A Legacy of Academic Excellence
Boston College (BC) and College of the Holy Cross (HC) stand as beacons of Jesuit education in the northeastern United States. Founded in 1863 and 1843, respectively, these prestigious institutions share a commitment to rigorous academics, faith-based values, and a vibrant student life.
Similarities and Differences
While BC and HC share many similarities, there are also key differences that distinguish them.
Similarities:
- Jesuit Affiliation: Both universities are Jesuit institutions, guided by the Ignatian principles of academic excellence, cura personalis (care for the whole person), and service to others.
- Liberal Arts Focus: Both prioritize a well-rounded liberal arts education, offering a diverse curriculum in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Strong Academics: Both rank consistently among the top liberal arts colleges in the country, with BC ranked in the top 50 national universities by U.S. News & World Report and HC in the top 100.
Differences:
- Location: BC is located in the vibrant city of Boston, while HC is situated in the peaceful town of Worcester, Massachusetts.
- Size: BC is a larger institution with an undergraduate enrollment of over 9,000 students, while HC is smaller with approximately 2,900 undergraduates.
- Athletics: BC is a member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), while HC competes in the Patriot League of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Academic Programs
Boston College
- Undergraduate Programs: Over 50 majors across the Arts and Sciences, Connell School of Nursing, Lynch School of Education, and Carroll School of Management.
- Graduate Programs: Master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees in a wide range of fields, including business, law, education, and theology.
- Special Programs: Honors College, Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO), and Experiential Learning.
College of the Holy Cross
- Undergraduate Programs: 32 majors in the Departments of Arts and Sciences, Classics, and Religious Studies, with interdisciplinary programs.
- Graduate Programs: Master’s degrees in Data Science, Education, and Speech-Language Pathology.
- Special Programs: First Year Seminar (FYS), Study Abroad Programs, and Civic Engagement Programs.
Campus Life
Boston College
- Student Life: Over 300 student clubs and organizations, including athletic teams, performance groups, and service organizations.
- Residential Life: 10 residential halls and freshman learning communities.
- Athletics: NCAA Division I athletics in over 30 varsity sports, including a renowned football program.
College of the Holy Cross
- Student Life: Over 150 student clubs and organizations, including a strong emphasis on community service.
- Residential Life: Five traditional residence halls and two mixed-gender residential halls.
- Athletics: NCAA Division I athletics in over 20 varsity sports, with a strong men’s basketball program.
Notable Alumni
Boston College
- Douglas Brinkley, historian and author
- John Kerry, former U.S. Secretary of State
- Matt Ryan, NFL quarterback
- Kerry Washington, actress
- Tip O’Neill, former Speaker of the House
College of the Holy Cross
- Michael Barber, former CEO of KPMG
- Michael Patrick MacDonald, Archbishop of San Francisco
- Tom Glavine, MLB Hall of Fame pitcher
- Katherine McNamara, actress
- J.P. Morgan, financier and philanthropist
Funding and Financial Aid
Boston College
- Endowed Assets: $4.7 billion
- Tuition and Fees: $62,544
- Financial Aid: Over $220 million awarded in financial aid annually
College of the Holy Cross
- Endowed Assets: $750 million
- Tuition and Fees: $60,120
- Financial Aid: Over $100 million awarded in financial aid annually
Rankings and Accolades
Boston College
- U.S. News & World Report: #44 in National Universities
- Forbes: #46 in Top Colleges
- Bloomberg Businessweek: #34 in Best Business Schools
College of the Holy Cross
- U.S. News & World Report: #85 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Forbes: #54 in Top Colleges
- Princeton Review: #1 in Best College Food
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Between BC and HC
- Not considering your preferred location: BC’s urban setting and HC’s suburban location offer different lifestyles.
- Focusing too much on size and prestige: While both BC and HC are excellent institutions, their size and reputation should not be the only factors in your decision.
- Not researching the specific academic programs you’re interested in: BC and HC offer different course offerings, so it’s important to ensure that your interests are well-represented.
- Ignoring the cost and financial aid: Determine the true cost of attendance and explore financial aid options before making a decision.
- Not visiting both campuses: A campus visit is essential to experience the culture and atmosphere of each university firsthand.
Conclusion
Boston College and Holy Cross are outstanding Jesuit universities that offer a transformative educational experience. While they share many similarities, their unique characteristics will appeal to different students. By carefully considering your academic goals, campus preferences, and personal values, you can choose the institution that is the best fit for you.