Tuition, fees, residence and board charges, and any previous balance must be paid in full each semester before the payment deadline; missed payments and deadlines will result in late fees. Invoices are sent by Student Accounting Services to students several weeks before the start of the semester. All payments should be directed to Student Accounting Services, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-1390, 617-353-2264, http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/.

The University does not accept credit cards as payment of tuition, fees, room and board, or the like. Checks must be made payable to Boston University. Other accepted payment methods: Electronic Payment (via Student Link), Credit Card (part-time students ONLY), and Wire Transfer.

Although the University does not offer its own deferred payment plan for full-time students, students may arrange for financing through private agencies. This should be done well before the start of the academic year. Information on such plans may be viewed here: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/your-bill/payment-plans/.

The University assumes no liability for failure to provide educational or related services arising from causes beyond the reasonable control of the University. The University will exert reasonable efforts to provide comparable or substantially equivalent services, but its inability to do so shall not subject it to liability. The Trustees of the University reserve the right to change tuition rates, fees, and residence and board charges at their discretion when it is deemed advisable.

Tuition and Mandatory Fees

It has been and remains the policy of Boston University to withhold all diplomas, degrees, official transcripts, and other official recognition of work done at the University from students with respect to whom there are any outstanding overdue debts to the University, including, but not limited to, amounts owed in satisfaction of tuition, loan agreements, fees, and charges as well as monies owed for occupancy in University-owned or operated residences and for dining service. No student may withdraw from the University in good standing or graduate from the University unless all current obligations to the University are paid in full.

The following tuition rates apply through August 2013:
Full-time Students (those enrolled for 12 to 18 credits, except DMin): $16,900 per year; Community fee: $100 per year; Graduate Program fee: Fall Semester $110 (assessed in fall only) and Spring Semester (for students entering in the spring only): $55.
Part-time Students (those enrolled for ½ to 11½ credits, except DMin and special nondegree): $528 per credit
Part-time Special Students (nondegree candidates and student spouses who are not degree candidates—½ to 11½ credits): $528 per credit
DMin (full- and part-time students): $2,200 per semester course (4 credits) or $550 per credit
Continuing Students DMin students not registered for courses or on a formal leave of absence: $550 per semester
Other Fees Health fee $224 per year; Graduation fee $30; GSU fee $210 per year

Medical Insurance

The 2012-2013 cost for full-time students (U.S. citizens and international) for the Boston University Student Basic Medical Insurance is $1,989. The Boston University Student Plus Medical Insurance is $2,716 per year. Further information on medical insurance can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/resources/medical-insurance/.

Massachusetts law requires all students carrying at least 75 percent of the full-time curriculum to be covered under a qualifying medical insurance plan. If the student does not wish to participate in the Boston University Medical Insurance plan, he or she must annually file a Medical Insurance Waiver form that certifies coverage under a comparable medical insurance plan. The Medical Insurance Waiver form can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/resources/medical-insurance/. The completed form is to be returned to Boston University Student Accounting Services. The medical insurance can also be waived by students when visiting the Boston University Student Link at www.bu.edu/studentlink. Part-time students are also eligible to purchase the medical insurance. For information, contact Student Accounting Services: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/contact-us/.

The insurance premium is subject to change.

Other Expenses

The estimated cost of books and supplies is $1,412 for graduate students per year. Approximately $4,110 per year for graduate students should be allowed for incidental expenses, which vary with individual circumstances, such as transportation, laundry, clothing, recreation, and miscellaneous expenditures.

Following are other charges that may form part of the cost of attending Boston University:
Application for Admission $70
Late Fee Late fees may be assessed to those students who complete their official registration during the late registration period. Late fees escalate on a regular basis. Please note the importance of prompt payment. Late fees will not be reversed or waived for failure to register on a timely basis. It is the responsibility of the student (not the University) to complete the registration process. Information on payment deadlines and late fees can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/your-bill/payment-deadlines/.
Transcripts To request an academic transcript of grades and coursework, a student should submit a Transcript Request form to the Office of the Registrar. Full instructions on ordering a transcript can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/reg/grades/ordergrades.html.
Replacement of Boston University Identification Card (Terrier Card) $30
Binding and Microfilming of Thesis and Dissertation Candidates for the degrees of STM, DMin, PhD, and ThD who submit a thesis or dissertation are required to pay for binding. Doctoral dissertations must also be microfilmed, and one copy must be deposited with the School of Theology Library. The School of Theology makes the necessary arrangements for this service and charges the candidate a fee to cover the cost. Initial costs are subject to change and vary according to degree program.

Tuition, fees, residence and board charges, and any previous balance must be paid in full each semester before the payment deadline; missed payments and deadlines will result in late fees. Invoices are sent by Student Accounting Services to students several weeks before the start of the semester. All payments should be directed to Student Accounting Services, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-1390, 617-353-2264, http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/.

