Boston College Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~14%
- Middle 50% ACT: 34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1471
- Average GPA: 4.1
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This is a high reach. Even strong students get turned away here. Focus on standout essays, meaningful service, and strong recommendations—and make sure you have realistic financial safeties.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive for admission, but merit aid is still a long shot. Apply early if possible and build a balanced list where you’re more likely to get financial offers.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in the conversation for admission and possibly Gabelli—but understand this is a top 1–2% outcome, not something to plan around financially.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Boston College at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (FACHEX (Jesuit Tuition Exchange) & Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program)
Average Net Price
$39,865/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
7 opportunities
1 competitive · 6 hidden gem
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
FACHEX (Jesuit Tuition Exchange) & Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Boston College (Read This First)
- The main full-tuition award (Gabelli) requires applying by November 1—miss that and you’re out.
- There are no real automatic merit scholarships—most aid is either need-based or extremely competitive.
- Boston College requires the CSS Profile, which can significantly impact what families are expected to pay.
- Many families assume strong stats = merit money here—that’s not how BC works.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Boston College is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 34; SAT: 1471.
Average net price? About $39,865/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Boston College 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$73,508 |
$73,508 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$18,284 |
$18,284 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$91,792 |
$91,792 |
Average Federal Net Price: $39,865 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Heads up: Some competitive scholarships and institutional aid at BC require the
CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA.
This additional form helps determine institutional aid eligibility.
No in-state discount here — but that’s not the whole story: Boston College is a private university, so students pay the same base tuition whether they live in Massachusetts or across the country.
The bigger affordability question is usually financial aid, not residency. For many families, Boston College’s need-based aid can reduce the price far more than a public-school in-state discount would.
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.
Sources:
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.
This institution does not offer designated Automatic Merit scholarships at this time.
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.
Sources:
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.
Full TuitionAutomaticpipeline
Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition scholarship with summer enrichment
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Top 1–2% of BC applicants are selected as Gabelli Presidential Scholars, receiving a four‑year full‑tuition scholarship plus funded summer programs; extremely selective but no separate application beyond the Nov. 1 deadline.
👥 ~18 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full undergraduate tuition for four years plus funded summer programs; recipients do not receive additional Boston College merit awards but may receive need-based aid as allowed by cost-of-attendance rules.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table describes the Program as a full-tuition, four-year scholarship with funded summer programs, automatically considering all applicants who apply by November 1 and selecting about 18 students annually; BC’s official site confirms full tuition coverage, summer enrichment, February interview weekend for finalists, and inclusion in the Stamps Scholars network.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Approximately 18 students per year drawn from the very top of the BC applicant pool, with outstanding academics, rigorous coursework, leadership, and service who perform well in the February finalist interviews.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Boston College offers several lesser-known opportunities that can make a big difference for the right students. These include national partnerships, ROTC programs, and identity-based awards that aren’t always obvious on the main financial aid page.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Yellow Ribbon Program
📅 Deadline: Typically March 15–May 15 (BC Yellow Ribbon application window)
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides $6,000 per year from BC and a $6,000 VA match (total $12,000 annually) in addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill; stacks on top of GI Bill benefits to help cover remaining tuition and fees.
📄
How to Apply
Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% level, submit it to Boston College’s Veterans Certifying Official, and apply for Yellow Ribbon funding during BC’s application window; the VA and BC then each contribute matching funds.
Selection criteria: First-come, first-served among eligible GI Bill recipients until BC’s Yellow Ribbon slots are filled.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table describes a $6,000 Boston College contribution with a $6,000 VA match for a total Yellow Ribbon benefit of $12,000 per year; BC’s Yellow Ribbon page confirms this structure and notes that funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis within the spring application window.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Veterans or eligible dependents with 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement who apply while funds are available.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Air Force ROTC (via HSSP)
📅 Deadline: Around January 12 for national AFROTC HSSP boards
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
AFROTC tuition scholarship with stipend and books
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
AFROTC HSSP Type 1 and Type 2 scholarships can cover tuition (Type 2 up to a capped amount) with book allowance and stipend; as with other ROTC awards, students may have to choose between AFROTC tuition coverage and institutional merit, but other aid can help with non-tuition costs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for the Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) through AFROTC, listing a Massachusetts host detachment that serves BC; if awarded and you enroll at BC while participating with the host detachment, tuition, books, and stipend benefits apply there.
