Boston University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Middle 50% ACT: 32–34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1430–1510
- Average HS GPA (mid-50%): 3.9–4.0
Source: BU Admissions Class Profile & College Board BigFuture (latest published ranges).
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
BU at a Glance
Last verified: October 11, 2025
Boston University is a nationally known private research university where strong academics and standout talent can translate into serious merit. While BU doesn’t offer an automatic merit grid, the top award—the competitive Trustee Scholarship—covers full tuition and mandatory undergraduate fees for four years. For everyone else, BU’s generous need-based aid and targeted merit (including arts and ROTC) can bring the price down more than families expect.
Use this guide to see exactly what’s possible and what it takes. If you’re comparing offers or planning around state programs, start with our Massachusetts Grants & Scholarships page, then come back here to map BU’s options line-by-line.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes. BU is test-optional through Fall 2028/Spring 2029, and it superscores both SAT and ACT for applicants who choose to submit scores (policy applies to scholarships, too).
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 32–34; SAT 1430–1510 for most admitted students (ranges may vary by program/year). BU reports a mid-50% high-school GPA around 3.9–4.0 for enrolled first-years.
What’s the average net price? ~$27,551 (latest available NCES/College Board figure). Net price varies by family income and aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? No. BU is a private university; public-system reciprocity programs (e.g., WUE/MSEP/ACM/NEBHE tuition matches) don’t apply.
https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/tuition/
https://www.bu.edu/admissions/why-bu/class-profile/
https://www.bu.edu/asir/files/2025/03/cds-2025-c.pdf
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/boston-university/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?164988-Boston-University=
https://www.niche.com/colleges/boston-university/cost/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Boston University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12-18 credits) | $71,372 | $71,372 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus average) | $19,970 | $19,970 |
| Total (before additional indirect expenses) | $91,342 | $91,342 |
Note: This table includes the billed expenses (tuition, mandatory fees, and average housing & meals) that are paid directly to the university. It does not include estimated costs for books & supplies, personal expenses, or transportation — these are included in the comprehensive cost of attendance figures but are not billed by the university directly. For example, BU lists additional other expenses (books ≈ $1,000; personal ≈ $1,455; transportation ≈ $630) bringing the full estimated cost of attendance to about $94,427 for 2025-26. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
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.