Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are gift aid, meaning you do not have to repay them or earn the funds by working.

There are two categories of Boston University scholarships: merit and need. While both recognize the highest-achieving applicants, the first type is awarded entirely on the basis of merit, the other on financial need as well as merit. Private scholarships are also available from other sources.

Federal and state grants are government-funded awards that do not have to be repaid. Eligibility requirements are established by the government. Most require that you file the FAFSA.

Remember that you can receive more than one type of financial aid. An award package may include a combination of scholarships, grants, and other types of assistance, such as loans and work-study.

• Merit-Based Scholarships Awarded solely on the basis of academic, artistic, or athletic achievements.
• Need-Based Scholarships Awarded to students who demonstrate financial eligibility and who file both the CSS PROFILE and FAFSA by the financial aid application deadline. We do consider your academic performance, talent, or other accomplishments.
• Federal Grants Based on financial eligibility as determined by information you provide on the FAFSA and criteria established by the federal government.
• State Grants Offered by many state governments. Certain states allow their grant awards to be used at colleges and universities outside your state of residence.