About Boston College
Founded in Boston’s South End in 1863, Boston College was the first institution of higher education to operate in Boston. Today Boston College remains rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic heritage in which it was formed. BC is a leader in the liberal arts, scientific inquiry, and student formation with a mission of “educating students who will use their gifts in the service of others.” Committed to formative education, BC urges students to look inward while reaching out, developing their minds and talents, and then using them in service to others.
Beginning as an undergraduate liberal arts college, today Boston College also has graduate programs and professional schools. Select master’s degree programs and certificates are offered completely online. BC online degrees are flexible, personal, and engaging. Study at a distance while being taught by a world-renowned faculty that encourages an atmosphere of reflection, dialogue, and relationship-building with these online programs.
Accreditation & Licensing
Boston College is accredited by:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 10,548 ; Graduate: 6,013Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 2% ; Graduate: 13%Graduation Rate:
91%Transfer Rate:
7%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$103,937Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$19,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
45%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$50,287Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Boston College
All Programs
Education
Boston College moves fast and sets a high bar. Students do best when they keep up each week and stay on top of class work all term. Last-minute cramming is rarely enough in these courses.
Cost is a real part of daily life at BC. It is a private school with a high price, and dining can add to that cost. First-year meal plans can be expensive, and some students may not use all meal funds each semester.
BC can be a strong value when students make full use of its classes, advising, and alumni network. A clear plan for credits, aid, and time to finish can help students get the most from the experience.
At Boston College, students can count on strong help in class. Professors are engaged, easy to reach, and committed to undergraduates. When coursework gets tough, students can get real support from faculty.
Support also comes from classmates, clubs, and school spirit. Students have more than one place to find guidance and connection. Residential life support can vary at times, but the core support system stays steady and professor-led.
Boston College’s online classes fit students who want structure. The pace is serious and steady. Courses reward weekly effort, not cramming. The workload is rigorous and consistent across the term.
Instructor support is a key part of the online fit. Professors are accessible and engaged with students. That helps when classes get hard. A strong peer culture also supports connection and momentum. BC works best for students who want clear expectations and a disciplined schedule.
Boston College classes are rigorous and built for students who want to work hard. The pace stays demanding from start to finish. This is not an easy-A path. Students are expected to keep up, stay prepared, and take each course seriously.
Teaching is a clear strength. Professors are excellent, approachable, and invested in student growth. In class, students are pushed to do their best and get support along the way.
The school also has strong community spirit. Many students enjoy that energy, though social fit can differ in a preppy, affluent setting. Cost is still a real pressure for many families, including high dining-plan costs and unused meal-plan funds.
Boston College asks a lot from students, and it gives a lot back. Classes are demanding and move quickly. You need to stay on top of your work all semester. For students who want a serious academic pace, that can be a strong fit.
Professors are a clear strength. Teaching is active, and instructors are invested in student progress. When classes get tough, support is there. Clubs and school spirit also help many students build friendships and feel connected.
Cost is the biggest challenge. BC is expensive, and meal plans can add extra pressure. Even with that, the school offers strong academics, strong teaching, and a network that can help after graduation.
Boston College asks a lot from students, and it gives a lot back. Classes are demanding and move quickly. You need to stay on top of your work all semester. For students who want a serious academic pace, that can be a strong fit.
Professors are a clear strength. Teaching is active, and instructors are invested in student progress. When classes get tough, support is there. Clubs and school spirit also help many students build friendships and feel connected.
Cost is the biggest challenge. BC is expensive, and meal plans can add extra pressure. Even with that, the school offers strong academics, strong teaching, and a network that can help after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston College
Is Boston College accredited?
Yes. Boston College is institutionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How many online programs does Boston College offer?
Boston College offers 7 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Boston College offer?
Boston College offers graduate-level programs, including master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate pathways.
How should students contact admissions at Boston College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Boston College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Boston College falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Boston College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Boston College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Boston College military friendly?
Boston College shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Boston College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Boston College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Statement of Purpose/Intent, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Boston College accept life experience credit?
Boston College accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Boston College programs fully online or mixed?
Boston College includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Boston College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do any Boston College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Boston College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Boston College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Boston College programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Boston College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Boston College is located in Massachusetts
Massachusetts at a Glance:
Top Majors in Massachusetts:
Top Incentives in Massachusetts:
- MASSGrant: Up to $3,100 annually
- John and Abigail Adams Scholarship: Full tuition at state institutions
- Gilbert Matching Student Grant: Up to $2,500 annually
Top Career Pathways in Massachusetts:
- Entry Level: Research Associate ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Project Manager ($110,000)
- Senior Level: Research Director ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Biotechnology
- Certifications: PMP, Six Sigma, Quality Systems
- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($85,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Developer ($135,000)
- Senior Level: Technical Director ($190,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
- Certifications: AWS, Azure, Security+
- Entry Level: Clinical Innovation Specialist ($70,000)
- Mid Level: Innovation Manager ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Innovation Director ($175,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, PMP, CPHIMS