Financial Information

Tuition, fees, residence and board charges, and any previous balance must be paid in full each semester before the payment deadline; missed payments and deadlines will result in late fees. Invoices are mailed to registered students’ permanent addresses several weeks before the start of the semester. Payments made in advance of registration should be directed to Student Accounting Services, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-1390.

The University does not accept credit cards as payment of tuition, fees, room and board, or the like. Checks must be made payable to Boston University.

Although the University does not offer its own deferred payment plan for full-time students, parents may arrange for financing through private agencies. This should be done well before the start of the academic year. Information on such plans may be obtained by contacting Student Accounting Services, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-1390; 617-353-2264. The Office of Financial Assistance, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, also provides information on meeting college costs in its booklet, Financing Options for Your Education.

Deposits made on acceptance of the University’s offer of admission are credited to the student’s semester bill.

The University assumes no liability for failure to provide educational or related services arising from causes beyond the reasonable control of the University. The University will exert reasonable efforts to provide comparable or substantially equivalent services, but its inability to do so shall not subject it to liability. The Trustees of the University reserve the right to change tuition rates, fees, and residence and board charges at their discretion when it is deemed advisable.

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Tuition and Mandatory Fees

It has been and remains the policy of Boston University to withhold all diplomas, degrees, official transcripts, and other official recognition of work done at the University from students with respect to whom there are any outstanding overdue debts to the University, including, but not limited to, amounts owed in satisfaction of tuition, loan agreements, fees, and charges as well as monies owed for occupancy in University-owned or -operated residences and for dining service. No student may withdraw from the University in good standing or graduate from the University unless all current obligations to the University are paid in full.

The following rates apply through August 2008:

Full-time Students (those enrolled for 12 to 18 credits, except DMin): $14,560 per year; Community Service/Program fee: $90.

Part-time Students (those enrolled for ½ to 11½ credits, except DMin and special nondegree): $455 per credit

Other fees: Health fee $164 per year; Graduation fee $30; GSU fee $186 per year.

DMin (full- and part-time): $1,700 per semester course (4 credits) or $425 per credit

Part-time Special Students (Nondegree candidates and student spouses who are not degree candidates — ½ to 11½ credits): $455 per credit

Continuing Students DMin students not registered for courses or on a formal leave of absence: $425 per semester

Medical Insurance

The 2007/2008 cost for full-time students (U.S. citizens and international) is $1,412 per year.

Massachusetts law requires all students carrying at least 75 percent of the full-time curriculum to be covered under a qualifying medical insurance plan. If the student does not wish to participate in the Boston University Medical Insurance plan, he or she must annually file a Medical Insurance Waiver form that certifies coverage under a comparable medical insurance plan. The Medical Insurance Waiver form should be returned to Student Accounting Services, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-1390. The medical insurance can also be waived by students when visiting the Boston University Student Link website.

Part-time students are also eligible to purchase the medical insurance. For information, contact Student Accounting Services, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-1390.

The insurance premium is subject to change.

Other Expenses

The estimated cost of books and supplies is $1,224 for graduate students. Approximately $3,004 for graduate students should be allowed for incidental expenses, which vary with individual circumstances, such as transportation, laundry, clothing, recreation, and miscellaneous expenditures.

Following are other charges that may form part of the cost of attending Boston University:

Application for Admission $70

Transcripts To request an academic transcript of grades and coursework, a student should submit a Transcript Request form to the Office of the University Registrar. Letter requests will be honored if they are signed and give complete information about attendance, including enrollment dates, College(s) of registration, and degree(s) earned. Official transcripts are mailed approximately two weeks after receipt of the request. The transcript fee is $5 per copy, and payment must accompany the request. For transcripts sent express mail, add $11 per address. The express mail charge is subject to change depending on the carrier used. Unofficial transcripts for student use may be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Replacement of Student Identification Cards $30

Binding and Microfilming of Thesis and Dissertation Candidates for the degrees of MSM, STM, DMin, and ThD who submit a thesis or dissertation are required to pay for binding. ThD dissertations must also be microfilmed, and one copy must be deposited with the School of Theology Library. The School of Theology makes the necessary arrangements for this service and charges the candidate a fee to cover the cost. Initial costs can range from $15 to $90.

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FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

General Information

The goal of the financial aid program at the Boston University School of Theology is to assist the student in finding ways to meet basic educational costs while attending the School. Qualified students are encouraged to apply for financial aid at the School of Theology and also seek aid from denominational agencies, local churches, and other sources outside the School.

