Education with a heart and soul
Boston College, by the numbers
9,677
Undergraduate enrollment
5,150
Graduate enrollment
12.7%
Undergraduate acceptance rate
36th
U.S. News ranking among national universities
A Leader in Formative Education
At Boston College, student formation is an intentional approach to helping students become their most authentic selves: intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Grounded in the ideals that inspired our Jesuit founders, we urge students to look inward but always to reach out—to develop their minds and talents to the fullest and use them in service to others.
BC Basics
Origin
Founded in Boston's South End in 1863.
Colors
Maroon and Gold
Motto
"Ever to Excel" from Book Six of The Illiad
Mascot
The Eagle
Boston College Traditions
ALC Showdown
ALC Showdown brings Boston College’s 17 dance teams to Conte Forum for an electric competition and cultural showcase. Each team battles it out on stage, all while raising funds for the charities they champion.
Beanpot
Since 1952, teams from BC, BU, Harvard, and Northeastern have competed for hockey dominance in this legendary two-week tournament.
Christmas Tree Lighting
BC kicks off the Christmas season with a tree lighting ceremony featuring festive performances, games, and a chance to take a selfie with Santa.
Convocation
Freshman Eagles begin their BC journey with the traditional “first flight”—a torch-led procession down the Higgins stairs to Conte Forum for an inspiring guest speaker.
Marathon Monday
Located on Mile 21 of the Boston Marathon, BC hosts its annual Mile 21 concert, breakfast, food vendors, interactive activities, and cheer section as runners make their way to the finish line.
Mass of the Holy Spirit
A Jesuit tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, the Mass of the Holy Spirit brings the BC community together to mark the opening of the school year.
Mudstock and Modstock
Mudstock and Modstock combine high-energy competition, community spirit, and live music in a celebration of the last day of classes and the close of the academic year.
Red Bandanna Game & 5K
Every year, the BC community honors the memory of alumnus and 9/11 hero Welles Remy Crowther ’99 with a 5k “Red Bandanna Race” and a dedicated football and lacrosse game.
Student Involvement Fair
This annual fair gives incoming students a chance to explore the more than 300 diverse organizations, programs, and offices on campus.
'America's college town'
There's no better place to be a student than Boston, an internationally renowned hub for higher education, health care, business, and technology. Complemented by a vibrant art, music, dining, and sports scene, it's a city alive with energy and new ideas.