Boston College Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to University Scholarships hub • See Massachusetts state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive full-tuition awards
- Need-based scholarships and honors opportunities
- How to stack aid and apply for Boston College’s top awards
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: 13.9%
- Middle 50% GPA (weighted): Not published by BC
- Middle 50% SAT: 1450 – 1520
- Middle 50% ACT: 33 – 34
Source: Boston College Admissions & Common Data Set. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Boston College at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Boston College offers limited but prestigious merit awards, highlighted by the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program—a full-tuition scholarship that includes funded summer enrichment. Most other financial aid is need-based, ensuring strong support for qualifying families.
Use this guide to see how Boston College evaluates students for its top scholarships, what deadlines matter most, and how to combine BC aid with federal or state programs for the most competitive total package.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — BC is test-optional, and it superscores SAT/ACT results if submitted.
What is the middle 50% GPA/SAT/ACT? GPA: Not published; SAT: 1450–1520; ACT: 33–34.
What’s the average net price? Around $39,866 after grants and scholarships (IPEDS / College Scorecard).
Does this school use reciprocity or nonresident waivers? No — as a private Jesuit university, BC charges the same tuition for all students, though Massachusetts residents may use state grants toward tuition.
Admission profile (acceptance rate) — https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/admission/apply/admission-statistics.html
Common Data Set (SAT/ACT ranges) — https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/common-data-set.html
Early Decision vs Regular (dates & Gabelli priority) — https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/admission/apply/early-decision.html
Test-Optional Policy (superscoring) — https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/admission/apply/test-optional.html
College Scorecard (Average Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164924-Boston-College=
Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program — https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/academics/sites/gabelli-presidential-scholars-program.html
💰 Cost of Attendance at Boston College (2025–2026)
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $73,508 | $73,508 |
| Housing & Meals | $18,284 | $18,284 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $91,792 | $91,792 |
Notes: The figures above reflect the direct, billed costs of attendance for 2025–2026 (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and a standard meal plan). Other estimated expenses—such as books & supplies (~$1,300), transportation (~$1,800), and personal costs (~$2,650)—are not included because they are not paid directly to Boston College. These are indirect allowances used by the Financial Aid Office to calculate total cost of attendance for aid purposes.
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 (IPEDS/NCES). Your actual net price depends on your financial aid package.
Is there a reciprocity or regional discount?
No. Boston College is private and does not participate in programs like WUE or NEBHE. However, Massachusetts residents may apply for state-based need grants such as MASSGrant if eligible.
Boston College Office of Student Services — https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/offices/student-services/billing-student-accounts/tuition-fees.html
Boston College Undergraduate Financial Aid — https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/offices/student-services/financial-aid.html
College Scorecard (Average Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164924-Boston-College=
✅ 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 (see next section) | — | — | — |
Note: Boston College partners with the Stamps Scholars Program through its competitive Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program. More on Stamps: Stamps Scholarship.
Range/explanation note: Not applicable — BC does not publish automatic merit tiers.
Estimates disclaimer: Not applicable — no GPA/test-based 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 may reduce some institutional grants; check your award letter for stacking rules.
Is BC test-optional? Do they superscore?
Yes. BC is test-optional, and if you send scores, Boston College superscores both the SAT and ACT (they use your highest section scores across test dates for composite calculation).
If there’s no auto-merit, how do we pursue scholarships?
Target the competitive Presidential Scholars Program, which is detailed next. Always apply for financial aid (including federal/state) and explore ROTC, FACHEX (Jesuit benefit), and outside scholarships; BC will coordinate the overall aid offer.
BC Affordability/Scholarships: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/admission/affordability.html
Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/admission/sites/gabelli-presidential-scholars-program.html
Stamps Scholars at BC: https://www.stampsscholars.org/boston-college/
Scholarships & Financial Aid Overview: https://scholarships360.org/college-scholarships/boston-college-scholarships/
🏆 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Nov 1 |
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 chosen each year. Strong grades, challenging courses, leadership, and service are key. Finalists are invited to campus for an interview weekend in February.
Is there a separate application?
No. All who apply by the November 1 scholarship deadline are reviewed automatically; there are no extra essays or forms.
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?
No. The scholarship is open to test-optional applicants. Boston College superscores SAT/ACT if you submit them.
Can international students win?
Yes, all applicants (domestic or international) are eligible if they meet the selection criteria and apply by Nov 1.
Boston College Gabelli Presidential Scholars: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/admission/sites/gabelli-presidential-scholars-program.html
BC Financial Aid & Scholarships: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/admission/affordability.html
Stamps Scholars Partnership: https://www.stampsscholars.org/boston-college/
Selection & Process FAQ: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/admission/sites/gabelli-presidential-scholars-program/applicant-faqs.html
Merit/aid overview: https://scholarships360.org/college-scholarships/boston-college-scholarships/
🎖️ 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, Computer Science, History, and International Studies. These give high-achieving students access to thesis work, small seminars, and close faculty mentorship.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Departmental honors generally requires you to apply or be invited based on GPA and major progress (e.g., 3.7 in Comm, Psych, Econ). The Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation at admission (apply by Nov 1).
Does honors work add extra time to your degree?
No. Honors seminars and thesis projects fit in the standard four-year plan.
When do students apply or join?
Departmental honors are usually joined sophomore/junior year, by invitation or application. Presidential Scholars are selected at admission. Student eligibility can change if GPA standards are met later.
Do Honors students get extra funding?
Presidential Scholars receive full tuition plus enrichment. Departmental honors generally do not include direct scholarship money, but all thesis/mentorship perks and possible research grants are available.
BC Departmental Honors Programs: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/sites/com/resources/honors.html
MCAS Honors, thesis & Scholar of the College: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/undergraduate-research/thesis.html
Gabelli Presidential Scholars: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/admission/sites/gabelli-presidential-scholars-program.html
BC Honors in Psychology, Economics, and other majors: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/departments/psychology/undergraduate/honors.html, https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/departments/economics/undergraduate/honors.html
Communication Honors: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/cas/sites/communication/resources/honors.html
International Studies & Scholar of the College: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/departments/international-studies/academics/senior-thesis.html
Computer Science thesis: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/departments/computer-science/academics/honors-program.html
⭐ 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.