Selection criteria: AFROTC national merit and fitness-based selection.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes that AFROTC scholarships can cover tuition, books, fees, and provide a stipend via the High School Scholarship Program; AFROTC’s official site details tuition, book, and stipend benefits, and BC students can participate via a host detachment arrangement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Nationally competitive, academically strong, and leadership-focused students who commit to an Air Force officer career and meet AFROTC selection standards.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC (Liberty Battalion)
📅 Deadline: January 10 (approximate national high school Army ROTC deadline); campus-based awards rolling
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
ROTC tuition scholarship with BC enhancements
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Federal Army ROTC scholarships typically pay full tuition and fees plus a book allowance and stipend; Boston College further provides a meal plan and senior-year housing for scholarship cadets, but students generally cannot have both ROTC funding and institutional merit applied to the same tuition charges.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the national Army ROTC scholarship application listing Boston College/Liberty Battalion and meet Army academic, medical, fitness, and service-commitment standards; students may also pursue campus-based ROTC scholarships once enrolled.
Selection criteria: National Army ROTC criteria weighing academic record, leadership, and physical fitness, plus BC’s Liberty Battalion program fit.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes full tuition and fees plus $1,200 per year for books and a $420 monthly stipend with BC adding a meal plan and senior housing; BC ROTC information and news coverage confirm that BC supplements federal Army ROTC scholarships with meal plans and, for seniors, housing on campus.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizens committed to an Army officer career who demonstrate strong academics, leadership, and physical fitness and successfully compete in national or campus selection.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Benigno & Corazon Aquino Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 28
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Competitive one-year award, typically in the range of a few thousand dollars, that can supplement need-based aid and other scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Aquino scholarship application through the BAIC with essays and supporting materials highlighting Asian or Asian American leadership, advocacy, and community involvement; participate in an interview if selected as a finalist.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and impact in Asian/Asian American communities along with academic performance.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table describes the Aquino Scholarship as a competitive award of several thousand dollars with an essay and interview process and a February 28 deadline; BC’s Aquino page highlights its focus on Asian and Asian American leadership and advocacy, with finalists invited to interviews.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving students who have demonstrated strong leadership and advocacy within Asian and Asian American communities on or off campus.
Full TuitionApp Requiredemploymentlegacy
FACHEX (Jesuit Tuition Exchange)
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition remission
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Tuition‑exchange benefit that can cover full BC tuition, but only for dependents of full‑time employees at Jesuit colleges in the FACHEX network; not available to the general public and highly limited.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides full tuition remission for a limited number of eligible dependents; cannot be combined with other BC tuition-remission or major merit awards.
📄
How to Apply
Have a parent employed in an eligible full-time position at a participating Jesuit institution, submit all required FACHEX certification through the parent’s home institution by November 1, and apply to Boston College by its admission deadlines; BC then evaluates certified applicants competitively for limited FACHEX tuition slots.
Selection criteria: Competitive selection among certified dependents, based on academic and other institutional criteria.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists FACHEX as a full-tuition remission program for children of Jesuit college employees with very limited availability and a November 1 certification deadline; BC’s FACHEX page confirms that certification must be submitted early and that awards are highly competitive and limited in number.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Children of full-time faculty or staff at Jesuit colleges and universities whose home institution certifies them for FACHEX and who are competitively selected by Boston College for one of a small number of tuition-remission spots.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Navy ROTC
📅 Deadline: January 31 (typical national NROTC scholarship deadline)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
ROTC tuition scholarship with BC enhancements
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
NROTC scholarships cover full tuition and fees plus a stipend and book allowance; Boston College additionally covers a meal plan and senior housing for scholarship Midshipmen, but institutional merit cannot also pay the same tuition charges.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for the national NROTC scholarship and list Boston College as your first-choice host or crosstown institution; meet Navy/Marine Option academic, fitness, and medical standards, then affiliate with BC’s NROTC unit upon enrollment.
Selection criteria: NROTC national selection standards focusing on academic metrics, fitness, leadership, and officer potential.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table describes full tuition, books, stipend, and BC-funded meal plan and senior housing; BC’s NROTC site outlines participation in the national scholarship program and notes benefits including tuition coverage, with BC providing additional support similar to Army ROTC enhancements.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizens who are academically strong, physically fit, and committed to serving as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps and who succeed in national NROTC selection.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
AHANA/Intercultural Scholarships
📅 Deadline: February 28
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards of about $2,200 per semester ($4,400 per year) can be combined with BC need-based grants, QuestBridge packages, and other aid without exceeding cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Participate in programs through the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center (BAIC) and submit the AHANA/Intercultural scholarship application with required essays by February 28.
