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Scholarship for Cancer Patients and Survivors

The struggle with illness takes resolve and hope. For those in treatment, the opportunity to begin—or continue—their college education can be an important factor in healing. Yet the financial hardship that often accompanies serious illness can put college out of reach for many.

With this in mind, Boston University’s Metropolitan College now offers a scholarship for those currently in the care of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). This award reinforces the University’s commitment to community outreach through accessible education.

The Metropolitan College Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Scholarship provides a valuable resource for patients and survivors who wish to begin or continue their undergraduate studies in order to pursue a new career or enhance current skills. Recipients of the scholarship receive tuition assistance based on financial need and status at DFCI.

Scholarship awards can be used toward any full-time, part-time, or non-degree Metropolitan College classroom program at the undergraduate level. The scholarship does not apply to online courses. Awards are made on a course-by-course basis; applicants who wish to pursue a degree program must also complete the Metropolitan College Application for Undergraduate Admission process.

Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be a DFCI patient; off-treatment patients must be receiving their follow-up care at DFCI with their most recent visit being within 18 months of the application deadline (note from DFCI physician or nurse practitioner required)
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Show evidence of financial need by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at bu.edu/finaid
  • Be a United States citizen or permanent resident

Scholarship Application Guidelines
To apply for this scholarship, please submit the following:

  • Proof of high school graduation or GED
  • Scholarship application with required essay questions
  • A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at bu.edu/finaid
  • Letter of advocacy from attending physician or nurse practitioner at DCFI verifying that the applicant is followed at DFCI, including date of most recent visit

Only complete applications will be considered. Please mail or fax to:
      Boston University
      Metropolitan College Undergraduate Student Services
      755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 102
      Boston, MA  02215
      617-353-4190

Scholarship applications are reviewed each semester by a Metropolitan College scholarship committee. Interested parties may apply each term, and there is no limit to the number of times an applicant may apply. There is, however, no guarantee of receiving an award.

For more information, please call Metropolitan College at 617-353-6000 or complete our online request form.