Boston College (BC) is a private, comprehensive research university located in Massachusetts, USA. With a history of nearly two centuries, it boasts a rich academic tradition. The college is situated in an affluent area of Boston, about ten kilometers from downtown. The campus is beautiful and tranquil, dotted with towering Gothic buildings, creating a dignified and elegant atmosphere. BC enjoys a high reputation in Boston, particularly among the local elite. Its traditional campus culture and relatively low proportion of international students contribute to a pure and focused academic environment.
Although not ranked among the top 30 universities in the world, Boston College remains highly competitive, with an acceptance rate below 15%. Boston College’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 reached a record low of 12.6%. Its selection criteria are comparable to many top 20 universities. The school’s teaching quality and academic standing are widely praised locally. It boasts a strong faculty, with many professors graduating from top universities such as Harvard University and adjunct faculty from nearby institutions like MIT, providing students with high-quality educational resources. For prospective students and their families, understanding the Boston College acceptance rate is the critical first step in navigating the application process. This comprehensive guide synthesizes the latest data, historical trends, and expert advice to provide a clear roadmap for admission to BC.
Boston College Acceptance Rate: Latest Statistics
With a record number of applications, the overall Boston College acceptance rate 2029 dropped to an unprecedented low of 12.6%. This figure underscores the reality that Boston College is now firmly positioned among the nation’s most selective institutions, demanding not just high academic achievement but also a compelling and authentic personal narrative from every applicant. The admissions cycle for the Boston College Class of 2029 marked a new era of selectivity.
| Admission Metric | Class of 2029 Data |
|---|---|
| Total Applications Received | 39,686 |
| Total Students Admitted | 5,497 |
| Overall Acceptance Rate | 13.9% |
| Early Decision Acceptance Rate | ~30-31% |
| Regular Decision Acceptance Rate | ~11% |
Boston College Acceptance Rate: Historical Trends
Understanding the current boston college admission rate requires looking at the most recent data and placing it within a historical context. The trend over the past decade has been one of consistent and dramatic decline, reflecting BC’s rising profile and the national surge in college applications.
| Year | Overall Applications Accepted | Overall Applications Received | Overall Admissions Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | 5,497 | 39,686 | 13.90% |
| 2028 | 5,632 | 35,487 | 15.87% |
| 2027 | 5,511 | 36,525 | 15.09% |
| 2026 | 6,678 | 40,477 | 16.49% |
| 2025 | 7,570 | 39,875 | 18.98% |
| 2024 | 6,881 | 29,400 | 23.4% |
| 2023 | 9,500 | 35,500 | 26.76% |
| 2022 | 8,400 | 31,000 | 27.10% |
| 2021 | 9,200 | 28,500 | 32.28% |
| 2020 | 8,551 | 29,486 | 29% |
| 2019 | 8,232 | 29,400 | 28% |
| 2018 | 8,000 | 23,323 | 34.30% |
Boston College ED Acceptance Rate
For students who are certain that Boston College is their top choice, applying through one of the Early Decision (ED) rounds is arguably the most significant strategic advantage available. BC offers two binding Early Decision options: ED I and ED II.
Early Decision I vs. Early Decision II
While the combined Boston College ED acceptance rate is high, the Boston College ED2 acceptance rate is generally slightly lower than ED1, but still significantly higher than the Regular Decision rate. Students who miss the ED I deadline should strongly consider applying ED II to benefit from the statistical advantage. If Boston College is your unequivocal first choice, then we would urge you to consider applying through Early Decision.
- Boston College’s Early Decision (ED) is a binding admission agreement.
- Once admitted through ED, you must confirm your enrollment and immediately withdraw all other applications to other schools.
- You cannot apply to multiple schools simultaneously through binding ED, but you can apply to other schools through unrestricted early action; if you are not admitted through another school’s EDI, you are still eligible to apply to BC’s EDII.
This table details the Boston College Early Decision acceptance statistics for the Class of 2029.
| Application Plan | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I (ED1) | 2,808 | 960 | 34% |
| Early Decision II (ED2) | 1,493 | 415 | 28% |
| Total Early Decision | 4,301 | 1,375 | ~32% |
Key Dates for Boston College Early Decision Applicants
- Early Decision I:
- Application Deadline: November 1
- Decision Notification: By December 15
- Early Decision II:
- Application Deadline: January 2
- Decision Notification: By February 15
Boston College Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
If you do not have a first choice college at the time you submit your application and/or if you would like to make your college decision after considering multiple offers of admission and financial aid, we encourage you to apply through Regular Decision.