The School of Theology accepts and applies the principles of student financial aid approved by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. Most accredited seminaries follow these principles as the most fair guide to distribution of financial aid. Their application helps to eliminate financial considerations as a primary reason for choosing a theological school.

All students who meet the minimum qualifications for eligibility may apply for financial aid. Qualifications include financial need, merit, academic standing, and registration for at least 8 credit hours. Doctor of Ministry students and Special Students are not eligible to receive financial aid. All School of Theology students benefit from reduced tuition at Boston University.

To qualify for full-time financial aid, a student must register for 12 to 18 credit hours per semester. Partial assistance may be awarded to degree candidates who register for 8 to 11 credit hours per semester. Students who register for more than 18 credit hours must pay an extra per-credit charge. Aid is not awarded to assist in paying for overload credits (in excess of 18 per semester). No student registered for less than 8 credit hours is eligible to receive financial aid.

All scholarships, fellowships, and awards are subject to satisfactory academic progress, need, financial aid eligibility documentation, and the availability of funds. The School of Theology maintains a rolling admissions policy, which means that there is no cut-off date for acceptance into the School. However, it is in the student’s best interest to be admitted to the School of Theology as soon as possible. Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application for Financial Aid

Students first indicate that they need financial aid at the School of Theology by checking off the box in the “Financial Aid” section on the School of Theology Application for Admission. After acceptance into the School, a student receives the necessary financial aid application materials from the Office of Registration and Financial Aid at the School of Theology. New student deadlines are July 15 for fall and December 1 for spring. Returning students must apply by June 15 for the fall semester.

The School of  Theology Financial Aid Application can be completed online via the School of Theology.

Required Documentation

Two documents are required to satisfy the financial aid process at Boston University School of Theology. First, the student must have the results of his or her most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) sent to Boston University, Title IV code 002130. Students are encouraged to file their FAFSA using the Web link www.fafsa.ed.gov. Several weeks are often necessary for the completion of this requirement, so the student should plan accordingly. Second, the student should send in the completed Financial Aid Application Form, making sure to indicate which forms of aid are being applied for. This form is sent to all applicants for admission who request it; otherwise, a copy may be downloaded from the Admissions section of the School of Theology website at or requested from the School directly by calling 617-353-3053. All U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents, regardless of degree program, type of scholarship, or eligibility for financial aid, are required to submit this documentation. International students studying under a student visa only need to send in the School of  Theology Financial Aid Application Form.

Virtually every student who applies receives some form of financial aid. The following is a list of the kinds of financial aid available to students at the School of Theology:

1. Scholarships for Merit Boston University School of Theology continues a tradition of awarding significant scholarships to students who apply with evidence of high academic distinction. Students applying for the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Sacred Music programs are eligible to be considered for a Scholarship for Merit. A completed application must be received by February 1 of the current academic year. All applicants with a minimum 3.3 grade point average are automatically reviewed. Other criteria for selection include letters of recommendation, the personal statement, and the Graduate Record Examination score. Successful candidates are those who demonstrate good scholarship, good character, and commitment to ministry. This award is not available to international students.

The amount of the Scholarship for Merit varies. All recipients will receive at least an amount equal to full tuition at the School of Theology. Selected students may receive stipends in the amounts of $2,000, $4,000, $6,000, or $8,000. Stipends must be applied to educational expenses.

Scholarships for Merit are awarded for the academic year, September to May. They are renewable each year upon the annual evaluation of the recipient’s grade point average (3.3 minimum), character, and commitment to ministry. All awards are for a maximum of three academic years of full-time study (two years in the case of the Master of Theological Studies and Master of Sacred Music) and as noted below for the Doctor of Theology. Scholarships for Merit are awarded before initial enrollment in the School of Theology, however, money is not available to the student until the first day of classes.

2. Tuition Scholarships All students who apply for financial aid and do not receive a Scholarship for Merit will be considered for a tuition scholarship. These awards are based on need, the availability of funds, satisfactory academic progress, and registration criteria. Scholarships for up to 70 percent of tuition are available to Master of Divinity students, 55 percent to Master of Theological Studies and Master of Sacred Music students, and 45 percent to Master of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Theology students.

Tuition scholarships are awarded for the academic year, September to May. They are renewable each year upon the annual evaluation of the recipient’s grade point average (2.7 minimum), character, and commitment to ministry. All awards are for a maximum of three academic years of full-time study (two years in the case of the Master of Theological Studies, Master of Sacred Music, and Doctor of Theology).

3. College Work-Study This program is designed to help qualified students meet education expenses through employment. Jobs are available both on campus and in approved nonprofit organizations off campus.

