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Boston College Scholarships & Financial Aid 2020-2021

By Will Geiger
Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University. Full Bio
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Posted: May 7th, 2022

Boston College is a medium-sized research university that is not technically located in Boston. Instead, the campus is actually in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts (which is right outside of Boston). Boston College is a member of the Atlantic Athletic Conference and competes at a high-level athletically. Boston College also offers strong financial aid opportunities to incoming freshman students.

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Keep on reading to learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities at Boston College!

Boston College tuition & cost

As a private institution, Boston College’s rates for tuition are the same for both in-state and out-of-state residents. You can see the most current tuition rates on the BC financial aid website.

Boston College merit scholarships

The majority of BC financial aid is dedicated to their need-based financial aid program. This is how BC is able to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for every single student who is admitted.

With this said, BC offers one merit scholarship and it is a big one! Keep on reading to learn more!

Boston College Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program

Boston College offers only one merit scholarship program (the majority of their financial aid is dedicated to need-based aid).  While small in the number of awards, the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program is very generous.  Each Presidential Scholar receives a full tuition merit scholarship at Boston College (regardless of financial need).  Each year, Boston College awards 15 students the Presidential Scholarship Program (PSP).

Frequently asked questions about the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program

Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this scholarship program.

Is there a separate application for this scholarship? 

No, students just apply to BC under the Early Action application process.

What is the deadline?

 The deadline is Boston College’s EA deadline of November 1.

Is there a minimum GPA or test scores? 

No, but applications are in the top 1-2% of the national pool of applicants

Is there an interview required?  

Yes, finalists are notified between December 18-20th and invited to a Scholars Program Weekend at BC.  Finalists are typically notified in March.

BC need-based financial aid

Boston College meets full demonstrated need for all students applying for financial aid. This means that the difference between your estimated family contribution (or EFC) and the total cost of attendance will be completely covered in your financial aid package. This package can include grants that do not need to be repaid, as well as student loans and work study.

In order to be eligible for need-based scholarships, students must submit the CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA).

Key next steps for students

  • To estimate financial aid, complete the Net Price Calculator.
  • Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile to apply for need-based aid.
  • To qualify for merit scholarships, students may need to submit an additional application (depending on the specific merit scholarship).