Investing in your future

Graduate school is a significant investment. We’re committed to making the funding process easier to understand–and helping you identify scholarships, assistantships, financial aid, and other resources that may make a COM education more accessible.

Domestic and international applicants admitted full-time to eligible on-campus graduate programs are automatically considered for COM merit scholarships. No separate application is required for most awards.

Beyond COM scholarships, additional funding may be available through graduate assistantships, federal financial aid, employer tuition benefits, and outside scholarships.

Merit scholarships

COM awards a range of merit-based scholarships to eligible applicants. Awards are based on the strength of the complete application, including academic achievement, professional and creative accomplishments, leadership, and overall potential for graduate study. Part-time and online students are not eligible for COM merit scholarships.

Scholarship percentages and award amounts may vary by program of admission. All ranges below are based on enrollment in 16 units (credits) per semester.

Excellence in Communication scholarship

45%–50% tuition scholarship (between $31,436–$34,938)

COM’s most prestigious graduate scholarship, awarded to exceptional candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to the field.

Dean’s scholarship

30%–40% tuition scholarship (between $20,000–$28,000)

Awarded to high-achieving applicants who demonstrate strong academic and professional potential.

Emerging Leaders scholarship

20%–25% tuition scholarship (between $14,000–$17,500)

Awarded to applicants who demonstrate creativity, intellectual curiosity, initiative, and strong leadership potential.

Communication scholarship

10%–15% tuition scholarship (between $7,000–$10,500)

Awarded to applicants who show strong potential for success in graduate study and communication-related careers.

Global Scholars award

10%–15% tuition scholarship (between $7,000–$10,500)

Awarded to exceptional international applicants whose academic achievements, experiences, and perspectives strengthen COM’s global community.

Boston University alumni scholarship (Double Terrier)

Already a Terrier? We’ve got good news.

Eligible Boston University bachelor’s degree alumni who enroll in a qualifying COM master’s program beginning in summer 2026 or later receive a guaranteed minimum 25% tuition scholarship through BU’s Double Terrier Scholarship program. No separate application is required. For the 2025–26 academic year, the minimum scholarship value is approximately $17,500 for full-time students enrolled in 16 credits/units per semester.

Learn more about eligibility and programs. Please note that COM’s Graduate Certificate in Civic Science Communication and the online MS in Strategic Integrated Communication are not eligible for the Double Terrier scholarship.

Recent Boston University alumni may also qualify for a COM application fee waiver. Learn more about fee waiver eligibility or email us at comgrad@bu.edu.

Program-specific merit scholarships

Some programs offer additional merit scholarships based on program-specific criteria. No separate application is required; all applicants to eligible programs are automatically considered. Recipients may instead receive a higher COM merit scholarship based on committee review.

  • Media Ventures scholarship:
    • Minimum 20% tuition scholarship ($14,000 for 2025–26 academic year based on full-time enrollment of 16 credits per semester)
    • Available to admitted MS in Media Ventures students.
  • Television scholarship:
    • Minimum 20% tuition scholarship ($14,000 for 2025–26 academic year based on full-time enrollment of 16 credits per semester)
    • Available to admitted MS in Television students.

Named and special scholarships

The College of Communication is proud to offer several scholarships made possible through the generosity of alumni, donors, faculty, and friends of COM. Eligibility and award criteria vary.

Claflin Scholarship

A minimum $10,000 scholarship supporting graduate students whose experiences and perspectives contribute to the richness of our community. The scholarship honors a founder of both Boston University and Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Kauff Scholarship

Awarded to select MS in Journalism students interested in pursuing careers in broadcast journalism.

Doris Hill Graduate Scholarship Fund

Established through the generosity of COM alumnus Kevin Merida in honor of his mother, Doris Hill, this annual $30,000 scholarship supports an MS in Journalism student with financial need.

Leadership Brainery Scholarship

A minimum 20% tuition scholarship for alumni of Leadership Brainery, an organization dedicated to increasing opportunities for underrepresented talent. Alumni may instead qualify for one of the higher scholarships listed above. No separate scholarship application is required, but after applying to COM, please email comgrad@bu.edu to let us know you’ve submitted your application as a Leadership Brainery alum.

Hugo Shong Graduate Scholarship in Journalism

Through the generosity of COM alum Hugo Shong, these scholarships provide up to $70,000 in tuition support to two graduate students studying journalism, including one with a focus on science journalism or science communication.

Jonathan Walton Memorial Scholarship

The Jonathan Walton Memorial Scholarship provides an annual scholarship of $2,500 to a graduate student whose academic and professional goals align with the scholarship’s mission and purpose.

Scholarships requiring a separate application

Students are not automatically considered for the following:

First Generation Scholarship

COM offers two full-tuition scholarships for eligible first-generation college students entering a COM master’s program in the fall. A first-generation student is defined as someone whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree.

The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and fees for the normal duration of the recipient’s graduate program.

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, enroll full-time, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the program. A separate application is required.

  • Recipients must remain enrolled full-time throughout their COM master’s program to maintain scholarship eligibility.

Note: This scholarship replaces any other COM merit scholarship awarded and cannot exceed the total cost of tuition and fees when combined with other outside or BU scholarships.

To apply: The application for the 2026 First Generation Scholarship is now closed.

Outside scholarship resources

For specific disciplines

Outside scholarship databases and search engines

Assistantships

All full-time applicants are automatically considered for select COM graduate assistantships during the admission process. Additional paid positions become available throughout the academic year and are shared with enrolled students through the COM Graduate Newsletter.

Assistantships may involve teaching, research, grading, administrative support, or other work within COM. These are paid positions and do not include tuition remission.

Learn more about assistantships. Questions can be directed to comgrad@bu.edu.

There are other on-campus employment options available to enrolled students through Boston University’s Student Employment Office, Fitness and Recreation Center, and the Residence Life Office.

COM Scholarship and Assistantship FAQs

Applicants admitted full-time to eligible on-campus graduate programs are automatically considered for COM merit scholarships. No separate scholarship application is required for most awards.

Yes. All full-time applicants are automatically considered for select COM graduate assistantships during the admission process. Additional paid teaching, research, and administrative positions become available throughout the academic year.

Yes. International students are eligible for COM merit scholarships and graduate assistantships. Some scholarships and funding sources may have additional eligibility requirements.

Federal financial aid

U.S. citizens and eligible permanent residents may qualify for federal financial aid, including student loans and work-study opportunities.

To be considered, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may apply online at studentaid.gov. For current interest rates and loan fees, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

Additional resources

  • Smart Money 101: BU Financial Assistance’s online tools, information and other resources to promote effective money management. 
  • Student Financials: Information about tuition payment deadlines and payment options