History, Affiliations and Rankings

Founded in 1863 by the Jesuits, Boston College was set up as a “small streetcar college” for educating the primarily Irish Catholic community of Boston’s immigrant population. It began as an undergraduate Liberal Arts College, becoming the first ever institution for higher education in Boston. Today, it is one of the internationally reputed research universities that produces the highest number of Fulbright scholars annually. With the motto "Ever to Excel '' taken from Book 6 of The Iliad, Boston College invests in a student’s holistic development - academic, intellectual, and spiritual. Boston College is affiliated with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC), the 568 Presidents Group, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). A top-ranking institution, Boston College is placed #494 in QS Rankings, #625 in USN Best Global Universities and #251-300 by the Times Higher Education for the year 2022. 

Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses

Fondly known as “the Heights,” the main campus of Boston College is located in the picturesque neighborhood of Chestnut Hill which houses the College’s oldest academic buildings. The other campuses at Newton and Brighton are closely connected locations that contain the College’s newer faculties. While the Newton campus is primarily known for its athletic fields, the highlight of the Brighton campus is the McMullen Museum of Art. Academically, Boston College is divided into 8 Schools of specialization, which are - Arts and Sciences, Law, Advancing Studies, Social Work, Management, Nursing, Education and Human Development and Theology and Ministry. With more than 58 fields of study at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels, the College also provides professional and continuing education options. Further, to nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Boston College, Edmund H. Shea Jr. Center for Entrepreneurship assists students in making “ideas happen” under the mentorship of distinct leadership. 

Accomplishments and Alumni 

From being the first higher education institution in Boston, to becoming a top-ranking research University worldwide, Boston College has set benchmarks for innovation and excellence. Across disciplines, the College has garnered $63.3 million in sponsored research grants. Classes are taught by world-renowned faculty, 94% of whom hold Doctoral degrees in their respective fields. Further, according to a report, Boston College is among the USA’s top producers of Fulbright award-winners. Also, the BU entrepreneurial ecosystem is a booming sector with the companies launched by BU students or graduates garnering more than $100 million in venture backing in the past decade. Boston College has a global alumni network of 188,000+ graduates. Some of the notable alumni names include John Kerry, Former Secretary of State, Doug Flutie, Football player, Amy Poehler, American Actress and Comedian, Tom McCarthy, American Film Director and Screenwriter. 

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

The total student population at Boston College comprises 14,800+ students out of which 53% are women students, while 8% constitute the international student population on the campus. 34% of the total population comprise students from the African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American (AHANA) descent. More than 300 student clubs and organizations operate on the campus offering students plenty of extracurricular opportunities to get involved in, pursue their interests and make friends from different backgrounds. Boston College offers career development services, and personalized mentorship on the campus to help you achieve your goals. The Career Center conducts over 3,600 interviews each year during the campus placements. Some of the top visiting companies are - Google, Microsoft, PWC, Bain Capital which offer an average annual salary up to 175,000 USD.