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Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν (Greek)("Ever to Excel")

1863
Founded
Private research university
Type
9,865
Total Students
9,654
Undergrad
5,072
Graduate
$3.8B
Endowment
(2024)
$68K
Tuition (In-State)
$68K
Tuition (Out-State)
$40K
Avg Net Price
16%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Graduation Rate
6-year
95%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: William P. Leahy

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Boston College

Boston College: A leading Jesuit research university with a legacy of excellence.

Boston College (BC) is a distinguished private Catholic Jesuit research university nestled in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Founded in 1863, BC is renowned for its commitment to academic rigor, its vibrant community rooted in Jesuit values, and its stunning collegiate Gothic architecture. It is classified as a "Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production" university, reflecting a strong emphasis on discovery and scholarly pursuits, making it an excellent choice for students aspiring to contribute to advanced knowledge.

The university offers a comprehensive range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across its nine colleges and schools. Historically, BC's curriculum was based on the Jesuit Ratio Studiorum, focusing on disciplines like Latin, Greek, philosophy, and theology. This tradition has evolved into a diverse array of academic offerings that continue to provide a rich, liberal arts foundation alongside specialized professional programs, preparing students for impactful careers and lives.

Beyond academics, BC boasts a spirited student experience. Its athletic teams, the Eagles, compete in NCAA Division I, prominently in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), with the men's ice hockey team holding an impressive five national championships. The university's main campus, a historic district just six miles west of downtown Boston, is celebrated for having some of North America's earliest examples of collegiate Gothic architecture, creating an inspiring and picturesque environment for learning and living. BC's motto, "Ever to Excel," truly embodies the spirit of its students and alumni, who include numerous Rhodes, Truman, and Fulbright scholars, as well as leaders across various professions.

Key Highlights

  • Designated a "Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production" university.
  • Founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus, affirming its identity as a private Catholic Jesuit institution.
  • Boasts a substantial $3.8 billion endowment supporting its mission and resources.
  • Serves a vibrant community of 15,234 students across undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • Main campus is a historic district featuring some of North America's earliest collegiate Gothic architecture.
  • Eagles athletics compete in NCAA Division I (ACC), with the men's ice hockey team securing five national championships.
  • Alumni network includes esteemed Rhodes, Truman, and Fulbright scholars, along with leaders in diverse fields.

Timeline

1849
First Jesuit community in New England established at St. Mary's Church in Boston.
1857
Jesuit priest John McElroy purchases land for "The Boston College" in Boston's South End.
1863
Granted a university charter by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
1864
Collegiate instruction program officially launched by first President John Bapst.
1907
Most of the campus relocated from Boston's South End to Chestnut Hill.
1927
Boston College High School becomes separately incorporated from the university.
🏛️
163 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

David Quigley
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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