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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 Jesuit research powerhouse with Gothic charm and athletic prowess since 1863.

Boston College stands as a distinguished private Catholic Jesuit research university, offering a vibrant academic and student life in the scenic Chestnut Hill area, just six miles west of downtown Boston. Founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus, BC combines its rich heritage with a forward-looking commitment to rigorous inquiry and service. The main campus, a historic district, is renowned for its stunning collegiate gothic architecture, providing an inspiring backdrop for learning and growth.

Academically, Boston College is classified as a "Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production" university, underscoring its commitment to advanced scholarship across its nine colleges and schools. Students can pursue a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, grounded in a curriculum that historically emphasized the Jesuit Ratio Studiorum, including classics like Latin, Greek, philosophy, and theology, fostering a holistic intellectual development.

The university's history is deeply rooted in serving the educational needs of the Irish Catholic immigrant population in New England. From its early days in Boston's South End, BC has grown into a globally recognized institution, attracting a diverse student body of over 15,000. Beyond academics, the Eagles are a formidable presence in collegiate sports, particularly in NCAA Division I, with the men's ice hockey team boasting multiple national championships. Boston College graduates consistently excel, with alumni achieving prestigious distinctions such as Rhodes, Truman, and Fulbright scholarships, and making significant impacts across various fields from governance to the arts.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order.
  • Classified as a "Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production" university.
  • Boasts an endowment of approximately $3.8 billion.
  • Educates over 15,000 students, including 9,654 undergraduates.
  • Main campus is a historic district featuring early examples of collegiate gothic architecture in North America.
  • The men's ice hockey team has won five national championships.
  • Alumni include three Rhodes, 22 Truman, and 171 Fulbright scholars.

Timeline

1849
First Jesuit community in New England established, laying groundwork for Boston College.
1857
Land purchased on Harrison Avenue in Boston for "The Boston College".
1863
University charter granted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (April 1).
1864
Collegiate instruction program launched (September 5).
1907
Most of the campus moved from Boston's South End to Chestnut Hill.
1927
Boston College High School separately incorporated, no longer a constituent part of the university.
🏛️
163 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

David Quigley
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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