4. Perkins Loans This is a federally funded, long-term educational loan program designed to assist students with exceptional need. There are no interest charges on a Perkins Loan until six months after half-time enrollment ceases. At that time, repayment begins and a five-percent simple interest is charged.

5. Graduate Assistantships Available in limited number (primarily to ThD and PhD students), these awards may be awarded as tuition or cash stipends. Recipients perform research, instructional tasks, or programming related to their academic or professional programs.

6. Federal Direct Stafford Loans (formerly Stafford) The Stafford Loan program is administered by the Boston University Office of Financial Assistance. Eligibility for participation in the Stafford Loan program is determined by the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). Students registered for at least 6 credit hours are eligible to receive a Stafford Loan. Note that Boston University is an approved direct lender for the Stafford Loan.

7. Additional scholarships Scholarships, grants, and loans are available from a number of denominational, humanitarian, and other agencies. The School of Theology is aware of some outside scholarships for qualified students and assumes that students will apply for any and all outside funds for which they are eligible. In addition, students are expected to indicate on the STH Application for Financial Assistance any awards for which they are applying and to notify the School of Theology in writing of any outside awards received.

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Doctor of Theology Financial Aid

Students in the Doctor of Theology program are eligible to be considered for a fellowship; selection is made on the basis of previous academic excellence, character, commitment to ministry, and potential contribution to the academic community and life of the church. Fellowships provide full tuition scholarship and, in some cases, an additional stipend of up to $6,000. Doctoral students not selected to receive a fellowship may be considered for a need-based tuition scholarship, which may equal 45 percent of School of Theology tuition. The Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan program is also open to students in the Doctor of Theology program.

First consideration for fellowships will be given to those students whose Application for Admission to the Doctor of Theology degree program is completed by January 15 of the current academic year. Doctor of Theology students are required to register for at least 8 credit hours per semester to be eligible to receive financial aid. Students receiving tuition assistance will receive aid that covers 12 courses (each course equal to four credit hours). All fellowship recipients must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.3.

Loan Funds

Students may be eligible for the following loan programs:

The Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church offers regular students who are United Methodists the opportunity to borrow up to $1,200 per calendar year. A service credit, not to exceed 10 percent of the total amount owed at the time the repayment schedule is set up, is offered to persons entering church-related service professions. Applications are available through the Office of Financial Assistance.

New England Education Society This organization makes interest-free loans available to students who are committed to full-time church vocations. The maximum amount that can be borrowed in any one year is adjusted and based on investment income. Applications may be secured through the Office of Registration and Financial Aid. When applying for this loan the student must understand that current addresses will be given to the New England Education Society by the registrar and the Alumni Office upon request. However, it is the student’s responsibility to provide current addresses to the Society.

Other Awards and Scholarships

The Alfred Harlow Avery Scholarship is awarded to one student in either the entering MDiv or ThD class at the end of the previous recipient’s degree program. The award is $25,000 per annum and is renewable each year during an MDiv student’s three-year, or a ThD student’s four-year, program. Eligibility for the Avery Scholarship is determined by criteria set by the dean of the School of Theology.

The Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance for students from racial minority groups in the United States. Scholarships are awarded annually on the basis of need. Preference is given to first-year students.

The Oxnam-Liebman Scholarship The Clara and Joseph Ford Fund of $5,000 was established in 1945 in honor of Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam and Rabbi Joshua L. Liebman. The income makes possible the Oxnam-Liebman Scholarship for the Advancement of Interracial Understanding, awarded annually to an outstanding second-year student who plans to specialize in Semitics, social ethics, or philosophy of religion in the senior year.

The National United Methodist Scholarship Seminary Awards The United Methodist Church awards a national United Methodist scholarship annually to a candidate selected from the junior class by the faculty. The award is available during the middle year.

The Dr. Howard B. Warren Endowment Fund was established to provide eight or more scholarships for needy students preparing for the parish ministry of the United Methodist Church. A maximum of $500 may be given to each student from the dividends of this endowment. Preference is given to first-year students.

A listing of additional scholarship resources is available through the Office of Financial Assistance.

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Fellowships

Several fellowships are awarded each year to members of the senior class or recent graduates to encourage and assist them in undertaking graduate study. Applications for consideration must be filed with the faculty on forms provided by the School of Theology Associate Dean’s Office. The faculty will consider the character, academic record, proposed course of study, and creative promise of each applicant.