Regular Decision is a non-binding admission process and the option used by most applicants to Boston College. If you apply through Regular Decision, you will learn of our decision by April 1. You will have until May 1 to make your decision and confirm your enrollment.
Boston College Application Fee: $80
Boston College Regular Decision Release Date
- Notification Date: Decisions are released by April 1st.
- Decision for Class of 2030: For the Class of 2030, the release date is April 1, 2026.
- After Notification: If accepted, applicants have until May 1st to confirm their enrollment.
Boston College Waitlist Acceptance Rate
The waitlist is an increasingly common outcome for competitive applicants. Unfortunately, the Boston College waitlist acceptance rate is notoriously low and highly variable. In some years, BC may admit zero students from the waitlist, while in others, they may admit a small handful. Being placed on the waitlist means you are qualified, but the class is full. The Boston College waitlist acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 was 1.3%. Based on the data, the Boston College waitlist admission rate has shown significant fluctuations and a notable tightening in recent years.
- Class of 2027: 1.3% acceptance rate (116 out of 8,671 waitlisted applicants).
- Class of 2026: 0.7% acceptance rate (55 out of 7,660 waitlisted applicants).
- Class of 2023: 9.24% acceptance rate (273 out of 2,953 who joined the waitlist).
- Class of 2022: 0.16% acceptance rate (16 out of 3,791 who joined the waitlist).
Popular Majors of Boston College
Boston College currently comprises nine schools and over 50 majors. It offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with its business school (Carroll School of Management), the College of Arts and Sciences, and Law School being among its most renowned schools. Majors such as economics, finance, communication and rhetoric, biological sciences, and psychology are particularly popular.
Furthermore, BC offers a wide range of other popular majors, including health sciences, history, philosophy, business, management and marketing, human resource management, accounting, marketing, finance and financial management, international studies, psychology, clinical, counselling and applied psychology, education, theology and religious studies, theology and missionary studies, music, and information science.
While Boston College may be underestimated in the public eye, its educational quality and academic resources are truly impressive. If you are looking for an institution with a unique educational philosophy and a rich selection of majors, Boston College is worth considering.
According to publicly available employment reports and rankings, Boston College’s business programs (especially the Carroll School of Management) and education are its traditional strong disciplines. Its business school, with a strong alumni network, does indeed have a significant employment advantage in the financial field in New York and Boston. Meanwhile, relying on Boston’s world-class medical resources, the school offers an unparalleled research and internship platform for students majoring in biology, nursing and pre-medical studies.
Boston College Class Profile
The Boston College class profile provides a detailed look at the academic and demographic characteristics of admitted students. This data helps applicants understand the minimum academic threshold required for serious consideration.
Academic Profile: GPA, SAT and ACT
Boston College is a test-optional institution, meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, the majority of admitted students still choose to submit scores, and the data shows that successful applicants possess exceptional academic credentials. Yes, submitting the SAT or ACT is optional for international students. However, international students are still required to demonstrate English language proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results. This English language proficiency requirement may be waived for students who speak English as their native language, have attended a US high school for at least three years in a non-ESOL curriculum, or submit standardized test results including scores of 650 or greater on the SAT EBRW or 29 or greater on the ACT English section.
- GPA
- Class Rank
- Standardized Tests
For the Class of 2029, approximately 74% of admitted students submitted test scores.
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Composite | 1460 | 1520 | 1490 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 35 | 34 |
Demographic and Geographic Diversity
Boston College Application: How to Stand Out
The stated applicant requirements for Boston College—strong GPA, rigorous curriculum, and meaningful recommendations—define the minimum threshold for a competitive application. The Boston College acceptance rate, which has plummeted to a record-low 12.6% for the Class of 2029, is more than just a statistic; it is the definitive outcome of the university’s holistic and highly selective admission philosophy. Outstanding academic performance and other application requirements are merely the minimum threshold. The essence lies in the school’s comprehensive and selective admission standards. Please prepare the following materials accordingly.
- School Report & Counselor Recommendation
Your school counsellor must submit your official transcript and a letter of recommendation. - Teacher Evaluations
Submit two recommendations from teachers in core academic subjects (e.g., English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Foreign Language). - Mid-Year Grades
If you are applying for Regular Decision or were deferred from Early Decision, your counsellor must submit your first-semester senior grades as soon as they are available. - Personal Statement
- Demonstrating intellectual curiosity, personal reflection, and a strong fit with BC’s mission.
