All students applying to the PhD program are automatically considered for all available forms of financial aid. Master of Science or Master of Engineering applicants who wish to be considered for fellowships or assistantships should indicate this on the Application for Admission. International applicants who wish to be considered for admission and financial aid must submit applications no later than December 15 for the following fall semester and October 1 for the following spring semester. The corresponding deadlines for domestic applicants are January 15 for the fall and October 1 for the spring. Most financial aid is awarded to fall semester applicants. Only a limited amount of funding is available for spring applicants. Applicants requiring financial aid are encouraged to apply for the fall semester. The College of Engineering has a policy of maintaining support for funded graduate students who continue to make satisfactory progress toward the degree. Admitted Master of Science or Master of Engineering students who do not receive University support but are eligible for educational loans will be sent appropriate information with the letter of admission. Matriculated students must remain in good standing and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in order to be eligible for continued federal, University, or College financial support.

Tuition Scholarship Policy

Tuition scholarship can be awarded only for courses applicable to a student’s degree program. Physical education and other unrelated classes are not supported, nor are withdrawals or audits.

Boston University awards scholarship funds only to students who are in compliance with federal aid regulations regarding defaulted education loans or requirements of the United States Selective Service Administration. Applicants with prior histories of compliance deficiencies are advised to establish early contact with the Graduate Programs Office of the College of Engineering.

Dean’s Fellowships

The Dean’s Fellowship provides a PhD applicant with an academic-year stipend of $19,800 (for 2012/13), 32 credit hours of tuition support for one academic year, and individual enrollment in the Boston University Student Medical Insurance BASIC Plan. In addition, the student’s department may offer the guarantee of support for the first summer at a stipend rate of $9,900, bringing the total calendar year stipend to $29,700. The Dean’s Fellowship is not renewable, but each recipient can expect continued support in subsequent years provided that she/he makes good progress toward completion of the doctoral degree. This support will typically come in the form of a Graduate Research Assistantship but may also include funding as a Graduate Teaching Fellow. No specific teaching or research service is required of Dean’s Fellows, but recipients are expected to establish research goals with a research advisor during the first year of study.

All applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered for the Dean’s Fellowship award, and no special application is required. Potential recipients are nominated by each department, and final decisions regarding annual awardees are made by the Dean of the College of Engineering.

Graduate Research Assistantships

Research Assistantships provide a salary of $9,900, up to 10 credit hours of tuition scholarship, and individual enrollment in the Boston University Student Medical Insurance BASIC Plan for each semester of support.  The 2012/2013 calendar year salary for first-year students equals a total of $29,700. In subsequent years, Research Assistants may expect salary increases as progress is made toward the degree. Research Assistants are expected to work a minimum of 20 hours a week during the academic year and 40 hours a week during the summer semester.

Academic research faculty members holding sponsored research grants or contracts offer Research Assistantships each year to qualified students who have particular interests and abilities in research areas of mutual interest. Applicants interested in research assistantships should complete the “Financial Aid Application Form” describing their research interests and experience.

Graduate Teaching Fellowships

A Graduate Teaching Fellowship provides the student with an academic-year salary of $19,800 plus individual enrollment in the Boston University Student Medical Insurance BASIC Plan. In addition, Teaching Fellows receive up to 10 credits per semester of tuition scholarship during the academic year. A maximum of 20 credits of tuition scholarship will be awarded for any given calendar year. All tuition scholarship must be used for coursework leading to the degree.

Graduate Teaching Fellows work approximately 20 hours per week under the supervision of a faculty member in support of courses taught by the College of Engineering. Duties may include tasks such as leading discussion sections, supervising laboratory sessions, grading homework, and writing homework solution sets. All new Graduate Teaching Fellows must attend a mandatory Training Seminar at the beginning of the semester. Applicants interested in Graduate Teaching Fellowships should complete the Financial Aid section of the Application for Admission and describe any relevant teaching qualifications, experience, or interests.

Part-time Employment Within Boston University

A variety of paid part-time positions are available for graduate students through the Student Employment Office at Boston University. Opportunities vary each semester but may include such jobs as grader, laboratory assistant, office assistant, and research assistant. Students who are awarded Federal College Work-Study grants (restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents) have access to additional employment opportunities posted by the University Work-Study Office.

Off-Campus Part-Time Employment

A number of part-time off-campus jobs are available to Boston University students through the Student Employment Office. A full-time graduate student should not expect to work more than about ten hours per week or earn more than about $1,000 per month from such employment. Students awarded Federal Work-Study grants have access to additional employment opportunities listed by University Work-Study Office. International students may not work more than 20 hours per week total, including on-campus and off-campus jobs. All RA and GTF appointments require the student to work 20 hours per week, hence international students receiving these forms of financial aid may not hold any other type of employment. This employment restriction also applies to the summer semester.

Other international students are advised to seek the counsel of the International Students & Scholars Office at 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor to obtain the most up-to-date information and regulations concerning employment issues for foreign students.

Graduate Cooperative Education Program

The Cooperative Education program run by the College of Engineering enables students to gain valuable professional experience as an integral part of graduate study. Participants are provided with valuable experience that helps link knowledge gained in the classroom with the practical environment of industry. Hours and payment vary with position. Students interested in the Cooperative Education program are advised to consult with the College of Engineering Career Development Office.