Each fellowship is subject to the following regulations: (1) the cash grant can be claimed only upon evidence of actual enrollment as a regular student in an approved university (such enrollment ordinarily involves a study load of 10 credits each semester); (2) the grant is payable in two equal sums, one at the beginning of each semester (in the case of study abroad, the entire amount may be drawn at one time); and (3) the full amount granted must be used in line with the foregoing provisions before the expiration of the academic year following notification of the award. Otherwise, all or any remaining portion of it is forfeited.

The Jacob Sleeper Fellowship In 1890, the Trustees established a fellowship in memory of the Honorable Jacob Sleeper, one of the incorporators of the University. This fellowship is awarded on nomination of the faculty of the School of Theology and is to be used for advanced study in Boston, Europe, the Middle East, or elsewhere, as the faculty may determine.

The great value to the church of such a foundation is shown by the many graduates of the School who have, by means of this fellowship, already prepared themselves by postgraduate study for the responsible and influential posts to which they have been called.

The Frank D. Howard Fellowship This fellowship was established by the generosity of Mr. Frank D. Howard of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and is subject to the same conditions as the Jacob Sleeper Fellowship.

The Roswell R. Robinson Fellowship Established by Mrs. Helen Robinson Richards of Malden, Massachusetts, in memory of her father, the late Roswell R. Robinson, Associate Founder of the University, this yields the same amount as the preceding fellowships and is subject to the same conditions.

Alumnae/i Fellowships An alumnae/i fellowship yielding $1,000 was established in 1914. It is granted on the same conditions as the preceding fellowships.

The Lucinda Bidwell Beebe Fellowship A fund of $10,000 was established by and in memory of Lucinda Bidwell Beebe. The income is available for postgraduate students of merit to help them perfect their studies in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and other subjects as they may choose. It may be awarded to the same person for more than one year.

The Reverend Edmund M. Beebe Fellowship A fund of $10,000 was established in memory of the Reverend Edmund M. Beebe by his grandson, Victor Wilbour, and is subject to the same conditions as the Lucinda Bidwell Beebe Fellowship.

The Hester Ann Beebe Fellowship A fund of $10,000 was established in memory of Hester Ann Beebe by her niece, Miss Theodora Wilbour. The income is available for women students in the School of Theology and the Division of Theological and Religious Studies who have done meritorious work as candidates for postgraduate degrees. The fellowship may be awarded to the same woman for more than one year.

The Charles E. Jefferson Fellowship Established in honor of Charles E. Jefferson, this fellowship is subject to the same conditions as the Jacob Sleeper Fellowship, with the added condition that the nominee must demonstrate excellence in the field of preaching.

The Paul and Evelyn Johnson Fellowship in Pastoral Psychology This fellowship was established by Dr. and Mrs. Paul E. Johnson in 1965 to make it possible for qualified graduate students to participate in the teaching tasks whereby “pastoral psychology is seeking to bring the insights of psychology and theology into working relationship with the ministry of pastoral care.” The founding statement recognizes the importance of clinical methods and small-group approaches for the evaluation of the pastoral experience of students. The fellowship is awarded annually to a doctoral candidate who is qualified to help other students learn pastoral psychology through supervised experience in pastoral care.

The William Jackson and Anna Worden Lowstuter Fellowship This fellowship was established by the William Jackson and Anna Worden Lowstuter Fellowship Trust and is subject to the same conditions as the Jacob Sleeper Fellowship.

The David H. Tribou Fellowship This fellowship, established by a bequest of Frances T. Tinsman in memory of Chaplain D. H. Tribou, United States Navy, is awarded upon nomination of a candidate by the faculty.

Self-Support

Opportunities for self-support are available in the metropolitan Boston area. The University provides a placement service for students seeking part-time and summer employment. Students may contact the Office of Student Employment located at 881 Commonwealth Avenue; 617-353-3590.

Many students serve as interns in teaching parishes or as student assistants, student pastors, or church musicians in Boston and other New England churches. Information about such positions may be secured through the Office of Admissions or the Office of Professional Education at 617-353-3037.

Course Load Restrictions Some students, because of heavy financial obligations or other reasons, find themselves involved in remunerative employment that demands so much time and energy that they do not have adequate time to devote to their studies. A full academic load (four courses) requires a minimum of 48 hours per week in study and classes; hence, any remunerative employment must be seen as adding to a normally full week.

The work load of employment includes on-the-job time, preparation, and travel time, if these are significant factors. Consequently, any student whose work load of remunerative employment exceeds 20 hours per week (making a minimum workweek of 68 hours), and whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.3, is allowed to register for a maximum of three courses per semester. Similarly, first-year students serving as pastors are limited to three courses per semester.

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Published by Trustees of Boston University
One Sherborn Street
Boston, MA 02215

30 November 2007
Boston University
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