Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Various forms of financial aid are available to support your studies at the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. In addition to loans (federal and credit-based) and external funding opportunities that are available, we offer a range of School and department-based aid in the form of fellowships, scholarships, and research assistantships.     

Our policy is that financial aid awarded by Boston University may be used only for courses required by the degree program. It may be used for courses taken as corequisites or prerequisites only by special permission from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. It may not be used for courses taken as audits, or for no credit, or for courses withdrawn with a "W" grade. It may not be used for Health Services fees or late fees. Financial aid may not exceed the cost of required tuition and fees.

Please refer to specific sections in the sidebar menu for detailed information and application procedures for different types of financial aid.

Tuition and Mandatory Fees for 2009/10

Full-Time Students (12—18 credits per semester)

Tuition $37,910
George Sherman Union Fee $95 per semester (Full-time and certified full-time)
Health Services Fee $98 per semester (Full-time)

Part-Time Students (1/2 to 11 1/2 credits per semester)

Tuition $1,184 per credit
Registration Fee $40 per semester

When estimating the total cost of attendance at GRS, you will need to consider other living expenses such as housing, transport, etc. Estimates for the current year are:

GRS Cost of Attendance 2009/10

Tuition $37,910
GSU Fee $190
Health Services Fee $196
Room & Board $11,808
Personal $2,990
Transportation $1,004
Books & Supplies $1,188
DL Fee* $400
TOTAL
 $55,686
(Based on 9 months: September–May)
*An average of the origination fees for the Direct Stafford Loan that applies to all students regardless of whether the loan is borrowed.

Boston University’s policy is 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.