Boston College
Comparable institutions to Boston College — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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