The University does not accept credit cards as payment of tuition, fees, room and board, or the like. Checks must be made payable to Boston University. Other accepted payment methods: Electronic Payment (via Student Link), Credit Card (part-time students ONLY), and Wire Transfer.

Although the University does not offer its own deferred payment plan for full-time students, students may arrange for financing through private agencies. This should be done well before the start of the academic year. Information on such plans may be viewed here: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/your-bill/payment-plans/.

The University assumes no liability for failure to provide educational or related services arising from causes beyond the reasonable control of the University. The University will exert reasonable efforts to provide comparable or substantially equivalent services, but its inability to do so shall not subject it to liability. The Trustees of the University reserve the right to change tuition rates, fees, and residence and board charges at their discretion when it is deemed advisable.

Tuition and Mandatory Fees

It has been and remains the policy of Boston University to withhold all diplomas, degrees, official transcripts, and other official recognition of work done at the University from students with respect to whom there are any outstanding overdue debts to the University, including, but not limited to, amounts owed in satisfaction of tuition, loan agreements, fees, and charges as well as monies owed for occupancy in University-owned or operated residences and for dining service. No student may withdraw from the University in good standing or graduate from the University unless all current obligations to the University are paid in full.

The following tuition rates apply through August 2014:
Full-time Students (those enrolled for 12 to 18 credits, except DMin): $17,580 per year
Part-time Students (those enrolled for ½ to 11½ credits, except DMin and special nondegree): $549 per credit
Part-time Special Students (nondegree candidates and student spouses who are not degree candidates—½ to 11½ credits): $549 per credit
DMin (full- and part-time students): $2,240 per semester course (4 credits) or $560 per credit

Continuing DMin students DMin students who have finished coursework and are registering for 2-credit continuing registration directed studies: $1,100/$550 per credit

Continuing ThD/PhD Students ThD/PhD students who have finished coursework and are registering for 2-credit continuing registration directed studies: $1098 per semester (or $549 per credit)

Full-time Fees Student Services Fee ($290/$145 per semester), Health and Wellness Fee ($320/$160 per semester), STH Community Service Program Fee #1 ($116 in Fall only or $58 for students entering in Spring), STH Community Service Program Fee #2 ($106/$53 per semester)

Part-time Fees Student Services Fee ($120/$60 per semester) plus STH Community Service Program Fee ($106/53 per semester)

Other Fees Graduation Application Fee $30

Medical Insurance

The 2013-2014 cost for full-time students (U.S. citizens and international) for the Boston University Student Basic Medical Insurance is $2,141. The Boston University Student Plus Medical Insurance is $2,910. Further information on medical insurance can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/resources/medical-insurance/.

Massachusetts law requires all students carrying at least 75 percent of the full-time curriculum to be covered under a qualifying medical insurance plan. If the student does not wish to participate in the Boston University Medical Insurance plan, he or she must annually file a Medical Insurance Waiver form that certifies coverage under a comparable medical insurance plan. The Medical Insurance Waiver form can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/resources/medical-insurance/. The completed form is to be returned to Boston University Student Accounting Services. The medical insurance can also be waived by students when visiting the Boston University Student Link at www.bu.edu/studentlink. Part-time students are also eligible to purchase the medical insurance. For information, contact Student Accounting Services: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/contact-us/.

The insurance premium is subject to change.

Other Expenses

The estimated cost of books and supplies is $1,412 for graduate students per year. Approximately $4,110 per year for graduate students should be allowed for incidental expenses, which vary with individual circumstances, such as transportation, laundry, clothing, recreation, and miscellaneous expenditures.

Following are other charges that may form part of the cost of attending Boston University:
Application for Admission $80
Late Fee Late fees may be assessed to those students who complete their official registration during the late registration period. Late fees escalate on a regular basis. Please note the importance of prompt payment. Late fees will not be reversed or waived for failure to register on a timely basis. It is the responsibility of the student (not the University) to complete the registration process. Information on payment deadlines and late fees can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/your-bill/payment-deadlines/.
Transcripts To request an academic transcript of grades and coursework, a student should submit a Transcript Request form to the Office of the Registrar. Full instructions on ordering a transcript can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/reg/grades/ordergrades.html.
Replacement of Boston University Identification Card (Terrier Card) $40
Binding and Microfilming of Thesis and Dissertation Candidates for the degrees of STM, DMin, PhD, and ThD who submit a thesis or dissertation are required to pay for binding. Doctoral dissertations must also be microfilmed, and one copy must be deposited with the School of Theology Library. The School of Theology makes the necessary arrangements for this service and charges the candidate a fee to cover the cost. Initial costs are subject to change and vary according to degree program.

