

As part of Boston College, Messina College combines the excellence of one of the nation’s best universities with a supportive small-school setting designed to assist first-generation students. Upon earning an associate’s degree, students will be qualified to enter the job market or apply to transfer to an accredited bachelor’s degree-granting institution, including one of BC’s undergraduate programs. Also, as full members of the BC community, students will be able to access the University’s facilities, programs, and events.
Our two-year associate’s degree program is designed to serve the needs of first-generation and low-income college students by giving them robust mentorship, financial support, and a range of academic and personal resources as they navigate the college experience.
Recruitment efforts target high schools in the greater Boston, Bridgewater/Brockton, Lawrence/Lowell, Springfield, and Worcester areas in Massachusetts, along with greater Providence in Rhode Island. While approximately 90% of Messina College students will hail from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, a limited number of students will enroll in Messina College after immediately attending high schools elsewhere in the United States.
Please note that Messina College is only open to students studying at secondary schools in the United States. If you are interested in our four-year undergraduate opportunities, you can find more information here.
Students will begin to apply in the Fall 2023 for enrollment to begin in Summer 2024.
Only graduating high school seniors may apply for admission, as enrolled students must be in high school immediately prior to attending Messina College. In building community through a residential cohort model, gap years and postponed enrollment will not be permitted.
The academic programs were designed with BC's undergraduate schools, and teachers will include new faculty as well as existing BC undergraduate professors.
Boston College is committed to providing access to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds by maximizing affordability and minimizing debt to ensure that admitted students can thrive in the Messina College program. The University’s financial aid policy is among the most generous in the nation, and Messina College students will be eligible for need-based financial aid regardless of citizenship status. For students with high levels of need, their institutional costs will be covered as part of their financial aid package. Students will also be provided with a BC laptop.
Messina College will be located on the Brookline Campus, about one mile from BC’s largest undergraduate campus in Chestnut Hill. A free shuttle will run regularly between the two campuses.
Messina College will provide housing for all enrolled students in its residence halls on the Brookline Campus. Students are required to live on campus for the entirety of their enrollment as Messina College students.
Yes, optional interviews will be offered to all admission applicants who submit a completed application to Messina College. Both in-person and virtual options will be offered, with in-person interviews taking place on the Brookline Campus, home to Messina College.
Interviews for Early Decision applicants will happen from the beginning of December until the middle of January. Interviews for Rolling Admission applicants will begin in the middle of January.