Boston University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Massachusetts aid & Grants
Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~11%
- Middle 50% ACT: 33
- Middle 50% SAT: 1447
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Below the typical ranges: This is a high reach. Even strong students get denied at BU, so make sure you have true match and safety schools with clear merit.
- In the typical ranges: Still a reach. BU’s low admit rate means you need strong academics and a compelling overall application (essays, activities, fit).
- Well above the ranges: You’re competitive for admission, but don’t assume merit. Top awards like Trustee are extremely selective and go to a tiny percentage of applicants.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Boston University at a Glance
- No automatic merit: All scholarships are competitive—even perfect stats don’t guarantee anything.
- Early deadline for top scholarships: The Trustee Scholarship requires applying by early December—miss that, and the biggest award is off the table.
- High cost + CSS Profile required: BU is a private school, so financial aid requires both FAFSA and CSS Profile—and the starting price is high before aid.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Boston University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 33; SAT: 1447.
Average net price? About $27,551/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
BU Trustee Scholarship page: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/first-year/trustee/
BU Menino Scholars page: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/first-year/boston-public-high-school/
Posse Foundation – BU partner page: https://www.possefoundation.org/partners/boston-university
BU National Merit Scholarships page: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/first-year/national-merit/
BU Scholarship Assurance page: https://www.bu.edu/finaid/how-aid-works/eligibility/bu-scholarship-assurance/
BU Merit Scholarships page: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/first-year/
BU Study Abroad scholarships page: https://www.bu.edu/abroad/applying-for-scholarships/
BU need-based scholarships page: https://www.bu.edu/finaid/how-aid-works/types-of-aid/scholarships-grants/need-based/
BU scholarships and grants overview: https://www.bu.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships-grants/
BU UROP deadlines page: https://www.bu.edu/urop/how-to-apply/deadlines/
BU admissions and aid overview: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/
BU College of Fine Arts site: https://www.bu.edu/cfa/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Boston University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $69,870 | $69,870 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $19,970 | $19,970 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $89,840 | $89,840 |
Average Federal Net Price: $27,551 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for lower costs?
Any admitted student may receive merit or need-based aid. BU also pledges to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for first-years and transfers. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
How much does aid usually cover?
The average family paid about $27,551 after scholarships and grants for 2023-24 (latest published). Actual awards vary depending on family income and aid profile. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Do I need to apply separately?
Yes. For need-based aid, families must file the FAFSA and often the CSS Profile by BU’s deadlines. Competitive merit scholarships may also require an additional essay or separate application.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Boston University does not publish a tiered “auto-merit grid.” The main admission-based merit awards considered without a separate application are the Presidential Scholarship and, for National Merit Finalists who list BU as their first choice, the BU-sponsored National Merit Scholarship. Most merit selection at BU is highly competitive and holistic.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $25,000/year (up to 4 years) | Exceptional first-year admits, domestic or international, with top grades, leadership, and impact. No extra application; just apply for admission. | No — considered automatically with admission | Yes — maintain satisfactory academic progress | Students in top 5% of their class, impressive leadership/activities, and often SAT 1500+/ACT 33+ (submitted scores not required) | December 1 |
| National Merit Scholarship | $25,000/year (up to 4 years) | National Merit Finalists listing BU as their first choice; must also be admitted to BU. | No — achieved via National Merit process and BU admission | Yes — if satisfactory academic progress maintained | Highly competitive; awarded to admitted finalists who list BU as first choice | December 1 (admission); March 1 (National Merit declaration) |
Note: BU’s automatic scholarship process is holistic. Awards cannot stack to exceed full tuition; award values/practices may change year to year. Recipients are notified in their admission decision letter.
Also of note: BU is a QuestBridge partner. Qualified students should review the QuestBridge National College Match for additional opportunities.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Is there a GPA/test grid?
No. BU does not publish a GPA or test-score grid. Selection is holistic and extremely competitive.
What’s the deadline to be considered?
Apply for admission by December 1 for merit consideration.
Do they superscore?
Yes. BU superscores both the SAT and ACT for admission and scholarship review, using highest section scores across all sittings.
Test-optional?
Yes. SAT/ACT are not required and merit is offered to test-optional applicants; historically, those submitting scores for top awards often present ~1500+ SAT or 33+ ACT.
Can merit stack with other awards?
Tuition-based awards cannot exceed total tuition. BU may reduce or replace one scholarship if a student is offered multiple large awards.
*Typical recipient profiles are evidence-based; BU does not disclose hard cutoffs for merit.
