Federal Grants

Federal grants are awarded based on calculated financial eligibility, which is determined by information you provide on the FAFSA and by criteria established by the federal government. You do not need to repay a federal grant.

To be considered for these grants, you must file the FAFSA. Either of the following awards can be packaged together with BU merit-based or need-based scholarships if you also file the CSS Profile™.

Federal Pell Grant

Awarded to students who demonstrate substantial financial need, based on the Federal Pell Grant Formula and information you submit the FAFSA.

Renewal criteria: If you’ve completed fewer than two years at BU, you must complete at least 12 credits each semester with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 1.70 for the prior academic year. If you’ve completed two years or more at BU, you must complete at least 12 credits each semester and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Provides assistance to students with exceptional financial need. SEOG is funded by the federal government with a matching contribution from Boston University. In keeping with federal regulations, BU awards these funds to students with the lowest expected family contributions and the greatest financial need, usually Federal Pell Grant recipients.

Renewal criteria: If you’ve completed fewer than two years at BU, you must complete at least 12 credits each semester with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 1.70 for the prior academic year. If you’ve completed two years or more at BU, you must complete at least 12 credits each semester and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.