Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing
Chestnut Hill, MA
Quick Facts
1947
Founded
600+
Enrollment
22%
Acceptance Rate
94%
NCLEX Pass Rate
About Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing
The William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College is one of the top-ranked nursing schools in the Northeast and the nation. As part of a prestigious Jesuit university, the school integrates rigorous scientific education with a commitment to social justice, ethics, and care for the whole person. Students train at some of Boston's finest healthcare institutions, including Boston College's clinical partner facilities, Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess, and community health organizations across Greater Boston.
The Connell School is recognized for its research in areas including global health, palliative care, health equity, aging, and psychiatric nursing. The school's Jesuit mission of service informs its curriculum, with students engaging in community health outreach, global immersion experiences, and interprofessional collaboration. The school's relatively small size within a large university provides a supportive, community-oriented environment while offering access to Boston College's full range of resources.
Degree Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A four-year pre-licensure program within the Jesuit liberal arts tradition, combining Boston College's core curriculum with nursing science and clinical training at premier Boston healthcare facilities.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Graduate programs with tracks in Adult-Gerontology NP, Family NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Women's Health NP.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A practice-focused doctoral program for advanced practice nurses emphasizing clinical leadership, evidence-based practice, and social justice in healthcare.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
A research-focused doctoral program preparing nurse scientists to conduct original research with a focus on improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Boston College Connell School of Nursing holds full CCNE accreditation for its BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, reflecting its standing as one of the premier Jesuit nursing schools in the country.
Campus & Online Options
The BSN program is on-campus at Boston College's Chestnut Hill campus with clinical rotations at major Boston hospitals and community health sites. Graduate programs include some hybrid elements, though the school emphasizes on-campus engagement. Clinical partnerships span the Greater Boston healthcare network.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
Undergraduate tuition at Boston College is approximately $62,000 per year. Graduate program tuition varies, with MSN programs at approximately $1,700 per credit hour. Boston College's financial aid program is robust, with many students receiving institutional grants.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Boston College offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal financial aid, and nursing-specific endowed awards. The Connell family endowment supports nursing scholarships. External funding includes the Nurse Corps Scholarship, Jonas Nurse Scholars, and Massachusetts nursing workforce programs.
Admissions Overview
Admission to the Connell School is competitive. Students apply to Boston College and select nursing as their intended major. The school uses holistic review, considering academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community service, and alignment with BC's Jesuit mission.
Application Deadline
January 3 for regular decision; November 1 for early decision
Requirements
- Strong academic record with emphasis on science courses
- SAT or ACT scores (test-optional available)
- Personal essays demonstrating commitment to nursing and service
- Two letters of recommendation
- Healthcare or community service experience recommended
- Interview not required but demonstrated interest is valued
Student Life
Boston College's Chestnut Hill campus offers a beautiful suburban setting just six miles from downtown Boston, accessible by the T (Boston's subway system). Nursing students participate in global immersion trips, community health outreach, the Student Nurses Association, and Jesuit service initiatives. Boston's world-class healthcare, cultural institutions, collegiate atmosphere, and professional networking opportunities make it one of the best cities in the country for nursing students.
Great for Future Travel Nurses
Boston College Connell School of Nursing graduates bring the combination of a rigorous Jesuit education and clinical training at some of Boston's finest hospitals to their travel nursing careers. The school's emphasis on ethics, social justice, and whole-person care produces nurses who connect with patients on a deeper level, a quality that facilities value highly in travel nurses. Clinical rotations across Boston's healthcare network expose students to diverse clinical settings and patient populations. Massachusetts's NLC membership allows graduates to practice across compact states, and Boston College's strong alumni network, one of the most loyal in higher education, provides valuable connections for travel nurses across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Travel Nursing Career?
A degree from Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing is a strong foundation. Explore travel nurse agencies and find your first assignment.