Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are gift aid, meaning you do not have to repay them or earn the funds by working.

Boston University merit, need-based, and endowed scholarships are all made possible by generous gifts from alumni and friends of BU, and by budget allocations authorized by the Trustees of Boston University. The generosity of enthusiastic donors and the University’s commitment to excellence and affordability stand behind the vitality of our scholarship programs.

Federal and state grants are government-funded awards that do not have to be repaid. Eligibility requirements are established by the government. Most require that you 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..

Private scholarships are also available from other sources.

Remember that you can receive more than one type of financial aid. An award package may include a combination of scholarships, grants, and other types of assistance, such as loans and work-study.

  • Merit-Based Scholarships Awarded solely on the basis of academic, artistic, or athletic achievements.
  • Need-Based Scholarships Awarded to students who demonstrate financial eligibility and who file both the CSS Profile™ and 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. by the financial aid application deadline.
  • Federal Grants Based on financial eligibility as determined by information you provide on 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. and criteria established by the federal government.
  • State Grants Offered by many state governments. Certain states allow their grant awards to be used at colleges and universities outside your state of residence.