Boston College Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Boston College is one of the nation’s top private Jesuit universities, known for pairing academic rigor with a strong sense of mission. For parents, the big question is how families actually pay: tuition is high, but BC offers a mix of competitive merit, ROTC, and Jesuit exchange scholarships alongside need-based aid. If you’re comparing options in Massachusetts, don’t forget to check our Massachusetts state aid guide and the full CRP scholarship hub for context.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Boston College
| Expense | Cost (2025–26) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $72,180 |
| Mandatory Fees | $1,328 |
| Housing | $10,940 |
| Meal Plan (standard) | $7,344 |
| Books & Supplies (allowance) | $1,300 |
| Transportation (allowance) | $1,800 |
| Personal/Misc. (allowance) | $2,651 |
| Total (before aid) | ≈ $97,543 |
Boston College officially lists $91,792 as the direct, billed cost for 2025–26 (tuition, fees, housing, and meals). The higher figure of ≈ $97,543 shown here also includes standard allowances for books, transportation, and personal expenses, which are not billed directly but represent typical student costs.
Cost FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state rates?
Unlike public universities, BC does not offer in-state tuition. Everyone pays the same base rate.
How much do families really pay?
The average family paid about $39,866 after scholarships and grants (NCES). Your net price depends on your aid package.
Is there a reciprocity or regional discount?
No. BC is private and does not participate in state exchange programs like WUE or NEBHE.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Boston College does not publish admission-based automatic merit tiers for first-year students. BC’s primary academic merit award is competitive (see Presidential Scholars in the next section), and most institutional aid is need-based.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No published automatic merit | — | BC meets demonstrated need; competitive merit is limited to the Presidential Scholars Program | — | — | — |
Note: Boston College partners with the Stamps Scholars Program through its competitive Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program. Learn how Stamps works here: Stamps Scholarship.
Range/explanation note: Not applicable — BC does not publish automatic merit tiers.
Estimates disclaimer: Not applicable — no GPA/test-based auto-merit bands to estimate.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Does Boston College offer automatic merit like GPA/test grids?
No. BC’s institutional aid is primarily need-based. The premier academic merit award (Presidential Scholars) is competitive and reviewed holistically.
Can automatic merit stack with ROTC or outside awards?
Because BC does not publish auto-merit tiers, stacking typically involves need-based grants, ROTC benefits, and outside scholarships. ROTC/VA benefits follow federal rules and may reduce certain institutional need grants; stacking is finalized on the financial aid offer.
Is BC test-optional? Do they superscore?
Yes. BC is test-optional, and for applicants who send scores, Boston College superscores the SAT and ACT (they assess your strongest section scores across dates to form the highest composite).
If there’s no auto-merit, how do we pursue scholarships?
Target the competitive Presidential Scholars Program (next section), apply for federal/state aid on time, consider ROTC and Jesuit exchange (FACHEX) where eligible, and bring outside scholarships — BC will coordinate them in your package.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Boston College’s only major competitive merit award for incoming freshmen is the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program. It’s highly selective, full-tuition, and requires applying by the priority deadline. Other campus scholarships (like AHANA or departmental honors) are listed in different sections.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program | Full tuition (4 years) + funded summer programs | All first-year applicants considered if they apply by Nov 1 | No — automatic review if deadline met | Yes (four years, must maintain standards) | About 18 students per year; top academics with leadership, rigor, and service; finalists interview in February |
Note: The Presidential Scholars Program is also supported by the Stamps Scholarship network, providing additional leadership development and funding.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
What makes the Presidential Scholars Program competitive?
Only about 18 students are selected each year. Strong grades, challenging courses, leadership, and service are key signals. Finalists are invited to campus for interviews.
Is there a separate application?
No. All applicants who apply by the November 1 priority deadline are automatically considered.
Can you apply Early Decision and still be considered?
Yes. Both Early Decision and Regular Decision applicants who meet the Nov 1 deadline are eligible.
Does BC require test scores for consideration?
No. The scholarship is open to test-optional applicants, and Boston College superscores if scores are submitted.
⭐ College Specialty
Boston College is a nationally recognized Jesuit university known for pairing strong liberal arts traditions with professional programs that stand out across the country. Families often choose BC because of its balance of academic rigor, tight-knit community, and direct pipelines into Boston’s thriving healthcare, finance, and education sectors.
- Connell School of Nursing: Ranked #9 nationally for undergraduate nursing (U.S. News 2025).
- Lynch School of Education and Human Development: Ranked #20 nationally for graduate education, with specialties in Counseling (#9) and Elementary Education (#16).
- Theology and Religious Studies: Ranked #13 worldwide in QS World Rankings for Theology/Divinity/Religious Studies.
Note: Boston College is classified as an R1: Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity, underscoring its strength in research and faculty scholarship.
🎖️ Honors College
Boston College does not have a single, university-wide Honors College. Instead, it offers a combination of the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program (for a small group of top students) and departmental honors tracks in majors like Economics, Psychology & Neuroscience, Communication, and History. These options give high-achieving students access to thesis work, small seminars, and close faculty mentorship.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Departmental honors generally require you to apply or be invited once you meet GPA requirements. The Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program is competitive and by invitation only.
Does doing departmental honors add extra time to your degree?
No. Honors seminars and thesis projects are built into the standard four-year plan.
When do students apply?
Most departmental honors programs begin sophomore or junior year. Presidential Scholars are chosen at admission (apply by Nov 1).
Do Honors students get extra funding?
Presidential Scholars receive full tuition plus enrichment funding. Departmental honors programs do not generally include separate scholarship money, but they offer research and thesis support.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Boston College combines a Jesuit liberal arts tradition with nationally recognized programs in business, nursing, and education. While automatic merit isn’t part of the package here, selective programs like the Presidential Scholars and partnerships such as ROTC and QuestBridge can bring the cost down dramatically for the right students. If your family is weighing affordability, remember that BC also meets full demonstrated need — so the actual price tag may be far lower than the sticker shock suggests.
✅ Last updated: September 12, 2025