Grants, Loans & Work-Study
BU Wheelock offers resources for students seeking grants, loans, and work-study. These require additional materials to be processed. We will not process any of the following types of aid if we have not received the required forms.
If you’re interested in receiving any federal aid, complete the FAFSA first, then submit the appropriate forms listed below.
Grants
TEACH Grant Program
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year (dependent on enrollment status) to students who agree to teach for four years at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families.
Learn more about the TEACH Grant and apply: TEACH Grant Program Application PDF
Loans
The loan amount that you can receive is limited by one or more factors, such as the cost of education, annual or maximum loan limits, or your credit rating. Be aware of specific eligibility requirements, loan terms, and application deadlines for each loan program.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans are long-term, low-interest education loans. You are eligible to participate in the Federal Direct loan program if you are:
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled in a degree program on at least a half-time basis (6 Credit Hours) and all credits must count towards your degree
- Making satisfactory academic progress
- Do not have an outstanding balance from a prior period of enrollment at Boston University
- Have not met the cumulative (aggregate) limit for the Federal Direct (formerly Stafford) Subsidized/Unsubsidized loan program of $138,500 for graduate and professional students, including any amount borrower for undergraduate study
You must complete the following steps to request and process your Unsubsidized Loan:
- Complete a 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Boston University’s School Code is 002130 and you must select Boston University as your school choice in order for Boston University to receive your FAFSA data.
- Complete the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Request Form
- First time borrowers must complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)
- First time borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling online
Processing your loan application takes about three to four weeks. Be sure to complete the loan application steps at least one month before the beginning of the semester.
See more information Federal Direct Loans here. The maximum amount of an unsubsidized loan is $20,500. If you need more than $20,500, you can request a Grad Plus Loan directly on the FAFSA website.
Graduate Federal PLUS Loans
Graduate
Federal PLUS loans are long-term, low-interest education loans. The PLUS loan is a credit-based loan.
Eligible graduate loan borrowers are those who are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) per semester in a graduate or professional degree that leads to a master’s, law, or medical degree. The credits must be accepted toward the degree program. The student must be a US citizen or permanent resident, must not have an outstanding balance from a previous enrollment period, and must be making satisfactory academic progress according to school guidelines.
The PLUS loan does not have any annual borrowing maximums, so you may use this loan to bridge the gap between all other forms of funding and aid and your total cost of attendance.
For more information about the Federal PLUS loan and how to apply, visit the Graduate Federal PLUS Loan application page on studentaid.gov
Private Loans
Students can also apply for private
credit-based loans to cover all or a portion of their cost of attendance. Boston University has created a list of private loans to help you get started. You don’t have to borrow from one of the lenders listed on the website—you can choose to borrow from any lender without penalty.
BU also has a two research tools designed to help our student compare eligible lenders. The lenders have been reviewed by a University-wide committee. Either log into the Electronic Loan Management Database (ELM). Or create a profile on Credible to begin your search for a private lender.
Work-Study
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study is a program that promotes access to employment for students who demonstrate financial need. The Work-Study Office provides information to eligible students about available jobs in University departments as well as off-campus nonprofit agencies.
Graduate Work-Study students may be paid either weekly at established hourly rates or monthly at a fixed amount, depending on the nature of the job. Job assignments, which average 12 to 15 hours per week, are coordinated with the student’s class schedule. Funding is extremely limited for graduate-level Federal Work-Study.
If you’re interested in a Federal Work-Study position, contact the BU Wheelock Financial Assistance team by emailing wheaid@bu.edu.