| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Founded: 1889
Type: Private, Non-Profit
Specialization: Architecture & Design
Boston Architectural College (BAC) is a prestigious institution dedicated to architecture, design, and spatial planning. It is known for its practice-based education model, which integrates classroom learning with real-world work experience.
BAC offers undergraduate and graduate programs in:
Architecture (B.Arch & M.Arch) – NAAB Accredited
Interior Architecture & Design
Landscape Architecture
Design Studies
Sustainable Design (Online programs available)
Work-Integrated Learning: BAC students work in architectural firms while studying.
Flexible Programs: Evening & online courses for working professionals.
Strong Industry Connections: Located in Boston, a hub for architecture and design.
Diverse Student Body: Welcomes international students with specialized support.
Acceptance Rate: ~ 100% (Open Admission Policy)
Requirements: Portfolio (for some programs), Transcripts, English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for international students)
Application Fee: $50
Undergraduate Tuition: ~$22,144 per year
Graduate Tuition: Varies by program (~$24,000–$28,000 per year)
Scholarships & Financial Aid Available
Program |
Degree |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
Architecture |
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) |
5 years (NAAB Accredited) |
|
Interior Architecture |
Bachelor of Interior Architecture (BIA) |
4 years |
|
Design Studies |
Bachelor of Design Studies (BDS) |
4 years |
|
Landscape Architecture |
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) |
4 years |
Program |
Degree |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
Architecture |
Master of Architecture (M.Arch) |
2-3.5 years (NAAB Accredited) |
|
Interior Architecture |
Master of Interior Architecture (MIA) |
2-3 years |
|
Landscape Architecture |
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) |
2-3 years |
|
Design Studies |
Master of Design Studies (MDS) |
1-2 years |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) |
5 Years |
$22,144 |
|
Bachelor of Interior Architecture (BIA) |
4 Years |
$22,144 |
|
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) |
4 Years |
$22,144 |
|
Bachelor of Design Studies (BDS) |
4 Years |
$22,144 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Architecture (M.Arch) |
2-3.5 Years |
$24,144 |
|
Master of Interior Architecture (MIA) |
2-3 Years |
$24,144 |
|
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) |
2-3 Years |
$24,144 |
|
Master of Design Studies (MDS) |
1-2 Years (Online) |
$24,144 |
Work-Integrated Learning – BAC's Practice-Based Education model allows students to work in architectural firms while studying.
Flexible Study Options – Evening, hybrid, and online courses available.
Located in Boston – One of the top U.S. cities for architecture, culture, and career opportunities.
Diverse Community – International students from over 35 countries.
STEM-Eligible Programs – Some programs qualify for OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension.
BAC offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including:
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) – NAAB Accredited
Master of Architecture (M.Arch) – NAAB Accredited
Bachelor & Master of Interior Architecture
Bachelor & Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Design Studies (MDS) – Online Specializations Available
F-1 Student Visa Required
Eligible for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) during studies
Eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation
Some STEM-designated programs allow OPT extension (up to 3 years work authorization)
BAC offers undergraduate, graduate, and online programs in:
Architecture (B.Arch, M.Arch)
Interior Architecture (BIA, MIA)
Landscape Architecture (BLA, MLA)
Design Studies (BDS, MDS – Online Specializations Available)
Requirement |
Undergraduate (B.Arch, BIA, BLA, BDS) |
Graduate (M.Arch, MIA, MLA, MDS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Application Fee |
$50 |
$50 |
|
Transcripts |
High school diploma or equivalent |
Bachelor's degree in a related field |
|
English Proficiency (For International Students) |
TOEFL (79 iBT) / IELTS (6.5) / Duolingo (105) |
TOEFL (79 iBT) / IELTS (6.5) / Duolingo (105) |
|
Portfolio |
Required for B.Arch, BIA, BLA |
Required for M.Arch, MIA, MLA |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Required |
Required |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Not required |
1-2 (varies by program) |
Note: Some programs may have additional requirements, such as prerequisite courses or work experience for graduate applicants.
Apply online via the.
Upload all required documents, including transcripts, portfolio (if required), and essays.
Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
The admissions committee reviews applications holistically.
Some graduate programs may require an interview via Zoom or phone.
If accepted, BAC will send an offer letter with next steps.
International students will receive the I-20 form for an F-1 Student Visa application.
To secure your spot, confirm enrollment and pay the required deposit.
International students must apply for an F-1 Student Visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
Visa Process: Schedule a U.S. visa appointment after receiving the I-20 form.
Housing: BAC does not offer on-campus housing, so students should arrange off-campus accommodation in Boston.
Health Insurance: All students must have health insurance (international students must enroll in a U.S. health plan).
Boston Architectural College (BAC) follows a rolling admissions policy, meaning applications are accepted throughout the year. However, it is recommended to apply by the following deadlines:
Intake |
Application Deadline |
Semester Start |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake |
July 1 |
Late August / Early September |
|
Spring Intake |
November 1 |
January |
BAC does not offer a Summer intake for most programs.
International students should apply early to allow time for visa processing.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
High school diploma (or equivalent) |
|
GPA Requirement |
No minimum GPA, but a 2.5+ GPA is recommended |
|
Portfolio |
Required for B.Arch, BIA, BLA (Not required for BDS) |
|
English Proficiency (International Students) |
TOEFL: 79 iBT, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 105 |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Required |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Not required |
Note: SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree in a related field |
|
GPA Requirement |
3.0+ GPA recommended (No strict minimum) |
|
Portfolio |
Required for M.Arch, MIA, MLA (Not required for MDS) |
|
English Proficiency (International Students) |
TOEFL: 79 iBT, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 105 |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Required |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
1-2 (varies by program) |
|
Work Experience |
Recommended but not mandatory |
Note: The Master of Design Studies (MDS) is available fully online, making it a flexible option for international students.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Renewability |
Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BAC Entrance Scholarship |
New undergraduate & graduate students with strong academic records |
$2,000 - $5,000 |
One-time |
Automatic consideration upon admission |
|
Merit-Based Scholarships |
High-achieving students in any BAC program |
N/A |
Renewable based on academic performance |
Automatic consideration |
|
BAC Diversity Scholarship |
Students from underrepresented backgrounds in architecture & design |
N/A |
Renewable |
Requires separate application & essay |
|
BAC Need-Based Scholarship |
Students demonstrating financial need |
(depends on FAFSA for U.S. students) |
Renewable |
Submit FAFSA (for U.S. students) or financial documents (for international students) |
|
Alumni Association Scholarship |
Current BAC students with outstanding academic & professional achievements |
N/A |
One-time |
Requires separate application |
|
BAC International Student Scholarship |
Awarded to international students with academic excellence |
N/A |
Renewable |
Automatic consideration upon admission |
|
External Architecture & Design Scholarships |
Offered by organizations like AIA, NAAB, and other architectural foundations |
$1,000 - $10,000 |
N/A |
Apply separately via external sources |
Facility |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Back Bay area) |
|
Campus Size |
Urban campus with modern academic buildings |
|
Key Buildings |
320 Newbury Street (Main Campus), 951 Boylston Street |
|
Libraries & Study Spaces |
The BAC Library with digital & print resources, 24/7 study spaces |
|
Design Studios & Labs |
Equipped with 3D printers, fabrication labs, digital modeling software |
|
Student Lounge & Cafeteria |
Multiple lounges; No on-campus cafeteria (cafés & restaurants nearby) |
|
Fitness & Recreation |
No gym on campus; students access Boston’s fitness centers |
|
Public Transport Access |
Near subway (MBTA Green Line), buses, and bike-sharing stations |
Housing Type |
Location |
Estimated Cost per Month (USD) |
Estimated Cost per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shared Apartment (2-3 roommates) |
Near BAC (Back Bay, Fenway, Cambridge) |
$800 - $1,500 |
$9,600 - $18,000 |
|
Studio Apartment (Single Occupancy) |
Boston area (Back Bay, Fenway, Brookline) |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
$18,000 - $30,000 |
|
Homestay (With Host Family) |
Boston Suburbs |
$900 - $1,200 (includes meals) |
$10,800 - $14,400 |
|
Student Housing (Private Dorms) |
Managed by external companies (like Urban Campus & Stay) |
$1,200 - $2,000 |
$14,400 - $24,000 |
Expense |
Estimated Cost per Year (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.) |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
Food & Dining |
$3,000 - $6,000 |
|
Public Transportation (MBTA Pass) |
~$1,320 ($110 per month) |
|
Health Insurance (Required for International Students) |
~$3,000 |
|
Personal & Miscellaneous |
$2,000 - $5,000 |
At BAC, education follows a practice-based learning model, meaning students work in architectural firms and design studios while studying. This hands-on experience allows students to build strong professional networks before graduation. The college provides state-of-the-art design studios, fabrication labs, and digital tools to enhance creativity and technical skills.
