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CFA Graduate Financial Assistance provides information and assistance to applicants, admitted students, and continuing students. We are here to help you navigate all the aspects of the financial aid process. We know that you have questions, and some may be answered on our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have not found an answer to your question, please contact us at artaid@bu.edu.
It is strongly advised to explore a variety of resources to help finance your education. Besides loans and other external sources of funding, you may qualify for BU merit-based scholarships, assistantships, or employment.
Scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment are all considered financial aid. Because loans must be repaid and student employment must be earned, they are sometimes referred to as “self-help.” Because scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid, they are sometimes referred to as “gift aid” or “free money.” Typically, applicants are offered a financial aid package consisting of a combination of awards from various types of aid programs.
On-campus graduate students may consider these financial assistance options. Students in CFA online programs can review options here.
Eligibility
To be eligible for financial assistance, you must:
- Be enrolled in a graduate degree program at BU College of Fine Arts
- Maintain the enrollment status (full- or part-time) required by your type of assistance
It is important to note that a student’s financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. To determine your cost of attendance (or budget), click here.
Types of Assistance
Scholarships
BU College of Fine Arts offers merit scholarships based on the strength of each candidate’s artistic promise and program needs. Financial need is not a factor. As there is no separate application process for scholarship consideration, all graduate students (both domestic and international) admitted to an on-campus program are automatically considered for scholarships.
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Assistantships & Stipends
Assistantship and Stipend opportunities include positions with instructional, research, and/or administrative responsibilities. Both domestic and international students who are enrolled on-campus may be considered for available positions. There is no separate application required. Decisions are made during time of admission based on artistic merit and needs of the schools.
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Fellowship Aid for PhD Students
The College of Fine Arts (CFA) awards various types of fellowship aid to PhD in Musicology students. All newly admitted PhD in Musicology students will receive a 5-year fellowship which may be a combination of Non-Service Fellowship, Teaching Fellowship, or Research Fellowship.
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Graduate Loans
Students will not receive an award letter with the amount of loan the applicant is eligible for, as graduate federal loans are not need-based. If an individual is admitted and chooses to attend, our Financial Aid office will reach out with information and instructions.
Students can also apply for private, credit-based loans to cover all or a portion of their cost-of-attendance. Comparing the various loans can seem overwhelming, therefore the University has created a list of resources to help you get started. You are not required to borrow from one of the lenders listed on the website. You may choose to borrow from any lender without penalty.
Learn More about Graduate Loans
Federal Work Study
Federal Work-Study is a program that promotes access to employment for students who demonstrate financial need. Available funds are provided by a federal allocation and a University matching contribution.
Learn More about Federal Work Study
Other Job Opportunities
There are several good reasons to work while attending Boston University—not only during the summer but also part-time during the academic year. One important advantage: you can minimize borrowing by earning money for your college expenses. Another is that you’ll acquire skills and valuable experience.
The Student Employment Office maintains a Job Board and a Quick Job Service to help Boston University students locate both on- and off-campus employment. To use either of these services, you must be currently enrolled in a degree program at Boston University.
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