Freshmen Who Received BU Need-Based Scholarships

	Family Income
Academic Achievement	Up to $39,999 Avg. Calculated Financial Eligibility = $47,000	$40,000-79,999 Avg. Calculated Financial Eligibility = $42,000	$80,000-119,999 Avg. Calculated Financial Eligibility = $32,000	$120,000 or More Avg. Calculated Financial Eligibility = $19,500
Top 1-6% in class; 2010-2190 SAT Composite; 30-33 ACT View sample case study
Percent who get BU scholarship	95%	94%	96%	76%
Middle 50% of BU scholarship	$33,500-42,800	$28,300-39,800	$16,700-34,000	$10,000-23,500
Middle 50% of total aid package	$44,000-53,300	$38,800-50,300	$27,200-42,500	$18,000-29,500
Top 5-15% in class; 1880-2040 SAT Composite; 28-30 ACT View sample case study
Percent who get BU scholarship	87%	92%	91%	62%
Middle 50% of BU scholarship	$23,200-40,400	$18,000-32,400	$15,000-26,300	$10,000-12,700
Middle 50% of total aid package	$31,700-48,300	$26,500-43,400	$23,500-37,300	$15,500-23,700
Top 9-25% in class; 1730-1890 SAT Composite; 25-27 ACT View sample case study
Percent who get BU scholarship	39%	38%	32%	27%
Middle 50% of BU scholarship	$31,200-41,200	$15,000-35,000	$14,000-30,300	$6,000-12,800
Middle 50% of total aid package	$39,700-52,200	$35,000-46,000	$19,500-38,000	$13,000-23,800

Boston University makes every effort to assist students with calculated financial eligibility and high academic achievement, measured against the credentials of other admitted students. However, the University does not have sufficient funds to offer need-based scholarship awards to every admitted student who has financial eligibility.

Your academic record is an important factor in determining your eligibility for Boston University scholarships. Key indicators such as high school grade point average (GPA), rank in class, and standardized test scores are considered, as well as the strength of your academic program and your extracurricular activities.

If your credentials place you at or above this profile, your chances of receiving Boston University scholarship funds are likely to be very good, particularly if you have calculated financial eligibility. If you place below this level, your chances of receiving University scholarships, or of having your financial eligibility fully met with these awards, are reduced.

If a Boston University education will present a financial challenge for your family, we strongly encourage you to apply for need-based aid by submitting the CSS PROFILE and FAFSA applications by February 15, which is our financial aid deadline. You cannot be considered for University need-based University scholarship awards unless you file the CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA.

The chart above illustrates key characteristics of freshmen who enrolled for 2010-2011 and received BU need-based scholarships. Although the chart refers to income ranges, please keep in mind that income is only one of many factors used to determine family financial strength and eligibility. Assets, cash flow, household size, number of children in college, and many other considerations are often equally important determinants.

Other factors that may influence the awarding of University scholarships include the school/college of admission, geography, ethnicity, artistic or athletic talent, and alumni affiliation. These factors help us fulfill our commitment to equal opportunity and excellence.

Please note: This chart only includes students who applied for need-based financial assistance by our financial aid application deadline and enrolled at Boston University. Students who received merit-only awards are not shown. The range of awards illustrates the middle group of each category. The chart cannot be used to predict a specific award amount for an individual.

High Achievers with Low Calculated Need

Boston University has scholarships available for higher-income families such as the Dean’s Scholarship, which is offered to academically talented candidates who apply for need-based aid, show minimal or no calculated financial eligibility, but have calculated family contributions that do not substantially exceed the cost of attendance at Boston University.

Freshmen Who Received BU Need-Based Scholarships

High Achievers with Low Calculated Need

Applying for Aid