BAC offers several student-led organizations and clubs, including:
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) – For aspiring architects to connect and participate in national events.
International Students Association – Supports international students with networking, cultural exchange, and workshops.
Sustainability Club – Focuses on green design and environmental initiatives.
BAC NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students) – Promotes diversity in architecture and design.
Student Government Association (SGA) – Represents student interests and organizes social activities.
BAC students participate in various workshops, exhibitions, and design competitions. The school regularly hosts:
Guest Lectures & Panel Discussions featuring well-known architects and designers.
Annual Student Design Showcase where students present their projects.
Networking Events & Career Fairs with industry professionals.
Social Mixers & Community Service Events to build connections and give back to the community.
Boston’s historic architecture, museums, and cultural festivals provide additional opportunities for students to explore, learn, and get inspired.
Boston is one of the best cities for students, offering a rich cultural scene, vibrant nightlife, and countless opportunities for professional growth. Some highlights include:
Outdoor Activities – Parks, walking trails, and waterfronts for relaxation.
Public Transport (MBTA) – Easy access to all parts of the city, making commuting simple.
Cafés & Restaurants – A mix of affordable eateries and high-end dining options.
Historical Landmarks – Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and MIT/Harvard campuses nearby.
Due to its strong industry connections, BAC students often get internships and jobs in top architecture firms while still in school. Many programs at BAC are STEM-designated, allowing international students to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions after graduation.
BAC does not offer traditional campus placements like engineering schools, but it provides strong career support through:
Practice-Based Learning – Students must work in professional firms while studying, which helps them build a strong portfolio.
Career Services – The college provides resume-building workshops, job fairs, and networking events.
Strong Industry Connections – BAC is well-connected with architectural firms in Boston and beyond.
Internship & Job Opportunities – Many students get full-time job offers from the firms where they intern.
Graduates from BAC often work in:
Top Architecture Firms – Gensler, Perkins+Will, HOK, Sasaki, etc.
Urban Planning & Development – Working with government agencies, real estate developers, etc.
Sustainable Design & Green Architecture – Many firms focus on sustainable architecture.
Interior Design & Landscape Architecture – Opportunities in specialized design firms.
Architectural Designer: $55,000–$75,000 per year
Interior Designer: $50,000–$70,000 per year
Landscape Architect: $55,000–$80,000 per year
Boston Architectural College (BAC) has an acceptance rate of nearly 100%, meaning it has an open admissions policy for most programs. The college focuses on providing opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds, including those with non-traditional academic paths.
Inclusive Admissions – BAC prioritizes students' passion for architecture and design over strict academic requirements.
Portfolio Not Required – Unlike many architecture schools, BAC does not require a portfolio for admission.
Practice-Based Education – Since students gain work experience while studying, the school is open to those willing to engage in real-world learning.
320 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
