First-year students – Regular Admissions

We get it. The total cost of a world-class education—the kind you can get at Boston University—is a significant investment for you to make in your future. At BU, we invest in students too. BU awarded $425 million to our undergraduate students this year.

And when it comes to college expenses, you can’t plan one year at a time. You need to plot out how you’re going to pay for the entire program, from start to finish. That’s why with the BU Scholarship Assurance, as long as your total aid doesn’t exceed your cost of attendance, your Boston University scholarship will be renewed at the same level each year – guaranteed – with no additional CSS Profile™ required.

“Sticker Price” vs. What BU Will Cost You

Scholarships and Other Aid

Deadlines

Comparing Award Offers

Required Forms

Both the CSS Profile™ and the FAFSA are required to apply for BU-funded financial aid as a first-time recipient. However after the first year, as long as your total aid doesn’t exceed your cost of attendance, BU need-based scholarship aid is guaranteed at the same level as the prior year and no Profile™ is required. Only the FAFSA is required to apply for federal financial aid and state grants, and for these funds the FAFSA must be filed each year. However, for many students the Boston University funded financial aid is an important component in meeting the cost of attendance.

FAFSA – Used to determine eligibility for federal and some state financial aid programs, the FAFSA is available starting in December 2023.

CSS Profile™ – If your biological or adoptive parents are divorced, separated, and/or do not share the same household list both parents (and any stepparents if applicable) on your Profile, as instructed. The parent who provides the majority of your financial support must provide their information on your Profile and FAFSA. Your other (noncustodial) parent must complete a Profile also, which will be appended to your Profile later. Enter your other (noncustodial) parent’s email address on your Profile, as instructed, so CSS can send them information on how to create their separate Profile account log-in. If getting a CSS Profile from the other (noncustodial) parent will be impossible, submit a CSS Profile Waiver Request for the Noncustodial Parent.

Applicants for admission starting September 2024 must complete the 2024/2025 CSS Profile™ and FAFSA. The CSS Profile is available starting October 1, 2023.

Applicants for January 2024 admission must complete the 2023/2024 CSS Profile™ and FAFSA.

Include your Social Security number on the Profile, the FAFSA, and on the Common Application or Coalition Application to ensure that Boston University will be able to load your financial aid application to the BU system and consider your request for assistance. You will receive a financial aid decision along with your admissions decision if you file both forms by the deadline.

Other forms may also be required.

Verification and Confirmation of Your Eligibility

First-Year Student – Regular September Admission Checklist

To Apply

By January 4

Note all applicable deadlines.
Submit the 2024/2025 FAFSA.
Submit the 2024/2025 CSS Profile™.
- If your biological or adoptive parents are divorced, separated, and/or do not share the same household list both parents (and any stepparents if applicable) on your Profile, as instructed. The parent who provides the majority of your financial support must provide their information on your Profile and FAFSA. Your other (noncustodial) parent must complete a Profile also, which will be appended to your Profile later. Enter your other (noncustodial) parent’s email address on your Profile, as instructed, so CSS can send them information on how to create their separate Profile account log-in.
Submit a CSS Profile Waiver Request for the Noncustodial Parent if getting a Profile from your other (noncustodial) parent will be impossible.
Regularly check the MyBU portal and for email requests for additional information.

After You Receive Your Aid Decision

Beginning in Late March

Expect to receive a tentative financial aid award by late March, provided that you submitted your aid application by the deadline.
Questions? Make an appointment to meet with a financial aid representative during your school/college April Open House event or contact BU Financial Assistance.
Create a four-year plan for financing your education and use our college expense planning calculator at our planning page.

By May 1

Acknowledge your Financial Aid Award via the MyBU portal.
Submit your Enrollment Deposit.

After You Deposit

By June 1

Submit Income Verification in order to confirm your tentative financial aid award. Expect a finalized award by early July, provided that you have submitted all required documentation in a timely manner.

Mid-May through the summer

Payments for the fall semester bill are due in early August. Payments for the spring semester are due in mid-December. Learn more about the monthly payment plan and credit-based loans.

As we review your financial aid application we want to do all we can to take your particular circumstances into consideration. We encourage you to contact our office with any questions about your financial aid.

For information about types of financial aid, see: