Founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus, Boston College is a premier private Catholic research university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Spanning 388 acres featuring collegiate Gothic architecture, BC connects rigorous academic inquiry with ethical responsibility and community service. You can learn about its founding history on the Boston College Wikipedia reference page.
When you study at Boston College, you enter a scholarly tradition that emphasizes liberal arts breadth, interdisciplinary research, and active civic participation across eight specialized schools and colleges.
Premier Academic Programs
Boston College holds top national rankings across key academic disciplines:
- Carroll School of Management: Renowned for undergraduate business education, corporate ethics, finance, and accounting. Explore curricula on the Carroll School of Management page.
- Boston College Law School: Delivers comprehensive legal instruction specializing in public interest law, corporate litigation, and human rights.
- Connell School of Nursing: Prepares compassionate healthcare professionals through direct clinical experience in major urban hospital networks.
- Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences: Serves as the intellectual core of the university across humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
- Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society: Focuses on interdisciplinary research addressing global energy, health, and environmental sustainability.
"Ever to Excel, translated from the Greek motto Aien Aristeuein, inspires students to strive continuously for personal achievement and service to others."
Campus Life and Mascot
Your daily undergraduate life unfolds on the scenic Chestnut Hill campus, situated just six miles west of downtown Boston. Campus spirit centers around Baldwin the Eagle, the official mascot who leads student cheers at NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference sporting events. You can read about the tradition of student actors bringing the mascot to life on the Baldwin Confidential feature story. With over 300 student clubs, service groups, and intramural sports, you will find a vibrant residential environment.
Research Infrastructure and Global Service
BC supports advanced academic exploration backed by extensive research assets:
- John J. Burns Library: Houses rare books, historic archives, and specialized collections in Irish history and Jesuit studies.
- Integrated Science Initiative: Facilitates student research across bioinformatics, clean energy technology, and materials physics. Learn more via Boston College Research Operations.
- Global Education and Volunteerism: Supports international study abroad options and immersion trips through the Volunteer and Service Learning Center.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk alongside an accomplished network of leaders in public policy, entertainment, and athletics, including:
- John Kerry: Former U.S. Secretary of State, Senator, and Presidential nominee who earned his J.D. at BC Law.
- Amy Poehler: Golden Globe winning actress, comedian, and co-founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade.
- Tip O'Neill: Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives who championed key domestic legislation.
- Doug Flutie: Heisman Trophy winning quarterback who famously led BC football to national prominence.
Boston College meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all admitted domestic undergraduate students. You can review admission requirements and application deadlines on the official Boston College Admissions portal.