More Ways to Pay Your Tuition
Although we attempt to provide as many scholarships as possible, our funds are limited. Thus priority for need-based scholarship aid is given to students with the strongest academic records. Various sources of assistance are available to students through the University as well as through resources outside the University.
Additional sources for aid include:
Federal Work-Study Program
Federal Work-Study is a federally funded financial aid program that assists JD students in meeting their educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience. Students at BU Law who demonstrate eligibility and financial need are employed under the Federal Work-Study Program in positions such as faculty research assistants, library assistants, and in some off-campus positions (many of which are law-related). Students receive the funds they have been awarded as they earn them, in the form of a weekly paycheck.
Part-Time Employment
The Boston area provides opportunities for part-time employment not funded through the Federal Work-Study Program. As a service to interested students, BU’s Office of Student Employment maintains a comprehensive list of part-time and short-term jobs. Given the time necessary to ensure adequate class preparation and a thorough understanding of course material, the School of Law discourages part-time employment during the first year. In accordance with the American Bar Association and Boston University School of Law rules and requirements, any student who must work part-time may not work more than 20 hours per week during the academic year.
Resident Assistant Positions
Resident Assistant positions are available to both single and married law students. Standard compensation for an assistantship is free living accommodations for the academic year. In some cases, assistantships may offer board and/or stipend as additional compensation. Federal regulations and Boston University policy require that all student resources, including any kind of compensation for services, be taken into consideration when calculating a student’s eligibility for financial assistance. Therefore, a financial aid package must include the resident assistance award and must not exceed the student expense budget.
Veterans Benefits
For students who have previously served in the US military, there are a number of educational benefits offered by the US Veterans Benefits Administration.
BU is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows US institutions of higher learning to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Participating schools can waive up to 50% of those expenses, and the VA will match the same amount as the institution. The program provides tuition assistance, a housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, and the option to transfer these benefits to family members under certain circumstances.
Additional information can be found at the BU Financial Assistance Office.