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship acknowledges those students who have embraced the memory and ideals of one of Boston University’s most prominent alumni, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (GRS’55, Hon, ’59). The scholarship provides renewable full-tuition awards for academically gifted students with proven leadership abilities and a strong commitment to social justice and community involvement. These students will epitomize the importance of different cultures on Boston University’s campus and will assist in promoting a respectful, welcoming atmosphere for students from all backgrounds. Additional information regarding conditions, the application process, and criteria are available from Admissions and the Financial Assistance office.

National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science

Boston University participates in the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM) program. Students interested in this fellowship award should apply directly to the GEM organization (www.gemfellowship.org). The College of Engineering will provide all admitted GEM awardees with a supplemental tuition and stipend scholarship, in addition to the GEM scholarship, to provide full-time study and a total academic year stipend of $19,800.

Late Entry Accelerated Program Scholarship (Need-based)

The Late Entry Accelerated Program provides a limited amount of tuition scholarship funds to LEAP students who demonstrate need via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled at least half-time. The level of scholarship is determined based on merit. Boston University LEAP tuition assistance is available for up to four semesters of Phase I study. Students can apply for aid when applying to Phase II. Interested applicants should file a FAFSA form as part of the application process, listing Boston University (code 002130) as a recipient institution. International LEAP students are not eligible for Financial Aid and must be prepared to present financial documentation to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) prior to arrival on campus.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

FWS is a program that promotes access to employment for students who demonstrate financial eligibility. Available funds are provided by a federal allocation and a University matching contribution. Recipients are selected by the Financial Assistance office and must meet federal need and other criteria. The Student Employment Office provides FWS information to eligible students about available jobs in University departments as well as off-campus nonprofit agencies. FWS allocations may be used for community service programs. Undergraduate students who participate in the FWS program are paid weekly at established hourly rates. Graduate FWS students may be paid either weekly at established hourly rates or monthly at a fixed amount, depending on the nature of the job. Job assignments, which average 9–12 hours per week, are coordinated with the -student’s class schedule. Detailed information on FWS can be found at http://www.bu.edu/seo/students/work-study/. Specific inquiries about the program should be directed to the Student Employment Office, Work-Study, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-3596; or e-mail us at wsoffice@bu.edu.

Unlike scholarships and grants, loans must be repaid. However, loans are an important source of funds for educational expenses and represent a sound investment in a student’s future. To keep loan indebtedness to a reasonable level that can be repaid after college, students are encouraged to earn as much as possible and keep expenses to a minimum. Because a loan must be repaid, students are urged to borrow no more than necessary. If students are interested in obtaining a federal loan, they should complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov and forward the Student Aid Report to the Manager of Graduate Financial Aid.

Deferments and cancellations are available to recipients of Federal Perkins and Federal Direct Stafford Loans under certain conditions that vary by loan program. Conditions may include: teaching students from low-income families, other designated teaching, military and volunteer service, unemployment, and economic hardship. Additional information on deferment and cancellation provisions is included with entrance and exit counseling for federal loan borrowers and is available from the Financial Assistance office, or at www.bu.edu/finaid.

Federal Direct Student Loan Program

The Federal Direct Student Loan Program offers funding to students who are enrolled at least half-time in a degree program. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8%. These loans are non-need-based (unsubsidized). The type of loan for which a student is eligible is determined by the level of need established by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov listing Boston University (code 002130) as the recipient institution. The loan repayment period begins six months after graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment.

Subsidized (Need-based) Loans  Subsidized loans are no longer available as of July 1, 2012.

Unsubsidized (Non-need-based) Loans  A student may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year. Interest on the unsubsidized loan is incurred starting with the day the loan is first disbursed. The interest may be paid as it accrues or may be capitalized until loan repayment.

Federal Perkins Loan (Need-based)

Formerly called the National Direct Student Loan, the Federal Perkins Loan program is need-based. The interest rate is fixed at 5%. Both payment and accrual of interest are deferred until 9 months after the student has graduated or enrollment falls below half-time. Perkins funds are allocated to students with the greatest need as demonstrated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can be awarded a maximum of $6,000 per academic year, with an aggregate limit of $60,000. Interested applicants should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15 for the Fall Semester, and by October 1 for the Spring Semester.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan is a credit-based loan available to students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) per semester in a graduate or professional program leading to a master’s or doctoral degree. The student must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, must not have an outstanding balance from a prior period of enrollment, and must be making satisfactory academic progress. The interest rate is fixed at 7.9%. Before deciding on an amount to borrow, students should first consider the Federal Direct Stafford Loan. Additional information on the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan and an application form are available at the Financial Assistance Office website at www.bu.edu/finaid/loans/credit/grad/grad-plus.html.

Private Credit-Based Loans

Private loans are available for domestic students, international students with a domestic credit-worthy co-borrower, and non-degree students. Additional information and loan comparisons may be found on the Financial Assistance Office website at www.bu.edu/finaid/loans/credit/grad-other/index.html. Questions regarding the various forms of financial assistance available to graduate students in the College of Engineering at Boston University may be directed to the Graduate Programs Office 44 Cummington Mall., Room 114, Boston, MA 02215; telephone 617-353-9760 or email at enggrad@bu.edu.