Need-based Financial Aid: Tuition Scholarships

The cost of Boston University School of Theology tuition for the 2013-2014 school year is $17,580. However, students taking at least 8 credits per semester are eligible for need-based financial aid in the form of Tuition Scholarships, which remove a significant percentage of that tuition cost. Tuition Scholarships are different for each degree program, depending on the length of the program. The chart below shows what students can expect in terms of actual tuition and total academic costs for 2013-2014:

* Semesters listed here are the number of semesters it takes to complete the program if taking a traditional course load of 4 classes per semester (16 credits). Students taking fewer than 16 credits per semester may end up using all of their semesters of financial aid eligibility prior to completing their degree requirements. For that reason, students should be cautious in keeping in mind their maximum number of semesters of financial aid eligibility when planning their registration each semester.

**All admitted incoming students will receive notice from the STH Admissions Office of their provisional financial aid award. In order for the award to become actual, the student must complete the STH financial aid application process as outlined in the the “How to Apply for Financial Aid” section at the bottom of this page. Incoming students must complete the financial aid application process by June 15th. Delayed applications can limit a student’s eligibility for awards. Financial Aid is processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

*** University fees include: Student Services Fee ($290/$145 per semester), Health and Wellness Fee ($320/$160 per semester), STH Community Service Program Fee #1 ($116 in Fall only or $58 for students entering in Spring), STH Community Service Program Fee #2 ($106/$53 per semester)

****Does not include housing or living expenses

Merit-based Scholarships

In addition to Tuition Scholarships, several forms of merit-based financial aid are available:

• Dean’s Scholarships – Masters-level applicants with a cumulative 3.3 GPA or above from their most previous degree program who complete their application by the Priority Admissions Deadline are considered for Dean’s Scholarships during their admissions process. Dean’s Scholars are chosen on the basis of proven academic excellence and extra-curricular commitments. They are offered awards that range from full tuition to full tuition plus a $10,000 annual stipend, renewable for the length of their program so long as they maintain a 3.5 GPA or above at the School of Theology. The Dean’s Scholars are chosen early in March each year.
• United Methodist Ordination Scholarships – MTS, MDiv, and STM students pursuing ordination as an elder or a deacon in the United Methodist Church are given 100% tuition scholarships upon admission into their degree program. To receive this financial award students must provide a letter from a District Superintendent, Board of Ordained Ministry member, Candidacy Mentor, Bishop, or Annual Conference-level Ecclesiastical Superior stating that the student has completed the “Candidacy Guidebook” and publicly declared Candidacy in the United Methodist Church. This letter should be sent to the Admissions Office as part of the application process or, if candidacy begins after admission, to the Financial Aid Coordinator’s Office for processing. Please note that there is a limit of 3 full-time academic years (or 6 full-time semesters) of the United Methodist Ordination Scholarship regardless of degree program. Once a student has used these 3 full-time academic years they are no longer eligible for the United Methodist Ordination Scholarship.
• Additional Scholarships -To aid students in their scholarship search, the School of Theology’s Financial Aid Office maintains a large list of outside awards and scholarships, arranged by eligibility, at the following website: /sth/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/.

Additional Costs

In addition to academic costs, each student must prepare for life in Boston. Boston is an expensive city in which to live but well worth it, and students who employ careful financial planning and budgeting can achieve a good quality of life without succumbing to extraordinary debt. While the School of Theology does everything it can to help students plan, best financial practices are the responsibility of each student’s own household.

• Housing – Students coming from less-expensive areas of the country should be prepared for high housing costs in particular. Students should budget at least $700/month for single students and $1200/month for coupled students for decent, affordable housing within a comfortable commuting distance of the School of Theology. The School of Theology Admissions Office has
  relationships with several landlords, realtors, and institutions that can help students find such housing.
• Medical Insurance – Boston University requires that all of its students have medical insurance. The 2013-2014 rate is $2,141. The Plus plan is $2,910.  Prospective students should see the Student Accounting website for the most up-to-date prices and plan information (http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/resources/medical-insurance/). If you already have medical insurance from another provider you may submit a “Medical Insurance Waiver Form” before the start of classes. This waiver can be found at the same website. Students, including those who are international, seeking to waive the Boston University Medical Insurance must read the following: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/resources/medical-insurance/comparable-coverage/.
• Incidental Expenses – Boston University recommends that graduate students budget approximately $3,994 per year for incidental expenses, which vary with individual circumstances. Incidental expenses include transportation, laundry, clothing, recreation, and miscellaneous expenditures. See feed the pig for tips on savings.

