Boston College is a prestigious Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, known for its Carroll School of Management, strong liberal arts core, and vibrant campus life. Its Jesuit intellectual tradition emphasizes the formation of the whole person, combining rigorous academics with a commitment to service and social justice.
Mascot: Eagle
Notable Alumni
Amy Poehler (actress and comedian)•John Kerry (68th Secretary of State)•Leonard Nimoy (Spock in Star Trek)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
BC officially bans Greek life, but the social scene hardly suffers — it's replaced by an intense club culture (where getting into the best organizations requires applications and interviews), Jesuit service programs, and a 'work hard, play hard' ethos. School spirit runs deep, especially around Eagles football and hockey, and over 85% of students do community service, giving the campus a genuine sense of shared purpose.
Collegiate Gothic masterpiece set on a hilltop in Chestnut Hill, with Gasson Hall's tower as its iconic centerpiece. The cohesive grey stone architecture, sweeping reservoir views, and immaculate landscaping make it one of the most beautiful campuses in the Northeast.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Ranked among the safest colleges in America with a crime rate per 1,000 students roughly half the national average. The 41-officer police department provides 24/7 patrols with zero reported robberies or weapons offenses in recent years.
Chestnut Hill is one of the Boston area's most affluent and safest neighborhoods, with tree-lined streets and very low crime rates.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays and select Saturdays during the academic year
Duration: ~2 hours (info session + student-led outdoor campus tour)
Eagle Eye Campus Visits include an information session and student-led outdoor tour with authentic conversation. 'Eagle for a Day' program available for a more in-depth personalized experience after your initial visit.
Book a TourAn audio tour of the Chestnut Hill Campus features 65+ stops, photo galleries, videos, panoramic images, and student perspectives. Available on mobile devices.
Tour ResourcesSeptember through early November for gorgeous fall foliage and football tailgate energy, or April when spring blooms cover the Gothic campus. The campus is at its most beautiful and lively during these periods. Avoid late December through January (winter break) and June-August when the campus is quiet.
Visitor parking in the Commonwealth Garage (40 St. Thomas More Rd) and Beacon Street Garage (2601 Beacon St). Credit card payment required (no cash/Apple Pay). MBTA Green Line B train terminates at 'Boston College' stop — $2.75 one-way, ~45 min from downtown Boston. Cross Commonwealth Avenue and walk up the hill to reach campus. Logan Airport to campus is ~40 min by car or ~75 min via Blue Line to Green Line transfer.
Location
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