BU Merit Scholarships – https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/first-year/
BU National Merit Scholarships – https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/first-year/national-merit/
BU Financial Assistance – https://www.bu.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships-grants/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike automatic awards, these scholarships require extra steps like essays or nominations. They’re highly selective, with only a small number of students chosen each year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Full tuition & fees (4 years) | All first-years, domestic or international; Trustee essay required | Yes — submit required Trustee essays by Dec 1 | Yes — keep ≥3.5 GPA, live on campus | ~20 selected; near-perfect high school records, national-level leadership/service, compelling essays | December 1 |
| Thomas M. Menino Scholarship | Full tuition (4 years) | Graduates of Boston Public High Schools; principal/counselor nomination required | Yes — nomination form | Yes — BU housing, satisfactory academic standing | About 20–25 top BPS seniors per year, strong leadership/service | December 1 |
| Posse Foundation Scholarship | Full tuition (4 years) | Nominated by Posse partner school/city; leadership, teamwork, community service | Yes — through Posse Foundation process; nomination timelines vary by city | Yes — BU/Posse academic and engagement requirements | Small cohort from each city; academically strong, exceptional leaders | Spring–Summer (city/Posse nomination deadlines) |
*Profiles and award conditions are based on BU’s official and partner descriptions; no official GPA/test cutoffs published.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Why are these called competitive?
Because only a handful of students are selected among thousands of strong applicants. Trustee, for example, is awarded to around 20 students nationwide.
Do I need to apply separately?
Yes. Trustee requires essays by Dec 1, Menino requires a school nomination, and Posse requires following the Posse Foundation’s unique process and deadlines.
Can I combine these with other awards?
Full-tuition scholarships cannot be combined with other BU full-tuition awards, but can be stacked with smaller stipends or need-based aid up to cost of attendance.
What traits do winners usually have?
BU looks for maturity, vision, high academic achievement, major leadership roles, and compelling stories/essays. National recognition, service, and initiative often stand out.
BU Trustee Scholarship – https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/first-year/trustee/
BU Menino Scholars – https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/first-year/boston-public-high-school/
Posse at BU – https://www.possefoundation.org/partners/boston-university
🎖️ Honors College
Boston University’s Kilachand Honors College is more than just tougher classes—it’s an interdisciplinary community that gives motivated students a small-college experience inside a major research university. Admission is selective and requires a supplemental essay on top of the standard BU application.
GPA near the top of their class (3.8+ unweighted*), rigorous AP/IB coursework, strong writing and creativity, and a track record of leadership or service. Test scores, when submitted, often fall in the 1450+ SAT / 32+ ACT range*.
- Small, discussion-based seminars with top faculty
- Priority access to interdisciplinary opportunities
- Specialty housing options in Kilachand Hall (space-available)
- Keystone Project: a senior capstone guided by faculty mentors
- Extra funding for research, global projects, and enrichment
- Kilachand Internship Program (KIP): Provides a stipend for summer internships focused on social, environmental, or justice-related work. Award varies depending on hours worked.
- UROP Co-Funding: Kilachand students conducting research with a faculty mentor may receive additional funding on top of standard BU UROP stipends.
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic if I’m admitted to BU?
No. You must opt in and complete the Kilachand supplemental essay. Admission is highly selective.
Does joining Kilachand add time to my degree?
No. The curriculum is designed to fit alongside your major and finish in four years.
Are there extra scholarships?
Kilachand itself does not offer separate scholarships, but many students are also Presidential or Trustee Scholars. Honors students often have an edge when applying for research funding or national fellowships.
What are the deadlines?
You must apply to BU by the standard deadlines (Dec 1 for merit consideration). The Kilachand essay is submitted with your application.
*Estimates based on past recipient profiles; not official cutoffs.
Kilachand Honors College – https://www.bu.edu/khc/
Kilachand Program Requirements – https://www.bu.edu/khc/academics/curriculum-guide/
Kilachand Deadlines & Timeline – https://www.bu.edu/khc/admissions/apply/
Kilachand Opportunities & Funding – https://www.bu.edu/khc/current-students/fellowships/
⭐ College Specialty
Boston University is a private R1 research university right in the heart of one of the world’s top college cities. Families often know BU for its strong academics and global reach, but the school has carved out standout reputations in several fields where its students regularly earn national recognition and step straight into Boston’s powerful career pipelines.
- Study Abroad — BU operates 170+ programs in over 30 cities, making it one of the largest study-abroad providers among U.S. universities.
- Business (Questrom School of Business) — Highly regarded for its programs in management and entrepreneurship, with strong Boston industry connections.
- Fine Arts (College of Fine Arts) — Known for music, theater, and visual arts, BU’s CFA is a respected training ground for professional artists and performers nationwide.
- Public Health (School of Public Health) — Frequently ranked among the top 10–15 public health programs nationally, giving students access to world-class research and policy opportunities.