- English Proficiency (International students required): TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
Tuition
| Cost Type | Total |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $72,180 |
| Housing and Food | $19,290 |
| Fees** | $2,044 |
| Total | $93,514 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Misc./Personal Expenses | $2,000 |
| Travel | $150–1,800 |
| Total | ~$191,278 |
Financial Aid
Boston College Campus Life
Boston College is renowned for its strong community atmosphere, active student clubs and focus on elite education, providing students with a rich on-campus life. Students can choose from over 300 club scenarios. Whether you’re an artsy type, a social observer, or a passionate activist, there’s a place for you here. Not only will you find like-minded partners, but you’ll also hone your leadership skills in real-world scenarios, unlocking exciting challenges on campus and even globally.
- Beautiful campus
Nestled in the charming suburb of Chestnut Hill, just a twenty-minute drive from downtown Boston, lies the breathtaking campus of Boston College. Often celebrated as one of the city’s most beautiful campuses, its landscape is defined by rolling hills and the serene Chestnut Hill Reservoir. The core of the campus features a majestic ensemble of unified Gothic Revival architecture, where elegant buildings are thoughtfully arranged on the hillside, creating a picturesque and commanding presence. A short stroll from the academic quads leads to the reservoir’s edge, offering a stunning vantage point for distant views of the Boston skyline, with the iconic Prudential Tower standing tall in the distance.
- Accommodation
Boston College offers flexible accommodation options for students; it is not mandatory to live on campus. On-campus housing options include single rooms, double rooms, and multi-person rooms. uhomes.com is a rental platform that offers affordable and convenient off-campus housing near Boston College. Professional consultants will precisely match the properties for you for free, allowing you to have more energy to explore the Boston life right at your doorstep – from the trendy seafood restaurant in North End to the independent cafe at the corner, the excitement is within reach.
- Sports
Boston College has a strong sports atmosphere. The “Eagles” are very powerful. The men’s sports include baseball, basketball, ice hockey, etc., while the women’s sports include basketball, field hockey, and volleyball. During the games, the cheering song “For Boston” is often played. There are numerous student organizations on campus, such as self-run newspapers, radio media, dance troupes, music troupes, etc. Various clubs and freshman associations regularly organise activities to help freshmen integrate quickly. As a Catholic school, Boston College also adheres to the tradition of “serving them” and has established many social service clubs. Students can gain practical experience and earn credits through local or long-distance volunteer opportunities, creating a win-win situation.
Final Thought on Boston College Acceptance Rate
Boston College acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 is 13.9%, the school has become increasingly selective. This reflects a highly competitive applicant pool in which academic achievement, as demonstrated by near-perfect GPAs and strong standardised test scores, is crucial, though the university also values personal qualities, Jesuit values, and other aspects of a well-rounded applicant. To be a competitive applicant, focus on a strong academic record, submit strong test scores if available, and write your personal statement highlighting how your intellectual curiosity and passion for your intended major have shaped your experiences and how they align with the university’s mission.
FAQ
To maximize your chances of admission, we recommend the following scores: an SAT score of 1520 or an ACT score of 35 (75th percentile), along with a GPA of at least 4.09. Furthermore, 95% of admitted students are in the top 10% of their graduating class, requiring applicants to have exceptional academic backgrounds. If your GPA does not meet this standard, you will need to compensate with higher SAT/ACT scores.
The acceptance rate for Boston College is approximately 12.6% for the Class of 2029, making it a highly selective school, but the Early Decision acceptance rate was approximately 30%. If you are certain that Boston College is your top choice and are ready to commit, you can apply early.
No, Boston College is not consistently ranked in the top 20 for national universities. Boston College is a private institution that was founded in 1863. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Boston College is ranked No. #36 in National Universities. It’s also ranked No. #6 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Yes, significantly. Boston College’s Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 was approximately 30-31%, nearly triple the Regular Decision rate of about 11%.
Based on the provided data, the Boston College waitlist acceptance rate has varied significantly in recent years. Here is a summary of the available figures:
BC Class of 2027: 1.34% (116 accepted out of 8,671 waitlisted)
BC Class of 2026: 0.16% (13 accepted out of 8,019 waitlisted)
BC Class of 2023: 9.24% (273 accepted out of 2,953 who joined the waitlist)
BC Class of 2022: 0.42% (16 accepted out of 3,791 who joined the waitlist)
Data for the Classes of 2029, 2028, 2025, and 2024 are either not yet available (TBD) or were not published.
The Boston College ED2 acceptance rate deadline is typically January 2nd, the same as the Regular Decision deadline. Applying ED II still offers a substantial advantage over the Regular Decision pool.
