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Boston University scholarships


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Key takeaways about Boston University scholarships

  • Boston University offers merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, grants, and other funding opportunities for eligible students.
  • Private scholarships can help supplement BU scholarships and may reduce what you need to borrow.
  • You don't need a perfect GPA to qualify for every scholarship opportunity.
  • Applying to multiple scholarships can improve your chances of receiving funding.
  • Scholarships aren't just for incoming freshmen; current and graduate students may also find opportunities.

Boston University scholarships: Where to start

If you're looking at Boston University's price tag and wondering how you'll make it all work, you're definitely not alone. Between tuition, housing, meal plans, books, and everyday expenses, college costs can feel like a lot to sort through at once.

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The good news is that scholarships can make a real difference. Research from Sallie’s “How America Pays for College 2026” found that 61% of families used scholarships to help pay for college, with an average of $8,291 received among scholarship users. Even more encouraging, 76% of families using scholarships said the funding made college attendance possible.

This guide will help you understand what scholarships for Boston University students may be available, how BU scholarships and financial aid can work together, and where to look for outside opportunities that could help lower your costs. You'll also find practical steps for applying, staying organized, and building a scholarship strategy that doesn't depend on finding one perfect award.

What scholarships are available for Boston University students?

One of the biggest scholarship mistakes students make is assuming there's only one way to get help paying for college. In reality, many students combine multiple sources of aid, including university aid, grants, private scholarships, work-study, and other resources.

For Boston University students, scholarship opportunities generally fall into a few main categories.

Merit scholarships

Merit scholarships recognize achievement. Depending on the award, scholarship committees may consider academic performance, leadership, extracurricular involvement, community service, creative talent, or other accomplishments.

Boston University merit scholarships fall into this category. They're highly selective so it's smart to explore additional scholarship opportunities alongside university awards.

Need-based aid

Need-based aid is awarded based on your family's financial situation. This may include institutional grants, need-based scholarships, federal grants, state aid, and work-study opportunities.

To be considered for many need-based programs, you'll usually need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and any other required financial aid forms. Boston University may also require additional financial aid documentation, so it's important to check the school's current requirements and deadlines.

Departmental scholarships

Some academic departments offer scholarships or awards for students pursuing specific majors, fields, or career paths. These opportunities may be available to current students after they've enrolled and declared a major.

If you're already at BU, check with your academic department regularly. Departmental scholarships may not always be as widely promoted as major university awards, but they can still help reduce your overall costs.

Athletic scholarships

Student-athletes participating in eligible NCAA programs may have access to athletic aid depending on their sport, eligibility, and team needs. Athletic scholarship information is typically handled through the University's athletics department and coaching staff.

Private and outside scholarships

It's easy to focus on Boston University's scholarships first, and you should absolutely explore those opportunities. However, many students are surprised by how much scholarship funding exists outside the University.

Private scholarships may come from national organizations, local community foundations, employers, nonprofits, professional associations, religious groups, and diversity-focused programs. These awards can help fill funding gaps, especially when university aid doesn't cover the full cost of attendance.

Tools like Scholly® Scholarships can help you find private opportunities based on your background, major, and interests.

Boston University merit scholarships

Boston University merit scholarships recognize students who’ve shown strong academic achievement, leadership, community service, and the potential to make an impact at BU. The University notes that merit scholarships can also reward talent, initiative, creativity, and the ways you’ve contributed to your school or community

National Merit Scholarships

Students who earn National Merit recognition may be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities. Eligibility details can vary, so it's worth reviewing Boston University's current scholarship information and any requirements tied to National Merit status.

Private scholarships for BU students

Private scholarships for BU students can come from many places, and they're worth exploring even if you already received university aid. Outside scholarships may help cover tuition, fees, books, housing, or other education-related costs, depending on the award's rules.

Research from Sallie's “How America Pays for College 2026” found that 67% of families who didn’t use scholarships said the student never applied. That means many students may miss out on funding simply because they don’t start.

National scholarships

National scholarships are open to students across the country and may focus on academics, leadership, service, identity, career goals, or personal interests. These awards can be competitive, but they're still worth considering if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Massachusetts scholarships

Local and state-based Massachusetts scholarships can be especially helpful because they may receive fewer applications than national awards. Look for opportunities from community foundations, local businesses, civic groups, nonprofits, and regional professional associations.

