Boston College

Quick Facts about Boston College

• Founded: 1965
• Type: Private Non-Profit
• Students: 15,234
• International: 6%
• Campus: Suburban
• Tuition: $69,400 – $70,702/year
• Language: English
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Intakes: September, January

About Boston College

Academics

Boston College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across its nine schools and colleges, including the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences and the Carroll School of Management. The university is known for its rigorous academics and a teaching approach that integrates intellectual discovery with character formation and social justice. Notable programs for international students include Economics and Finance, which are popular choices. The core curriculum ensures a broad education across various subjects, from math and science to theology and history.

International Students

Boston College is home to a significant international student population, with approximately 640 international undergraduates and a total international population of around 2,595 students, including graduate students, scholars, and dependents. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides essential support and services to ensure the academic and personal success of international students. While need-based financial aid is generally not available for non-U.S. citizens, institutional scholarships can help offset costs. English proficiency is typically required, with IELTS and TOEFL scores accepted. International students contribute to a diverse campus, with Asia being the most represented region, followed by Europe.

Campus & Location

Boston College's main campus is situated in the picturesque Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Newton, Massachusetts, approximately six miles west of downtown Boston. The campus features historic collegiate gothic architecture and offers a serene suburban environment with easy access to the vibrant city life of Boston via the MBTA Green Line. Students can enjoy nearby attractions like the Chestnut Hill Reservoir for recreation, and explore Boston's museums, historical landmarks, and diverse culinary scene.

Career Outcomes

Boston College boasts strong career outcomes, with 96% of the Class of 2024 being employed, enrolled in graduate school, or engaged in fellowships or volunteer work within six months of graduation. The university's Career Center provides extensive resources, including networking platforms like Handshake, to connect students with employers. Graduates pursue diverse industries, with significant representation in financial services, healthcare, consulting, and technology. Boston College also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, with programs like Start@Shea and an accelerator for student-founded startups.

Information for International Students at Boston College

Boston College in Chestnut Hill, United States welcomes international students, with 6% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 6% of students are international
• Visa support available
• On-campus work allowed
• Student housing available (~$1620/month)
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Boston College

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Boston College:

• IELTS minimum: 7.5
• TOEFL minimum: 100
• Duolingo minimum: 130
• GPA minimum: 3.7
• Application fee: $80
• Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
• Application deadline: January 2

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Programs at Boston College (10 programs)

Boston College offers 10 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (2)

• Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,000/yr
  This program explores human behavior and mental processes through scientific inquiry, covering areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Counselor, Researcher, Human Resources Specialist, Social Worker
• History (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,000/yr
  This program offers a deep dive into historical events, cultures, and societies, developing critical research and analytical skills applicable to various fields.
  Field: History
  Career outcomes: Archivist, Curator, Historian, Journalist, Educator

Master Programs (7)

• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSc) — 12 months · English · $58,000/yr · STEM
  This program equips students with the analytical tools and techniques to interpret complex data, make data-driven decisions, and solve business problems.
  Field: Business Analytics
  Career outcomes: Business Analyst, Data Scientist, Analytics Consultant
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSc) — 18 months · English · $50,000/yr · STEM
  This program provides advanced knowledge and skills in protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats, covering topics like network security, cryptography, and digital forensics.
  Field: Cybersecurity
  Career outcomes: Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Engineer, Information Security Manager
• Applied Psychology and Human Development (MA) — 24 months · English · $35,000/yr
  This program focuses on the application of psychological principles to real-world settings, with specializations in areas like counseling, school psychology, and human development.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Counselor, School Psychologist, Child Development Specialist, Program Evaluator
• Master of Arts in Philosophy (MA) — 24 months · English · $35,000/yr
  This program offers in-depth study of major philosophical traditions, contemporary issues, and critical reasoning, preparing students for further doctoral work or careers requiring strong analytical skills.
  Field: Philosophy
  Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, Ethicist, Policy Analyst
• Master of Science in Finance (MSc) — 12 months · English · $55,000/yr · STEM
  An intensive program focusing on advanced financial theory, quantitative methods, and practical applications in investment management, corporate finance, and financial engineering.
  Field: Finance
  Career outcomes: Quantitative Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Financial Engineer
• Master of Arts in Political Science (MA) — 24 months · English · $35,000/yr
  Students explore political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and American politics, developing advanced research and analytical capabilities.
  Field: Political Science
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Government Affairs Specialist, Researcher
• Master of Arts in Theology (MA) — 24 months · English · $35,000/yr
  This program offers advanced study in various theological disciplines, including biblical studies, historical theology, systematic theology, and ethics, from a Catholic intellectual tradition.
  Field: Theology
  Career outcomes: Religious Educator, Chaplain, Non-profit Leader

PhD Programs (1)

• Applied Psychology and Developmental Science (PhD) — 60 months · English · $30,000/yr · STEM
  This doctoral program focuses on the application of psychological principles to real-world problems, with a strong emphasis on developmental processes across the lifespan.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, Applied Psychologist, Program Evaluator

Scholarships & Tuition at Boston College

Annual tuition for international students: $69,400 – $70,702/year

✅ Boston College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Boston College

• National Ranking: #37 in United States
• QS World University Ranking: #526
• Times Higher Education (THE): #251
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #501
• Ranking tier: Research University
• Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Boston College

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Suburban
• Average class size: 20
• Housing cost: ~$1620/month

Key Highlights

• Jesuit, Catholic, research university
• Strong liberal arts foundation
• Diverse international student body
• Picturesque Chestnut Hill campus
• Rigorous academics, character formation
• Popular Economics and Finance programs

Accreditation

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• American Bar Association
• American Psychological Association
• Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
• Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council

Notable Alumni

• John Kerry
• Amy Poehler
• Matt Ryan
• Peter Lynch
• Chris O'Donnell

Frequently Asked Questions about Boston College

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