The cost of Boston University School of Theology tuition for the 2013-2014 school year is $17,580. Doctor of Ministry students are charged $560 per credit, as opposed to $549 for Ph.D. and Th.D. students. However, students taking at least 12 credits per semester are eligible for merit-based financial aid (Doctoral Fellowships) or need-based aid (Tuition Scholarships), which remove all, or a significant percentage, of that tuition cost. The chart below shows what students can expect in terms of actual tuition and total academic costs for 2013-2014:

* Doctoral tuition scholarships and doctoral fellowships are given to those studying on a full-time basis (at least 12 credit hours per semester). Doctoral students taking fewer than 12 credits per semester may end up using all of their semesters of financial aid eligibility prior to completing their degree requirements. For that reason, students should be cautious about their maximum number of semesters of financial aid eligibility when planning their registration each semester.

**University fees include: Student Services Fee ($290/$145 per semester), Health and Wellness Fee ($320/$160 per semester), STH Community Service Program Fee #1 ($116 in Fall only or $58 for students entering in Spring), STH Community Service Program Fee #2 ($106/$53 per semester)

***Does not include housing or living expenses

****Stipendiary awards for PhD students (and ThD students who matriculate in Fall 2013) are for the first five years of doctoral study, are awarded on the basis of merit upon admission, and require participation in the Doctoral Teaching Research and Internship Program (DTRIP). See more about the DTRIP program at the following website.

*****ThD students matriculating in Fall 2013 are awarded full tuition with a $20,000 stipend for the first five years of their program.  Beyond 2013-2014, the ThD program’s participation in the Doctoral Fellowships is unknown.  When information on financial support for the ThD program in Fall 2014 and beyond is known, this page will be updated.

Additional Awards

• Alumni/ae Fellowships – A small number of doctoral fellowships are available for Boston University School of Theology alumni/ae from any degree program who are presently doing or have been admitted to begin doctoral-level work at Boston University. These awards range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Information about the application process can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/sth/academics/financial-aid/scholarships/bu-sth-alumni-alumnae/
• Additional Scholarships -To aid students in their scholarship search, the School of Theology’s Financial Aid Office maintains a large list of outside awards and scholarships, arranged by eligibility, at the following website: /sth/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/.

Additional Costs

In addition to academic costs, each student must prepare for life in Boston. Boston is an expensive city in which to live but well worth it, and students who employ careful financial planning and budgeting can achieve a good quality of life without succumbing to extraordinary debt. While the School of Theology does everything it can to help students plan, best financial practices are the responsibility of each student’s own household.

• Housing – Students coming from less-expensive areas of the country should be prepared for high housing costs in particular. Students should budget $700/month for single students and $1200/month for coupled students for decent, affordable housing within a comfortable commuting distance of the School of Theology. The School of Theology Admissions Office has
  relationships with several landlords, realtors, and institutions that can help students find such housing.
• Medical Insurance – Boston University requires that all of its students have medical insurance. The cost of the University’s basic medical insurance plan is $2,141 for the 2013-2014 academic year. The Plus plan is $2,910.  Prospective students should see the Student Accounting website for the most up-to-date prices and plan information (http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/resources/medical-insurance/). If you already have medical insurance from another provider you may submit a “Medical Insurance Waiver Form” before the start of classes. This waiver can be found at the same website. Students, including those who are international, seeking to waive the Boston University Medical Insurance must read the following: http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/resources/medical-insurance/comparable-coverage/.
• Incidental Expenses – Boston University recommends that graduate students budget approximately $3,994 per year for incidental expenses, which vary with individual circumstances. Incidental expenses include transportation, laundry, clothing, recreation, and miscellaneous expenditures. See feed the pig for tips on savings.

Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply for federal aid.  To apply, students must complete both the STH financial aid application and FAFSA here.

Federal Work-Study: This program is designed to help qualified students meet education expenses through employment. Jobs are available both on campus and in approved nonprofit organizations off campus. The School of Theology receives a limited amount of federal funds; preference is given to returning students who had a work-study job in the previous academic year and remaining funds are awarded to incoming students with the greatest financial need on a first-come, first-served basis.

Perkins Loans: This is a federally funded, long-term educational loan program designed to assist students with exceptional need. There are no interest charges on a Perkins Loan until six months after half-time enrollment ceases. At that time, repayment begins and a five-percent simple interest is charged. The School of Theology receives a limited amount of federal funds; preference is given to returning students who had a Perkins Loan in the previous academic year and remaining funds are awarded to incoming students with the greatest financial need on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Eligibility for federal unsubsidized loans is determined by the submission of the FAFSA. Students registered for at least 6 credit hours are eligible to apply for a federal unsubsidized loan. Note that Boston University is an approved direct lender for the federal unsubsidized loan.

Qualified students are encouraged to apply for financial aid at the School of Theology.