Selection criteria: Holistic evaluation of leadership, service, and contribution to intercultural understanding at BC.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes approximately $2,200 per semester ($4,400 annually) for AHANA/Intercultural leaders with a February 28 deadline; BAIC materials describe competitive scholarships for students actively engaged in AHANA and intercultural initiatives, selected through an application process.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who show sustained leadership and service within AHANA and intercultural programs, contributing meaningfully to campus diversity and inclusion.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Saint Oscar A. Romero Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Applications due in early February; awards event around March 22 · 📢 Results: March (at Romero awards event)
Non-Renewable
$3,000–$40,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides up to $40,000 toward senior-year tuition for the primary Romero Scholar and smaller awards (often up to $3,000) for finalists; awards can be combined with existing financial aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
BC juniors of Hispanic/Latino heritage or service apply through BAIC with essays, recommendations, transcript, and evidence of leadership and service; selected finalists are interviewed, and the final award is announced at a March ceremony.
Selection criteria: Holistic evaluation of leadership, service to Hispanic/Latino communities, academic achievement, and interview performance among BC juniors.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes a top award of up to $40,000 for senior-year tuition plus finalist awards up to $3,000, with an application, essays, and interviews for BC juniors involved in Hispanic/Latino service; the Romero page details the competitive process, February deadlines, and March awards ceremony.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Boston College juniors with outstanding leadership and service to Hispanic/Latino communities, strong academic records, and compelling applications who are selected as Romero Scholar or finalists.
Full RideApp Requiredneed_basedexternal
QuestBridge National College Match
📅 Deadline: November 1 (BC Match consideration) · 📢 Results: December (Match decisions)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full demonstrated-need scholarship
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full demonstrated need including tuition, housing, meals, and mandatory fees; generally replaces institutional merit awards but can be supplemented with eligible outside scholarships according to BC financial aid policies.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the QuestBridge National College Match, rank Boston College, and submit all required Match materials by QuestBridge deadlines; if matched with BC, the student receives a BC financial aid package that meets full demonstrated need under QuestBridge terms.
Selection criteria: QuestBridge and BC jointly assess academic achievement, income/need, leadership, and personal background in a highly competitive national process.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes that BC’s QuestBridge National College Match covers full demonstrated need for four years and is renewable as long as the student’s financial need continues; BC’s QuestBridge page confirms that matched students receive a four-year, full-need financial aid package and that non-matched Finalists can still be considered for generous need-based aid in Regular Decision.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving, low-income students—often first-generation and with strong leadership and service—who are selected as QuestBridge Finalists and matched with Boston College in December.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award amounts and deadlines are based on current Boston College data; always check respective program pages as BC and national deadlines may shift year to year.
- Boston College Grants and Donor Scholarships — need-based; amounts vary; all admitted students who apply with FAFSA + CSS Profile are automatically considered
- First-Generation Support — no separate scholarship name, but covered through BC’s need-based grant program and QuestBridge partnership
- Clubs/Organizations/Band — no formal scholarship dollars; aid is need-based via package
Interested in QuestBridge? See our QuestBridge guide for tips, or the BC applicant page for details.
Hidden Gem FAQs
What is QuestBridge and how does it work at BC?
National College Match covers full need if matched and is renewable all four years as long as need remains.
Does ROTC really cover room and board?
At Boston College, Army and Navy ROTC add meal plan support and senior housing to the standard benefits.
When are ROTC and Yellow Ribbon deadlines?
ROTC deadlines are typically in January; Yellow Ribbon applications open each spring (March–May) for the coming fall.
How do AHANA and Aquino scholarships work?
Applications are due February 28; awards are modest but targeted toward active campus leaders each year.
Sources:
BC QuestBridge: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/admission/questbridge.html
Army ROTC: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/bcnews/faith-religion/jesuit-catholic/boston-college-army-rotc-meal-plan-2019.html
NROTC: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/sites/nrotc.html
Yellow Ribbon: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/offices/student-services/financial/undergraduate/veterans/gi-bill-yellow-ribbon.html
FACHEX: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/offices/student-services/financial/undergraduate/fachex.html
AHANA/BAIC: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/offices/bc-ahana.html
Aquino: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/offices/bc-ahana/aquino.html
Romero: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/offices/bc-ahana/romero.html
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical BC Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA in the 3.6–3.7+ range (3.7 for 2026 and later in some majors), rigorous course load, and strong faculty recommendations. Most departmental honors tracks require a thesis or senior capstone; Gabelli scholars also complete thesis work and intensive summer programs.
Perks That Matter:
Priority registration, small discussion seminars and advanced research coursework, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and in the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program, fully funded summer enrichment and a four-year leadership cohort. Most honors students also qualify for “Scholar of the College” thesis contest or awards in their major.
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
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.
Sources:
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.
Signature Program: The Carroll School of Management is consistently ranked among the top 10 undergraduate business schools in the U.S., with standout specialties in Finance (#7) and Business Analytics (#9).
- 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.
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.
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