Minimum Credit Hours

To be considered for any form of financial aid at Boston University, full-time students must successfully complete at least 12 Boston University credits each semester in the prior academic year.

Students registered for only one semester during the prior academic year must have completed at least 12 credits in that semester.

Generally, part-time students must complete at least 75% of the total credits for which they enroll.

Summer enrollment at Boston University is considered only upon appeal.

Summer enrollment at other institutions is not considered.

Minimum Grade Point Average

The calculation of grade point average (GPA) in determining eligibility for financial aid does not include Physical Development Program (PDP) courses.

Part-time students must meet the same GPA requirements for eligibility.

Summer enrollment at Boston University is considered only upon appeal.

Summer enrollment at other institutions is not considered.

Boston University grant is offered to eligible returning students who have not previously been awarded BU need-based financial aid. Priority consideration is based on the availability of funds and the strength of the applicant’s academic record.

To be considered, a new candidate must earn at least a 2.50 grade point average (GPA) and successfully complete at least 12 Boston University credits in the prior academic year, with no incomplete (I) or missing grades.

Students who are denied Boston University, federal and/or state aid, or certification of a private loan because their academic performance falls short of satisfactory academic progress standards are welcome to appeal the decision to BU Financial Assistance.

Aid may be fully or partially reinstated for students who appeal with:

• A documented change in their academic record that enables them to meet the academic criteria for renewal (including a change resulting from a summer enrollment at Boston University).
• Documented extenuating circumstances.
• BU Financial Assistance must receive all three (3) sections of the completed Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form by August 15. To submit your appeal electronically, download and save a copy of the form to your computer. (Do not try to complete the form in your browser.) Complete and save your copy of the form, then submit it as instructed.

Spring awards will be canceled for any full-time student who does not successfully complete at least 8 credits with a minimum 1.00 grade point index (GPI) during the prior fall semester.

Students who do not meet these minimum standards are very unlikely to meet the annual renewal criteria.

Although BU Financial Assistance will make every effort to promptly notify students of the cancellation of their spring awards, students are responsible for obtaining their grades and determining if they have met the criteria for continuation of their awards.

Students may appeal the cancellation of their spring semester awards if they expect to receive additional grade(s) or will have any grades changed prior to the first day of classes for the spring semester.