BC among safest U.S. colleges

Boston College is among the safest college campuses in the United States, according to a national company that creates global and American-centric rankings of higher education in academic and non-academic categories.

Academic Influence ranked BC 12th in its recent study, “The Safest Colleges in America: Top 15 Campuses & Cities,” published in December. According to its website, Academic Influence is a team of academics and data scientists “working to provide an objective, non-gameable, influence-based ranking for the people, schools, and disciplinary programs that make up higher education.”

In evaluating each institution’s safety, the study considered factors such as compliance with the Clery Act—which requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence, and publicly outline campus safety policies and procedures—security officers on campus; blue light emergency phone stations; escort services; shuttles for students; surveillance systems/technology; mental health offices; and lighting maintenance. The capsule profiles for each of the safest top 15 colleges and universities offer a sampling of crimes and incidents reported, and highlight some campus safety measures and resources.  

BC’s crime rate per 1,000 students is 21.03, according to Academic Influence, compared to the national average of 41.02. The University reported crimes such as drug offenses, aggravated assaults, and burglaries in 2021, the study said. Burglaries decreased by 50 percent between 2020 and 2021, and after a slight rise in 2022 went back down in 2023.

BC complies with the Clery Act, the study reported, and has several initiatives, guidelines, and protocols to guarantee safety: “Since the campus is private property, it is forbidden to trespass or solicit. After regular business hours, buildings are secured and Boston College Police officers frequently check external doors.” Academic Influence also noted the University’s proximity to Newton, where violent crime and property crime rates are below national averages.

Purdue University—with a crime rate of 1.60 per 1,000 students—was ranked first in the study, followed by the University of Idaho, Brigham Young University, Bridgewater State University (Mass.), and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst; Tufts University placed 11th. The universities of Rhode Island (14th) and New Hampshire (15th) were the other New England institutions that made the top 15.

“It’s most encouraging to see the University’s public safety efforts recognized on a national scale,” said Boston College Executive Director of Public Safety and Police Chief William Evans. “At BC, we all strive to make our campus a very welcoming and safe environment, where students can enjoy their college experience and receive an outstanding education steeped in Jesuit values.”

Find the full study here.