All you have to do is apply for financial aid.
Paying for college is a significant commitment for you and your family. At BU, we’re committed to making our financial aid process clear, transparent, and easy to navigate—so you understand your options every step of the way.
How can I apply?
Students must complete and submit the CSS Profile™ and FAFSA by the deadlines below. Eligibility for BU need-based scholarship aid is established and confirmed in the first year when you file the CSS Profile and the FAFSA. After the first year, the Profile is not required.
November
2
Early Decision Application & CSS Profile Deadline
January
5
Early Decision and Early Decision 2 FAFSA Deadline
January
5
Early Decision 2 and regular Decision Application; Early Decision 2 CSS Profile Deadline
January
5
Regular Decision CSS Profile and FAFSA Deadline
What’s your full demonstrated need?
CalculateCalculator
What are the types of aid?
What kind of aid can you expect? It depends on your family’s financial situation. One person might receive a package of grants and low-interest student loans. Another, Work-Study and a scholarship. Yet another, some combination of all four. Merit scholarships are available to all students, regardless of need.
What Will BU Cost You?
A Boston University education can be accessible to all. The BU Promise meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need, without loans, for all first-time, first-year students who are US citizens and permanent residents.
| Total Household Income | Total Financial Aid | Net Cost of Attendance * |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$75,000 | Full Tuition + Standard Housing & Dining Plan (SHDP) | $0 |
| $75,001–$100,000 | Full Tuition + % SHDP | $10,000 or less |
| $100,001–$150,000 | Full Tuition + % SHDP | $15,000 or less |
| $150,001–$200,000 | Full Tuition + % SHDP | $20,000 or less |
| $200,000 + | Tailored Financial Aid |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BU mean by “will meet my need”?
Meeting your need means that the gap between the cost of BU and what your family can be expected to contribute, based on your demonstrated financial need, will be covered through some combination of scholarships, grants, low-interest government student loans, and Work-Study. Aid packages for first-year students will not include loans. Additionally, if tuition increases, your Boston University need-based scholarship will increase at the same percentage as the increase in tuition.
What is demonstrated financial need?
Demonstrated need is the cost of attending BU minus your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated from information you submitted on the FAFSA and the CSS Profile forms. You can calculate your estimated need with this calculator, but keep in mind it is only an estimate. To determine your actual need, you must complete both your FAFSA and CSS Profile. Your financial aid will be equal to the calculation of your need and may be comprised of need-based scholarships, grants, government student loans, and/or Work-Study.
What is included in the “cost of attendance”?
For financial aid purposes, the cost of BU is the yearly expected total of tuition, room and board, local transportation, books, supplies, and personal expenses.
How do I know if I qualify for financial aid based on my family’s situation?
You must file the FAFSA and CSS Profile to officially determine whether you qualify for financial aid. However, for planning purposes, we also have an online tool to help you and your family estimate the amount of financial aid you could be offered and the net amount you may be expected to pay toward the cost of attending BU. For more information, visit the MyinTuition: Quick College Cost Estimator or the Net Price calculator.
If I do not qualify for financial aid, does BU still offer merit scholarships based on my grades or other factors?
BU offers merit-based scholarships for academics, athletics, arts, and leadership. Merit-based scholarships have varied requirements and submission guidelines that must be followed in order to qualify. Please review our Merit Scholarships for First-Year Students page for information about specific merit scholarships, requirements, and deadlines.
Who is eligible for the BU Promise?
First-time, first-year students who are US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for the BU Promise. Transfer students are not eligible.
*U.S. citizens and permanent residents
What about international students?
International students are not eligible for the BU Promise; however, they may apply for merit scholarships. Find details, deadlines, and how to apply at bu.edu/apply.
What are “typical assets”?
Assets may include cash, savings and checking accounts, investments, equity in real estate other than a primary residence, and business equity. Families with significant assets in these categories, relative to what is typical for their income level, may not meet the BU Promise income eligibility requirements, even if their annual income is below $200,000. BU does not include assets held in designated retirement accounts when evaluating a family’s assets.
Will I still need loans even if my family earns under $200,000?
With the BU Promise, your financial aid covers 100% of your demonstrated need without student loans. Even when your BU financial need is fully met, eligible students have the option to use federal Direct Loans to help manage their education expenses. While borrowing can be a useful tool to help manage education costs, accepting these loans is optional—you can choose to accept or decline them in your MyBU Student Portal.
My family earns more than $200,000 a year. Is it still worth applying for aid?
Absolutely. Families earning more than $200,000 are encouraged to apply. BU provides need-based aid packages that reflect each family's unique financial circumstances. For example, BU aid may take into account factors such as having multiple children enrolled in college at the same time or living in an area with a high cost of living.