The BU Scholarship Assurance enables you to plan for the cost of your entire degree by guaranteeing your Boston University need-based financial scholarship for each of your undergraduate years, up to a maximum of 8 semesters.
Eligibility for BU need-based scholarship aid is established and confirmed in the first year when you file the CSS Profile™ and the FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website. The Boston University FAFSA school code is 002130.. After the first year, the Profile™ is not required again unless you are requesting reconsideration of your financial aid. BU scholarships will never be reduced as long as your total financial aid does not exceed your cost of attendance. To apply for federal and state financial aid including grants, loans, and work-study you must file the FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website. The Boston University FAFSA school code is 002130. annually.
BU need-based scholarships will increase at the same percentage rate as any future tuition increase.
BU merit-based scholarship recipients are selected according to the criteria for each award.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my family financial circumstances change, can I appeal for reconsideration of my award?
Yes, we understand that sometimes extenuating circumstances arise, and you are welcome to appeal for reconsideration of your need-based aid. Appeal requests are carefully reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis. If an increase is granted for the academic year of your appeal, that increase will also be applied to future years.
Merit-based scholarships are not subject to reconsideration. However, recipients of awards based solely on merit are welcome to apply for need-based aid if adverse financial circumstances arise.
Are there other requirements to maintain my eligibility for my BU need-based scholarship?
Yes, need-based scholarship recipients are required to meet all other eligibility criteria for BU need-based scholarship awards, including requirements pertaining to satisfactory academic progress, Charles River Housing Grant on-campus residence, enrollment, etc.
Merit-based scholarship recipients are required to meet all other eligibility criteria specific to their particular award, including requirements pertaining to academic performance, program participation, enrollment, on campus residence (for full-tuition scholars), and good disciplinary standing.
BU is meeting my full demonstrated need but I still have a bill?
BU is committed to meeting the demonstrated needThe amount of financial aid you are eligible for based on the total annual cost of attendance minus the amount BU Financial Assistance determines you and your family are able to contribute toward those costs using the information provided on your CSS Profile application. of all admitted financial aid applicants entering college for the first time. That amount of aid may or may not cover your billed charges, depending on the amount of your need and aid. Your demonstrated financial needThe amount of financial aid you are eligible for based on the total annual cost of attendance minus the amount BU Financial Assistance determines you and your family are able to contribute toward those costs using the information provided on your CSS Profile application. is determined by the information provided on your CSS Profile. Your FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website. The Boston University FAFSA school code is 002130. SAI (Student Aid IndexCollege financial aid offices use the Student Aid Index (SAI) to determine how much federal student aid you may be able to receive. The SAI is calculated using information from your FAFSA form. BU Financial Assistance uses information reported on the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for Boston University scholarships, not the SAI.) is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid and is different from the amount we use to calculate your demonstrated needThe amount of financial aid you are eligible for based on the total annual cost of attendance minus the amount BU Financial Assistance determines you and your family are able to contribute toward those costs using the information provided on your CSS Profile application. for BU aid. Students may still have expenses, either billed or non-billed, even with BU meeting their full demonstrated needThe amount of financial aid you are eligible for based on the total annual cost of attendance minus the amount BU Financial Assistance determines you and your family are able to contribute toward those costs using the information provided on your CSS Profile application. .
Students can pay for some of their non-billed expenses through student employment. Also, responsible student borrowing can be a great tool to help cover some expenses as long as students are making informed and reasonable choices about how much to borrow.
Why do I have to complete a FAFSA every year to get federal and state financial aid?
Federal and state aid, including grants, loans, and work-study is determined by your FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The FAFSA can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website. The Boston University FAFSA school code is 002130. and federal and state governments require that you submit the form annually.
How do I manage rising tuition and other costs?
Historically, BU tuition has risen by about 3.6 percent per year. If you receive a BU need-based scholarship, your scholarship will increase by the same percentage as the tuition charge in future years. However, we encourage you to plan for increased costs of any type and pursue available opportunities to reduce your expenses.
Check out Your Plan for Managing BU Expenses for guidance on managing costs that are within your control and Smart Money for even more cost-saving ideas.
How do I apply for BU need-based scholarship and other financial aid?
Complete application instructions:
