Transfer Students
We understand that as a transfer applicant you have done this before, but we urge you to take a minute and review the Boston University information about financial aid for transfer students, as schools may differ in the requirements and money offered. Need-based Boston University scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. Our transfer financial aid deadline is critically important. Various other factors are considered including demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, the availability of funds for your program of study, and other factors.
And when it comes to college expenses you can’t plan one year at a time. You need to plot out how you’re going to pay for the entire program, from start to finish. That’s why with the BU Scholarship Assurance, as long as your total aid doesn’t exceed your cost of attendance, your Boston University scholarship will be renewed at the same level each year – guaranteed – with no additional CSS Profile™ required.
Required Forms
Both the CSS Profile™ and the FAFSA are required to apply for BU-funded financial aid as a first time recipient. However after the first year, as long as your total aid doesn’t exceed your cost of attendance, BU need-based scholarship aid is guaranteed at the same level as the prior year and no Profile™ is required.
FAFSA – Used to determine eligibility for federal and some state financial aid programs, the FAFSA is available starting in December 2023.
CSS Profile™ – If your biological or adoptive parents are divorced, separated, and/or do not share the same household list both parents (and any stepparents if applicable) on your Profile, as instructed. The parent who provides the majority of your financial support must provide their information on your Profile and FAFSA. Your other (noncustodial) parent must complete a Profile also, which will be appended to your Profile later. Enter your other (noncustodial) parent’s email address on your Profile, as instructed, so CSS can send them information on how to create their separate Profile account log-in. If getting a CSS Profile from the other (noncustodial) parent will be impossible, submit a CSS Profile Waiver Request for the Noncustodial Parent.
Applicants for admission starting September 2024 must complete the 2024/2025 CSS Profile™ and FAFSA. The CSS Profile is available starting October 1, 2023.
Applicants for January 2024 admission must complete the 2023/2024 CSS Profile™ and FAFSA.
Include your Social Security number on the Profile, the FAFSA, and the Common Application or Coalition Application to ensure that Boston University will be able to load your financial aid application to the BU system and consider your request for assistance. You will receive a financial aid decision along with your admissions decision if you file both forms by the deadline.
Other forms may also be required.
Questions Frequently Asked by Transfer Students
Q. Should I wait for an admission decision before applying for financial aid?
A. No. It could be too late to receive full consideration for financial aid if you delay submitting your application for any reason. Apply even if you haven’t filed your taxes yet; the financial aid application lets you estimate your income, so do not wait.
Q. Do all transfer students who apply for need-based aid receive it?
A. No. Boston University makes every effort to assist students with demonstrated financial need and high academic achievement, measured against the credentials of other admitted students, but we do not have sufficient funds to meet the full demonstrated need of every eligible transfer student.
Q. What factors are considered when awarding Boston University Need-based Scholarships to transfer students?
A. BU Need-based Scholarships are offered based on several factors, including demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, the availability of funds for your program of study, and other factors.
Q. Can transfer students work on campus?
A. Yes. A number of attractive job opportunities are available to any student who wants to work on campus through the Student Employment Program.
Q. What is the average BU need-based scholarship for transfer students?
A. Last year the average need-based BU scholarship received by our enrolled transfer students was $38,628 per academic year.
Q. If after receiving financial aid, there is still a gap, are there other loan options?
A. We encourage students and their families to borrow responsibly and carefully consider the full duration of their enrollment and potential monthly payments before making a loan commitment. Credit-based loan options include private, state and federal loans. Information about credit-based loans and resources to help you evaluate them and your options are on our loan page.
More Information for Transfer Students
Download and print the checklist and use it to help you manage your way through the process.
Transfer Student Checklist
Apply
- Note all applicable deadlines.
- Submit the 2023-2024 FAFSA.
- Submit the 2023-2024 CSS Profile™.
- If your biological or adoptive parents are divorced, separated, and/or do not share the same household list both parents (and any stepparents if applicable) on your Profile, as instructed. The parent who provides the majority of your financial support must provide their information on your Profile and FAFSA. Your other (noncustodial) parent must complete a Profile also, which will be appended to your Profile later. Enter your other (noncustodial) parent’s email address on your Profile, as instructed, so CSS can send them information on how to create their separate Profile account log-in.
- Submit a CSS Profile Waiver Request if getting a Profile from your other (noncustodial) parent will be impossible.
- Regularly check the MyBU portal and for email requests for additional information.
After You Receive Your Financial Aid Decision
- If possible, attend our Transfer Open House event in May and meet with a BU Financial Assistance representative or contact BU Financial Assistance with questions.
- Create a plan for financing your education and our college expense planning calculator at our planning page.
Within Two Weeks of Your Admissions Decision
- Acknowledge your Financial Aid Award via the MyBU portal.
- Submit your Enrollment Deposit.
After Paying Your Deposit
We want to do all we can to take your particular circumstances into consideration. We encourage you to contact our office with any questions about your financial aid.
