Boston University has announced a major expansion of its financial aid program aimed at making higher education more affordable for low- and middle-income families.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, the university’s new “BU Promise” program will provide substantial financial assistance to eligible students based on their families’ income and assets.
Under the program, eligible students from families with annual incomes below $200,000 and typical assets may receive financial aid covering at least the full cost of tuition.
Annual Tuition Exceeds $73,000
For the 2026–2027 academic year, Boston University’s undergraduate tuition is $73,024 per year.
When housing, meals, books, transportation and other expenses are included, the university estimates the total annual cost of attendance at approximately $98,419.
Under BU Promise, qualifying students from families earning less than $200,000 can receive aid covering full tuition, with additional assistance for housing and meals depending on household income.
Families Earning $75,000 or Less Could Pay Nothing
The level of financial assistance increases for families with lower incomes.
For eligible students from families earning $75,000 or less, with typical assets, Boston University will cover tuition as well as standard housing and meal costs, bringing their expected net cost to $0.
For other income groups, the university has established maximum annual net costs:
Families earning between $75,001 and $100,000 could pay no more than $10,000 per year.
Those earning between $100,001 and $150,000 could face a maximum net cost of $15,000, while families earning between $150,001 and $200,000 could pay no more than $20,000 annually.
Financial Aid Packages Without Required Student Loans
Another significant feature of BU Promise is the university’s commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for eligible first-year students without requiring student loans as part of the financial aid package.
Students may still choose to use federal student loans if they are eligible, but borrowing will not be required as part of Boston University’s institutional aid package.
Who Is Eligible for BU Promise?
The program does not apply to every Boston University student.
BU Promise is primarily available to eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents, commonly known as Green Card holders, who are entering Boston University as first-year undergraduate students.
Transfer students are not covered under the program.
International students are also not eligible for BU Promise, although Boston University offers separate merit-based scholarship opportunities for international applicants.
Family income is not the only factor considered. Boston University also evaluates household assets when determining eligibility, including certain investments, bank accounts, business assets and real estate other than a family’s primary residence.
Boston University Expands Financial Aid
Boston University says approximately 45% of its undergraduate students receive financial assistance.
The university provided approximately $473 million in undergraduate financial aid during the previous year, reflecting the scale of its existing financial aid programs.
With BU Promise, the university aims to make the cost of attending Boston University more predictable and affordable, particularly for middle- and lower-income families facing the rising cost of higher education.
The new financial aid structure will take effect for eligible students beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Program Details:
Boston University – BU Promise
Admissions and Financial Aid:
Boston University – Financial Aid
