Using quantitative and qualitative methods, the Institutional Research (IR) team collects and analyzes data which are used to monitor trends and/or provide targeted feedback about a particular program or campus issue. The IR team accomplishes these reporting efforts through a broad range of activities:
Serving as the official clearinghouse for information about Boston College and its constituents
Coordination of compliance reporting to external agencies, such as IPEDS
Preparation of the Boston College Fact Book
Administration of national and institutional surveys on a cyclical basis
Collection and analysis of data for department profiles and key indicators of progress
Management of the survey and focus group policy
Enrollment & Degree Highlights
The Enrollment & Degree Highlights flier is produced every fall in order to share enrollment numbers for the current year and degree numbers from the past academic year.
Fall 2023 Enrollment & Degree Highlights Flier
Previous Fliers
Comparison Institutions
Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) Data
Boston College Common Data Set
Common Data Sets from Previous Years
CIRP Freshman Survey
Population: First-year students
Last administered: Fall 2019
Administered by the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA, the CIRP Freshman Survey collects information on incoming first-year students’ background characteristics, high school experiences, attitudes, behaviors, and expectations for college. It is currently administered at BC during odd-numbered years.
National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
Population: First-year and senior students
Last administered: Spring 2023
The NSSE survey collects information on undergraduates’ participation in programs and activities related to student learning and personal development.
Boston College Undergraduate Experience Questionnaire (BCUEQ)
Population: Senior students
Last administered: Spring 2021
The BCUEQ surveys senior students on their college experiences, with particular focus on areas related to BC’s mission and educational goals.
College Senior Survey (CSS)
Population: Senior students
Last administered: Spring 2017
Administered by the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA, the CSS collects information on various aspects of senior students’ college experiences, attitudes, and perceptions as they leave college.
Student Experience Survey (SES)
Population: All undergraduate students
Last administered: Fall 2022
The SES survey collects information the Boston College student experience, both in and outside of the classroom. The survey askes a range of questions about university mission, community, culture, academics, and student services. This survey was designed by a university-wide committee of students, faculty, and administrators.
Faculty and Staff Experience Survey
Population: Faculty and staff
Last administered: Spring 2022
The Boston College’ Faculty and Staff Experience Survey collects information on employee attitudes and opinions regarding BC’s work environment and community characteristics, as well as employees’ general satisfaction and perceived opportunities for professional development. This survey is administered approximately every three years.
First Destinations Data/Post-Graduation Plans Survey (PGP)
Population: Graduating undergraduate students
Last administered: Spring through Fall 2022
The PGP survey, along with additional supplemental information gathered, comprises the Boston College’s First Destinations. The PGP survey is administered annually to the most recently graduating undergraduate class on their primary activity six months post-graduation.
Within the interactive detailed data, explore first destinations of graduates by school, major, industry, location, and more.
Previous Years' Reports
- Class of 2022 Executive Summary
- Class of 2022 Infographic
- Class of 2021 Executive Summary
- Class of 2021 Infographic
- Class of 2020 Executive Summary
- Class of 2020 Infographic
- Class of 2019 Executive Summary
- Class of 2019 Infographic
- Class of 2018 Executive Summary
- Class of 2018 Infographic
- Class of 2017 Executive Summary
- Class of 2017 Infographic
- Class of 2016 Executive Summary
- Class of 2015 Executive Summary
- Class of 2014 Executive Summary
- Class of 2013 Executive Summary
- Class of 2012 Executive Summary
- Class of 2011 Executive Summary
- Class of 2010 Executive Summary
Methodology
Boston College’s First Destinations data collection and reporting methodologies conform to the guidelines put forth by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
The Post-Graduation Plans survey is administered annually online from April through December to all members of the most recently graduated undergraduate class. Supplementary data is sourced from the National Student Clearinghouse, Boston College Carroll School of Management First Destination Survey, internal Boston College sources, and public data, resulting in a set of information that provides valuable data for faculty, administrators, and employers to better serve students in their career-planning activities.
Survey Rotation
The survey cycle displays the university-wide surveys administered by IR&P to specific Boston College community populations over several previous, current, and upcoming semesters.
Typically, two or three university-wide surveys are administered by IR&P to the Boston College community each semester and often reflect data collection requirements for compliance or accreditation reports. Additionally, about two additional university-wide surveys are administered each semester by IR&P at the request of Boston College departments.
Please contact Stephanie Chappe with any questions.