Scholarship for Cancer Patients & Survivors

The struggle with illness takes resolve and hope. For those in treatment, the opportunity to begin—or continue—their college education can be an important factor in healing. Yet the financial hardship that often accompanies serious illness can put college out of reach for many.

With this in mind, Boston University’s Metropolitan College now offers the Scholarship for Cancer Patients & Survivors. Available to those currently in treatment at Boston Medical Center (BMC) or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), this award reinforces the University’s commitment to community outreach through accessible education.

A vote of confidence in those battling cancer, this life-changing scholarship is a valuable resource for patients and survivors who wish to begin or continue their undergraduate studies in order to pursue a new career or enhance current skills. Just as importantly, the scholarship encourages patients to resume their interaction with the community and work toward future goals.

The Boston University Metropolitan College Scholarship for Cancer Patients & Survivors provides tuition assistance based on financial need and treatment status. Scholarship awards can be used toward any full-time, part-time, or nondegree Metropolitan College classroom program at the undergraduate level. Awards are made on a course-by-course basis; applicants who wish to pursue a degree program must also complete the Metropolitan College Application for Undergraduate Admission.

The scholarship does not apply to online courses.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Cancer Patients & Survivors Scholarship, you must:

• Be a patient receiving treatment from a designated health care provider; off-treatment patients must be receiving follow-up care, with their most recent visit being within 18 months of the application deadline (note from physician or nurse practitioner required)
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Show evidence of financial need by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Be a United States citizen or permanent resident

Scholarship Application Guidelines

To apply for the Scholarship for Cancer Patients & Survivors, please submit the following:

• Proof of high school graduation or GED
• Scholarship application with required essay questions
• A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Letter of advocacy from attending physician or nurse practitioner verifying that the applicant is currently being followed for treatment, including date of most recent visit

Applications can be mailed, faxed, or brought to:

Scholarship applications are reviewed each semester by a Metropolitan College scholarship committee. Interested parties may apply each term, and there is no limit to the number of times an applicant may apply. There is, however, no guarantee of receiving an award.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, contact Enrollment & Student Success at 617-353-2980 or metess@bu.edu.