Need-Based Scholarships

Boston University funds a number of scholarships for students who meet specific criteria for demonstrated financial need. To be considered, you must file both the Profile™ and FAFSA applications by the required deadlines. After the first year the BU Scholarship Assurance guarantees that your BU need-based scholarship aid will be renewed each year and  recipients are not required to file the Profile™. 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. is required each year to apply for federal and state financial aid.

Will you qualify? Apply and find out!

Trying to predict whether you’ll receive financial aid isn’t easy. You can only find out for sure by completing the applications, which we strongly encourage you to do.  But, using the MyinTuition calculator may help you get a general idea of what’s possible.

The following need-based scholarships vary in amount and eligibility is based on 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.  and other factors. Selection criteria may also include the availability of funds for your program of study.

Boston University Need-Based Scholarship

Awarded to students who meet all eligibility criteria for need-based financial aid.

Renewal criteria: You must satisfactorily complete at least 12 credits each semester, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00, and meet all other eligibility criteria.

BU Community Service Award

A unique award for incoming first-year and transfer students who are Boston public high school graduates, meet all criteria for need-based financial aid, and apply by our financial aid deadline. Recipients receive non-loan financial aid up to their calculated need. A special provision of the BU Community Service Award ensures that your total BU scholarships will increase at the same percentage rate as any future tuition increase.

Learn more about the BU Community Service Award.

Renewal criteria: You must satisfactorily complete at least 12 credits each semester, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00, fulfill a requirement of 25 hours of community service per semester, and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Charles River Housing Grant

Awarded to students who meet all criteria for need-based financial aid and live in University-owned housing on either the Charles River Campus or the Fenway Campus.

Renewal criteria: You must satisfactorily complete at least 12 credits each semester, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00, and continue to meet the housing and all other eligibility requirements.

University Scholarship

University Scholars are selected from among those with exceptional financial need and outstanding academic achievement and promise. Total financial aid is offered up to the student’s full financial need, as determined by BU Financial Assistance. A special provision of the University Scholarship ensures that your total BU scholarships will increase at the same percentage rate as any future tuition increase.

Renewal criteria: You must satisfactorily complete at least 12 credits each semester, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00, and continue to meet all other eligibility requirements.