Boston University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the College Scholarships Hub
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Boston University is one of the country’s top private research universities, right in the heart of Boston. But with a big price tag, most families want to know: what scholarships are really on the table? This page breaks it all down in plain English—from tuition and net price to merit awards, hidden gems, and the Kilachand Honors College. You can also check our Massachusetts state aid guide for local options alongside the full CRP scholarship hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Boston University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12–18 credits) | $69,870 | $69,870 |
| Mandatory Fees | $1,002 | $1,002 |
| Housing & Meals | $19,600 | $19,600 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,840 | $1,840 |
| Transportation | $684 | $684 |
| Total (before aid) | $94,427 | $94,427 |
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.
How much does aid usually cover?
The average family paid about $27,551 after scholarships and grants last year, though actual awards vary widely.
Do I need to apply separately?
Yes. For need-based aid, families must file the FAFSA and the CSS Profile by BU’s deadlines. Competitive merit scholarships may also require an extra essay.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Boston University does not publish tiered “auto-merit grids.” The primary admission-based merit award considered automatically with your application is the Presidential Scholarship. Amounts are competitive and limited.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Half tuition per year (up to 4 years) | Top admits with exceptional academics/impact; domestic & international first-years considered during admission review; meet priority deadline. | No — considered with admission (apply by Dec 1 for merit consideration) | Yes — maintain satisfactory academic progress per BU policy | Admits with near-perfect rigor, top grades, distinctive activities/essays; testing optional, but submitted scores for recipients often trend 1500+ SAT / 33+ ACT*. |
Note: BU merit is holistic and limited; tuition-based awards cannot exceed tuition and may be adjusted if combined with other tuition scholarships.
Also of note: National Merit Finalists who list BU as first choice may receive university-sponsored National Merit aid — see National Merit Scholarship.
BU is a QuestBridge partner; eligible students should review the QuestBridge National College Match.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Is there a GPA/test grid?
No. BU does not publish automatic GPA/test tiers. Presidential is competitive and reviewed holistically.
What’s the deadline to be considered?
Submit your admission application by December 1 to be considered for BU merit scholarships.
Do they superscore?
Yes. BU superscores both SAT and ACT — they use the highest section scores across test dates. If you test multiple times, send all scores to benefit from superscoring.
Test-optional?
Yes. You can be considered for merit without test scores. Historically, students who submit scores for top awards often report ~1500+ SAT / 33+ ACT*, but scores are not required.
Can merit stack with other awards?
Generally, tuition-based awards cannot exceed BU tuition. If multiple tuition scholarships apply, BU may reduce/convert one to keep total awards within tuition/COA rules. Always check your award letter details.
*Estimates reflect typical ranges mentioned by BU for competitive recipients; not official cutoffs.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Full tuition + mandatory fees (4 years) | Domestic & international first-years; must submit Trustee essays by Dec 1 | Yes — Trustee essays due Dec 1 | Yes — maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA each year and live in BU housing | ~20 students selected from the entire applicant pool; near-perfect grades/rigor, national-level leadership/service, and compelling essays* |
| Thomas M. Menino Scholarship | Full tuition (4 years) | Graduates of Boston Public High Schools; nomination required | Yes — nomination by principal/counselor | Yes — must live in BU housing; maintain satisfactory progress | About 20–25 students per year; top BPS seniors with leadership/service record |
| Posse Scholarship | Full tuition (4 years) | Nominees from Posse Foundation partner cities; leadership potential | Yes — through Posse Foundation’s multi-stage process | Yes — must meet BU/Posse housing and academic requirements | Small cohort; students with strong academics, leadership, and community impact |
*Profile ranges are estimates based on BU’s past descriptions; no official GPA/test cutoffs are published.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Why are these called competitive?
Because only a handful of students are selected, even among thousands of strong applicants. Trustee, for example, goes to about 20 students each year.
Do I need to apply separately?
Yes. Trustee requires essays by Dec 1, Menino requires a school nomination, and Posse requires going through the Posse Foundation selection process.
Can I combine these with other awards?
Full-tuition awards like Trustee or Menino usually cannot be stacked with other full-tuition scholarships, but they can be combined with smaller stipends or need-based aid for housing, books, or personal costs.
What traits do winners usually have?
Beyond grades, BU looks for students with leadership, service, creativity, and a compelling story. Essays and recommendations carry significant weight.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Boston University is a powerhouse private R1 university with a high sticker price—but also a commitment to meeting full financial need and offering a handful of highly competitive merit awards. For families, the key takeaway is to focus on deadlines (Dec 1 for major merit), complete both FAFSA and CSS Profile, and look closely at hidden funding streams like UROP, study abroad grants, and Kilachand Honors opportunities. With the right mix of planning and applications, BU can be surprisingly affordable for first-gen and middle-income families, not just the very top of the applicant pool.
✅ Last updated: September 19, 2025