Organizer Information
Boston College is a private Jesuit, Catholic university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Its Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, including Art History, Film Studies, and Studio Art. These programs are housed within the Art, Art History, and Film Department.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Boston College
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: B.A.
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Film, Art History, Photography, Digital Media, Visual Arts
- Relevant Programs: Art History, Film Studies, Studio Art
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision, Spring First-Year
- Application Deadline: 1 November / 4 January, depending on admission plan
- Start of Studies: Fall or spring, depending on admission plan
- Application Fee: $85 for undergraduate applicants
- Tuition: $75,070 per year for undergraduate tuition in 2026–2027
- Funding: Need-based financial aid is available to eligible domestic students; international undergraduates should be prepared to finance the full cost.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Boston College's Art, Art History, and Film Department offers three undergraduate majors: Art History, Film Studies, and Studio Art. Studio Art covers areas including drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, graphic design, photography, printmaking, video, architecture, and digital image-making. Film Studies combines film history, theory, criticism, screenwriting, cinematography, production, exhibition, and digital editing.
- The relevant majors are offered through the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, where these programs lead to a B.A.
- No portfolio is required for general undergraduate admission. Students intending to major in Studio Art may submit artistic samples/portfolios through SlideRoom as an optional arts credential.
General Eligibility
- Boston College accepts international undergraduate applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International applicants follow the same general first-year application process, with additional English-proficiency requirements.
- Applicants to the undergraduate programs must submit a high/secondary school transcript. Boston College evaluates academic preparation, extracurricular involvement, teacher and counselor assessments, and written application materials.
- Students apply to one of Boston College's undergraduate academic divisions rather than directly to most individual majors. Art History, Film Studies, and Studio Art are housed in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences.
- Educational Background: Applicants must have completed secondary education for first-year admission. A final high school transcript or G.E.D. is required before enrollment.
Language Requirements
International applicants must submit TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores. Boston College lists recommended minimum scores of IELTS 7.5, Duolingo 130, or TOEFL iBT 100. The English-proficiency requirement may be waived under specified conditions, including native English-language status, qualifying English-language secondary education, or qualifying SAT/ACT English scores.
Application Fee
| Applicant Type | Application Fee | Billing Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate applicants | $85 | Once |
Boston College allows eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents to request an application-fee waiver through the Common Application when the fee creates financial hardship.
Tuition
| Study Level | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $75,070 | Per academic year | $1,354 mandatory fees; $670 first-year orientation fee; $50 first-year ID fee |
The 2026–2027 undergraduate tuition is $75,070. Boston College separately lists housing, food, insurance, and other charges; these are not included in the tuition figure above.
Funding & Financial Support
- Boston College provides need-based undergraduate financial aid and states that it meets the full demonstrated financial need of accepted domestic students. For 2026–2027, the university reports a need-based financial-aid budget exceeding $197.7 million and an average need-based aid package of $65,000.
- International undergraduate students are not eligible for Boston College need-based financial aid and should be prepared to finance the full cost of their education.
University Services & Academic Support
- The Art, Art History, and Film Department provides individual mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, studio-based study, and access to museum and cultural-institution experiences. Art History students can engage with the McMullen Museum of Art and cultural institutions in Boston, while Art History, Film Studies, and Studio Art majors have study-abroad opportunities.
- Studio Art majors complete a senior project, with senior students receiving private studio space for their guided independent projects and culminating public exhibition.
Application Requirements
For undergraduate admission, applicants must submit:
- Common Application
- Boston College Writing Supplement
- Official high/secondary school transcript
- School Report and Counselor Recommendation Form
- Two teacher evaluations
- Mid-Year Grade Report for Regular Decision applicants and Early Decision deferred candidates
- $85 application fee or eligible fee-waiver request
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results for international applicants
Optional: Students intending to major in Studio Art may submit artistic samples/portfolios through SlideRoom. Artistic samples are also available for students with relevant theater or music backgrounds.
SAT and ACT scores are optional under Boston College's test-optional policy.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal: Common Application
- Studio Art Optional Portfolio: Boston College SlideRoom
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision I: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision I Notification: 15 December 2026
- Early Decision II: 4 January 2027
- Early Decision II Notification: 15 February
- Regular Decision: 4 January 2027
- Regular Decision Notification: 1 April 2027
- Spring First-Year Application: 1 November 2026
- Spring First-Year Notification: 15 December 2026
- Studio Art Optional Portfolio — Early Decision I / QuestBridge: 1 November 2026
- Studio Art Optional Portfolio — Early Decision II / Regular Decision: 4 January 2027
Location
Boston College — Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States
Additional Details
- Boston College's undergraduate Art History, Film Studies, and Studio Art programs are B.A. programs within the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, rather than standalone professional art-school degrees. The Film Studies major includes both academic and production-oriented study, while Studio Art includes a substantial studio component and a senior exhibition project.
- The 2026–2027 admission requirements and financial figures above reflect Boston College's currently published information. Graduate admissions are administered separately and have program-specific requirements and fees; the relevant graduate programs should therefore be researched independently rather than generalized from undergraduate admissions.