Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Boston College has a 13.9% acceptance rate. Boston College is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Chestnut Hill, MA, with a median SAT of 1500 and a median ACT of 34. The average net price is $41,704 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

13.9%

39,686 applicants

SAT Median

1500

Combined score

ACT Median

34

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$41,704

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Boston College

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Boston College (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)144015001540
ACT (composite, 1–36)333435

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

90.9%

Retention Rate

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$103,937

Student Body

10,085

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Boston College:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$4,284
$30,001 – $48,000$7,304
$48,001 – $75,000$13,112
$75,001 – $110,000$19,999
$110,000+$60,308

Top Majors at Boston College

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing566
Social Sciences471
Biological & Biomedical Sciences312
Psychology238
Communication & Journalism172
Computer & Information Sciences147
Health Professions96
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies69
English Language & Literature56
Natural Resources & Conservation46

Financial Aid at Boston College

About Boston College

Official website: https://www.bc.edu/

Admissions: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/admission.html

Frequently Asked Questions About Boston College

What is the acceptance rate at Boston College?

Boston College has an acceptance rate of 14%. it received about 39,686 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1500; the average net price is $41,704 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Boston College for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Boston College?

Getting into Boston College is highly competitive — it admits 14% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1500. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Boston College for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Boston College?

Admitted students at Boston College typically have a median SAT around 1500 and a median ACT around 34. With a 14% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, MA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Boston College?

The average net price at Boston College is $41,704 per year after grants and scholarships. about 45% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $55,000 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Boston College?

Boston College has a graduation rate of 91%. its first-year retention rate is 96%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $103,937. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Boston College against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Boston College test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Boston College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1500. With a 14% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Boston College's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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