Field-of-study scholarships

If you know what you want to study, field-of-study scholarships can help you narrow your search. Students pursuing areas like STEM, education, healthcare, business, communications, public service, or the arts may find scholarships tied to their future career path.

Scholarships for specific backgrounds and experiences

Some scholarships support students from specific backgrounds, communities, or life experiences. These may include awards for first-generation college students, military-connected students, or students involved in community service.

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How to apply for scholarships at Boston University

Scholarship applications can feel overwhelming at first, but they get easier when you create a simple system. The goal isn't to complete every scholarship application perfectly from scratch; it's to stay organized, reuse strong materials when appropriate, and apply consistently.

Complete the FAFSA®

The FAFSA® is an important step for students seeking federal aid, and it may also be used to determine eligibility for some need-based programs. Even if you're unsure whether you'll qualify, submitting the FAFSA® can help keep more funding options open. For step-by-step help, check Sallie's FAFSA® guide.

Submit the CSS Profile if required

Boston University may require the CSS Profile for certain types of institutional financial aid. The CSS Profile asks for additional financial information, so give yourself enough time to gather documents and submit everything before the deadline.

Track scholarship deadlines

Deadlines are one of the easiest places to lose out on scholarship money. Create a simple tracker with the scholarship name, award amount, deadline, required materials, and application status.

Try to include both university deadlines and private scholarship deadlines. That way, you're not relying only on BU scholarships or scrambling when outside opportunities come up.

Prepare reusable application materials

Many scholarships ask for similar information, including your activities, leadership experience, career goals, and personal story. Save your strongest essays, short answers, resume, and recommendation request notes in one place so you can adapt them quickly.

What GPA do I need for BU scholarships?

There isn't one GPA that guarantees a Boston University scholarship. Strong grades can help, especially for competitive merit awards, but many scholarships look at the full student instead of one number.

Many students assume they aren't competitive scholarship candidates because they don't have a perfect GPA. Sallie Mae's research shows 46% of families believe scholarships are only available to top students, even though many awards consider leadership, community involvement, work experience, career goals, personal background, and other factors beyond academics.

The takeaway: don't count yourself out too early. If you meet the criteria and the scholarship feels like a good fit, it's usually worth applying.

Tips to increase your scholarship chances

Scholarships can be competitive, but that doesn't mean the process is out of your control. A strong strategy can help you find better-fit opportunities, avoid missed deadlines, and submit more applications without burning out.

Apply to a mix of scholarship types

Don't only apply for the largest national awards. Those can be worth it, but smaller local, departmental, and field-specific scholarships may be less crowded. A mix of big and small opportunities can make your scholarship strategy more realistic.

Use essays more than once

You don't need to reinvent your story every time. If you've written a strong essay about leadership, community service, overcoming a challenge, or your future goals, save it and adapt it for similar prompts.

Don't rule yourself out too early

Many students skip scholarships because they assume they won't win. If the scholarship fits your background and you can submit a solid application, let the scholarship committee decide. Don't reject yourself before you apply.

Keep applying after freshman year

Scholarship searching shouldn't stop once you start college. New opportunities appear throughout the year, and some scholarships are specifically designed for current college students, transfer students, graduate students, or students in certain majors.

Can scholarships reduce student loan costs?

Yes. Scholarships can help reduce student loan costs because they lower the amount you'll need to pay for college. Since scholarships typically don't need to be repaid, every scholarship dollar you earn is one less dollar you may need to cover through savings, payment plans, or student loans.

Whether the funding comes from Boston University, a private organization, or a local community group, the goal is the same: lower your college costs and reduce how much you may need to borrow.

Many students think they need to win one big scholarship for it to matter. In reality, a few smaller awards can add up and make a meaningful difference over time.

Scholarship stacking can lower what you borrow

One of the most effective ways to maximize scholarship funding is through scholarship stacking. Scholarship stacking simply means combining multiple scholarships from different sources instead of relying on a single award.

