Boston College

What are the graduation rates for students at Boston College?

Boston College demonstrates notably high graduation rates, placing it among the top institutions nationwide for student completion. The overall graduation rate stands at 91%, which is classified as very high and ranks within the top 5% of colleges. When examining graduation rates by gender, male students graduate at a rate of 89%, while female students graduate at a slightly higher rate of 93%, both also considered very high and within the top 5% percentile.

Further insight into the timing of degree completion shows an impressive four-year graduation rate of 88%, highlighting that a large majority of students finish their programs within the traditional timeframe. Additionally, the six-year graduation rate aligns with the overall rate at 91%, affirming consistent long-term student success at the institution.

Retention rates, a key indicator of ongoing student satisfaction and institutional support, are similarly strong. Boston College retains 95% of its students from one year to the next, a figure that is very high and places the university in the top 10% nationally for this metric. Such retention levels suggest robust academic advising, campus resources, and student engagement that encourage continued enrollment and progress toward graduation.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Boston College?

Graduates from Boston College experience a wide range of earnings depending on their field of study, revealing distinct variations in economic outcomes. Students who pursued degrees in computer-related fields tend to achieve the highest earnings, with graduates in Computer Science earning approximately $89,714 annually and those in Information Science/Studies earning around $69,748. Similarly, fields in healthcare and business also offer strong financial prospects, as evidenced by graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, who earn about $70,146, and those with degrees in Finance and Financial Management Services reporting earnings near $74,320.

Business disciplines overall show solid salary outcomes. Accounting and Related Services graduates earn close to $69,899, while those studying Business Administration, Management, and Operations average around $66,885. Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations graduates have an even higher median income at roughly $71,395. Additionally, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods graduates make about $64,987, and Marketing graduates earn approximately $58,593, all indicating strong earning potentials within business fields.

Among the social sciences and humanities, philosophy graduates report average earnings around $51,737, while those in Communication and Media Studies earn approximately $49,055. Students with degrees in Political Science and Government make around $45,951, and History graduates earn roughly $45,345 annually. These figures highlight moderate income opportunities within these areas of study.

Other science-based fields show moderate earnings, with Mathematics graduates earning about $61,790, Economics graduates approximately $64,785, and Biology degrees yielding about $38,609. Psychology graduates, depending on specialization, earn between $37,262 (general) and $41,046 (clinical/counseling/applied psychology). Meanwhile, graduates in International/Global Studies report average earnings near $39,636, and those in Natural Resources Conservation and Research earn roughly $39,874.

Lower median earnings are noted in the humanities and arts, with English Language and Literature graduates earning about $36,672 and Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates earning approximately $27,539. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates earn around $34,995, illustrating the varying economic returns across more specialized scientific and artistic fields.