Scholarships & Merit Awards
If you’re a high achiever, Boston University wants to help you accomplish everything you possibly can. One of the ways we do so is through a wide variety of scholarships that cover some or all of your BU tuition and other fees.
Whether you excel at science or community service, are an outstanding artist or athlete or demonstrate leadership qualities or acting talent, you may be eligible for one of our scholarship programs.
Merit Awards
Last year, Boston University awarded more than $13 million in merit-based scholarships to entering freshmen. Most awards are for academic achievement, while others go to talented athletes, performers and artists.
BU has several kinds of academic scholarships. Some are offered for specific areas of study. For some, you must be nominated by your high school. For others, you need to apply directly. And for some scholarships, you don’t need to apply at all. Keep in mind that you can apply or be nominated for multiple scholarships at the same time.
Most merit-based awards don’t require that you have calculated financial eligibility or that you apply for financial aid; however, we strongly encourage you to complete the forms for need-based aid. Then, if you do receive a merit award, you’ll be considered for any supplementary financial aid for which you are eligible.
Merit scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years of study if you satisfactorily complete 12 credits each semester, maintain the annual grade point average specified in the award notification and remain in good disciplinary standing at the University.
University Residency Requirement: All students who receive University-funded scholarships equal to or greater than tuition are required to live on campus.
Eligibility
All merit awards and other scholarships, except the Trustee, Engineering and University Scholarships, are available only to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible non-citizens.
Scholarship recipients who defer their admission to Boston University forfeit their scholarship offer.
For more information about merit awards, please call Boston University Admissions at 617-353-2320.