In a significant achievement for architectural education, The Boston Architectural College (BAC) has been ranked as the 4th best architecture college in America by Niche, out of 240 institutions. Only Cornell University, Rice University, and Washington University in St. Louis ranked higher. Following BAC in the rankings are other prestigious institutions, including SCIArc, UC Berkeley, Yale University, the University of Southern California, Virginia Tech, and Carnegie Mellon showcasing BAC's elite standing among the nation's top architecture schools.
This ranking positions the BAC as the highest-ranking independent architecture and design school in the country and the top architecture institution in New England, surpassing MIT at #13 and the Rhode Island School of Design at #17. The BAC is also the most diverse top-ranking institution in the country.
This prestigious recognition highlights the BAC’s unique distinction of combining excellence with access to diverse communities through its inclusive and transfer admissions policy.
President Mahesh Daas expressed his pride in the accomplishment, stating, "The BAC has been known as a 135-year-old startup for its long legacy of innovation, relevance, partnerships, and commitment to social justice. I am thrilled that our BAC to the Future vision and strategic plan has undertaken transformational initiatives in expanding access to diverse communities and has achieved the well deserved recognition for excellence. There is no other institution which can combine access and excellence so well. ”
This accolade highlights the unwavering dedication of BAC's faculty, staff, and trustees in upholding unparalleled standards of academic excellence and enriching the student experience. Our commitment to innovation is deeply rooted in our core values of design, empathy, excellence, inclusion, and resilience.
"While I like to think that the BAC is beyond ranking, this does cement the BAC's position as a counterpoint to the status quo of the typical higher education institutions. At the BAC, we challenge the traditional models of architectural education and continuously reinvent ourselves," President Daas added.
President Mahesh Daas awards an Honorary Doctorate to acclaimed Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao at Boston Architectural College's 2024 Commencement. Bilbao expressed gratitude, stating, "Receiving such a distinction is both an honor and a responsibility, for which I am truly thankful."
The Niche College Rankings provide a novel and comprehensive analysis of academic, admissions, diversity, faculty, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. Within this framework, the BAC's dedication to nurturing future designers is unmistakable, and evident in its innovative and inclusive approach to education. The institution fosters a supportive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can flourish. As the first institution to offer an accredited online design degree for over 20 years, the BAC has been a pioneer in online, entrepreneurial, and immersive education boasting the largest faculty body and smallest student-faculty ratio at an architecture institution nationwide.
World-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind receives an honorary doctorate from The Boston Architectural College at the 2023 Commencement. "It's an honor to be invited as the commencement speaker and receive this degree," said Mr. Libeskind. "This will be an inspired generation of architects...with the goal of making the world a better place to live."
Founded in 1889, The Boston Architectural College stands as a leading institution in spatial design in the world. Renowned for its diverse student body representing all 50 states and over 54 countries, the BAC offers bachelor and graduate degrees in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, construction robotics, artificial intelligence, design for human health, historic preservation, sustainable design, and urban design, alongside continuing education and pre-college programs. Embracing inclusive admission, transfer-friendliness, diversity, and innovation, the BAC fosters a community of dedicated faculty and students committed to both academic excellence and practical experience.
Looking ahead, the BAC continues its journey of excellence in architectural education, setting new standards, inspiring future innovators, and embracing entrepreneurship within the fields of design.
Renowned architect, educator, and practitioner Billie Tsien received an honorary doctorate at The Boston Architectural College's 2022 Commencement. Reflecting on the occasion, she noted, "I have long admired the teaching process at the BAC, which combines practical experience with studio learning. Students not only learn to solve problems but also to envision new solutions. It's an education of both roots and wings."
The #BACbuzz blog will help to inform, educate, and share relevant and noteworthy architectural and design news happening within the Boston Architectural College and around the Boston community.
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