For example, you might receive:

  • A Boston University scholarship
  • A local community scholarship
  • A private scholarship
  • A departmental award

Individually, those awards may not seem life-changing. Together, they can have a real impact on what you'll need to pay for college.

Scholarship Award Amount
Local community scholarship $1,000
Private scholarship $2,500
Departmental scholarship $1,500
Total scholarship funding $5,000
POTENTIAL IMPACT $5,000 less to take out in loans or pay out of pocket

Save time with Sallie scholarship resources

Finding legitimate scholarships can take time, especially when you're comparing deadlines, eligibility rules, and application requirements. Scholarship matching tools such as Scholly® Scholarships can help simplify the process by surfacing opportunities that align with your background, interests, and goals.

Easier application formats can also help you keep going. Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships lets you apply to multiple scholarships with one quick application, and you can enter Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship or, if you're a graduate student, Sallie's $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship in 2 minutes or less.

Scholarships for graduate students at Boston University

Scholarships aren't only for undergraduates. Graduate students at Boston University may be able to find funding through fellowships, assistantships, department awards, professional program aid, employer tuition assistance, and private scholarships.

Graduate fellowships

Fellowships may provide tuition support, stipends, or research funding. These opportunities often depend on the graduate program, academic department, or area of study.

Assistantships

Graduate assistantships may involve teaching, research, or administrative work. In exchange, students may receive compensation, tuition support, or other benefits depending on the program.

Professional program aid

Students in professional programs, such as business, law, public health, medicine, education, or social work, should check directly with their school or department for program-specific scholarships and aid opportunities.

Additional scholarship resources

These resources can help you find opportunities based on your major, background, education level, and personal experiences.

Your next steps

You don't need to win a full-tuition scholarship for scholarships to have a meaningful impact. Many students reduce college costs by combining university aid, grants, and outside scholarships over time.

The key is getting started, applying consistently, and continuing to look for opportunities throughout college. Sallie research shows that many families miss out on scholarship funding simply because they never apply, so taking action can already put you ahead of students who stop before they start.

Begin with BU scholarships and financial aid, then expand your search to private scholarships, local awards, field-of-study scholarships, and quick-entry opportunities like Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship and Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships. Each application gives you another chance to find funding that can help make BU more affordable.

FAQs about BU scholarships

Does Boston University offer full scholarships?

Yes. Boston University's Trustee Scholarship is a full-tuition merit scholarship for highly accomplished students. It's competitive, so students should also explore need-based aid, private scholarships, and other funding sources.

How hard is it to get a scholarship at Boston University?

Some Boston University scholarships are highly competitive, especially major merit awards. Strong academics can help, but leadership, community involvement, extracurriculars, and a strong overall application may also matter.

What GPA do you need for a Boston University scholarship?

There isn't one GPA requirement for all Boston University scholarships. Competitive merit awards usually favor strong academic performance, but many scholarships also consider leadership, service, personal background, talents, and goals.

Can transfer students get scholarships at Boston University?

Transfer students may be eligible for certain scholarships, need-based aid, and outside scholarship opportunities. Eligibility can vary, so transfer students should review BU's current financial aid policies and search for private scholarships as well.

Are there outside scholarships BU students can apply for?

Yes. BU students can apply for outside scholarships from national organizations, local foundations, employers, nonprofits, professional associations, and scholarship platforms. Students should report outside awards according to Boston University's current policies.

When should I apply for Boston University scholarships?

Start as early as possible. High school students can begin researching scholarships before senior year, while current BU students should continue searching throughout college. Deadlines vary, so tracking them in a calendar or spreadsheet can help.

Does FAFSA® affect Boston University scholarships?

The FAFSA® can affect eligibility for need-based aid and some financial aid programs. Students seeking need-based scholarships, grants, federal aid, or work-study should complete the FAFSA® and any other required financial aid forms.

Can scholarships cover housing and meal plans at BU?

Some scholarships can be used for education-related costs beyond tuition, including housing, meal plans, books, or fees. Rules vary by scholarship, so check the award terms and BU's financial aid policies to understand how funds can be used.

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SLM Education Services, LLC does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.

The school referenced on this page is not affiliated with Sallie Mae and does not endorse Sallie Mae loans. 

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

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