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BU Tuition: Costs, Financial Aid & Scholarships [2023 Guide]

BU Tuition: Costs, Financial Aid & Scholarships [2023 Guide]

Explore Boston University (BU)'s tuition costs, breakdown of fees, financial aid options, and scholarship opportunities to understand the full cost of attending BU.

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Financial
Updated 2026-01
12 min read

BU Tuition: Costs, Financial Aid & Scholarships [2023 Guide]

Explore Boston University (BU)'s tuition costs, breakdown of fees, financial aid options, and scholarship opportunities to understand the full cost of attending BU.
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Emma Rodriguez

BU Class of 2026 | COM

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1

The Quick Answer

This guide breaks down bu tuition: costs, financial aid & scholarships [2023 guide] at Boston University (BU) using official data and observed patterns from families who have navigated the process. Guide to BU aims to make financial planning more transparent.

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Boston University (BU) Tuition: Understanding the Costs

As a prospective or current Boston University (BU) student, navigating the financial aspects of your education is crucial. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with a detailed breakdown of BU's tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities to help you make informed decisions about your college investment.

Boston University is a prestigious private research institution, and its tuition reflects the high-quality education and resources it offers. However, the university also provides numerous financial aid options to ensure accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.

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BU Tuition and Fees: A Closer Look

Boston University (BU)'s tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are as follows:

  • Tuition: $58,872
  • Fees: $1,416
  • Room and Board: $16,912

This means the total estimated cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus is $77,200 per year.

It's important to note that these figures are subject to change annually, so it's always best to check the university's website for the most up-to-date information.

In addition to tuition and fees, students should also consider other expenses such as textbooks, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, which can add several thousand dollars to the overall cost of attendance.

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Breakdown of BU's Tuition and Fees

Boston University (BU)'s tuition and fees can be broken down as follows:

Tuition:

  • Covers the cost of instruction, faculty salaries, and academic resources
Fees:
  • Student Services Fee: $804 - Supports campus activities, student organizations, and services
  • Technology Fee: $612 - Covers the cost of technology infrastructure and support
  • Health and Wellness Fee: $0 - Provides access to the on-campus health and counseling services
Room and Board:
  • Covers the cost of on-campus housing and meal plans
  • Varies depending on the type of residence hall and meal plan selected

It's important to note that these costs are estimates and can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the type of housing and meal plan chosen.

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Navigating Financial Aid at Boston University (BU)

Boston University (BU) is committed to making its education accessible to students from all financial backgrounds. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Scholarships and Grants:

  • Academic Scholarships: Awarded based on academic merit and achievements
  • Need-Based Grants: Provided to students who demonstrate financial need
  • Specialized Scholarships: Available for specific majors, activities, or backgrounds
Loans:
  • Federal Student Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized loans offered by the U.S. government
  • Private Student Loans: Loans from private lenders, which may have different terms and conditions
Work-Study Programs:
  • On-campus jobs that allow students to earn money to help cover educational expenses
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Applying for Financial Aid at BU

Pro Tip

To be considered for financial aid at Boston University (BU), students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. These forms provide the university with information about the student's and their family's financial situation, which is used to determine their eligibility for various aid programs.

It's important to note that the FAFSA and CSS Profile must be submitted annually, as financial aid is not automatically renewed. Additionally, students should be aware of the deadlines for these forms, as they can vary depending on the type of aid being sought.

Once the financial aid application process is complete, Boston University will provide students with a personalized financial aid package outlining the types and amounts of aid they are eligible to receive.

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Scholarships and Grants at Boston University (BU)

In addition to need-based financial aid, Boston University (BU) offers a variety of merit-based scholarships and grants to help students finance their education. Some of the scholarships and grants available at BU include:

  • Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to incoming first-year students with exceptional academic records
  • Trustee Scholarship: Recognizes students with outstanding academic achievements and leadership potential
  • Kilachand Honors College Scholarship: Provided to students accepted into the Kilachand Honors College
  • BU Grants: Need-based grants awarded to students who demonstrate financial need
  • BU Scholarships for International Students: Offered to international students based on academic merit and financial need
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What BU Students Say About the Cost of Attendance

Hear from current Boston University (BU) students about their experiences navigating the financial aspects of attending BU:

'As an international student, I was worried about the high cost of tuition, but the financial aid package BU offered me made it possible for me to attend. The university's commitment to accessibility is truly impressive.' - Sophia, Class of 2024

'The net price calculator on BU's website was incredibly helpful in understanding the actual cost of attendance for my family. It allowed me to plan and budget effectively for my four years at the university.' - Alex, Class of 2023

'I was fortunate to receive a prestigious academic scholarship from BU, which has significantly reduced the financial burden of my education. The university's commitment to recognizing and rewarding academic excellence is commendable.' - Liam, Class of 2025

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Comparing BU's Tuition to Other Top Universities

When considering the cost of attending Boston University (BU), it's helpful to compare it to the tuition and fees of other top-ranked universities in the United States:

  • Boston University: $77,200 per year (including tuition, fees, room, and board)
  • Harvard University: $79,500 per year
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): $77,720 per year
  • Yale University: $79,900 per year
  • New York University (NYU): $81,216 per year

As you can see, Boston University's total cost of attendance is comparable to many of the nation's most prestigious universities. However, the university's commitment to financial aid and the availability of scholarships and grants can make a BU education more accessible for students from diverse financial backgrounds.

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What Surprises Families Most About BU Costs

The sticker price at BU often doesn't reflect what families actually pay. Merit scholarships, need-based aid, and negotiation can significantly reduce the actual cost—but you have to know how to navigate the process.

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Key Considerations

When evaluating BU Tuition: Costs, Financial Aid & Scholarships [2023 Guide], BU students should weigh both the benefits and constraints. No option is perfect for everyone—the right choice depends on your specific priorities, circumstances, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston University (BU) affordable for most students?
Yes, Boston University (BU) is committed to making its education accessible to students from diverse financial backgrounds. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, to ensure that a BU education is within reach for qualified students.
How do Boston University (BU)'s tuition and fees compare to other top universities?
Boston University (BU)'s total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is comparable to many other top-ranked universities in the United States, such as Harvard, MIT, and Yale. However, BU's commitment to financial aid and the availability of scholarships and grants can make it more accessible for students from diverse financial backgrounds.
What are the deadlines for applying for financial aid at BU?
To be considered for financial aid at Boston University (BU), students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile annually. The deadlines for these forms can vary depending on the type of aid being sought, so it's important for students to check the university's website for the most up-to-date information.
What types of scholarships and grants are available at Boston University (BU)?
Boston University (BU) offers a variety of scholarships and grants, including academic scholarships, need-based grants, and specialized scholarships for specific majors, activities, or backgrounds. The university is committed to recognizing and rewarding academic excellence and supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.
Can international students receive financial aid at Boston University (BU)?
Yes, Boston University (BU) offers scholarships and grants specifically for international students, based on academic merit and financial need. The university is dedicated to making its education accessible to students from around the world.
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