Federal Student Loans are available to graduate and professional students. These federally supported loans offer flexible repayment options.

As a graduate student, you are eligible for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, allowing you to borrow up to $20,500 per academic year. For additional funding, consider the credit-based Federal Graduate PLUS loan, which can cover up to the cost of attendance (tuition, room and board, books, supplies, travel, personal expenses, and loan fees).

How to Apply for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

It is highly recommended that you complete the loan application steps below at least one month prior to the beginning of the semester:

1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Must be completed online and submitted each academic year
  • Federal School Code for Boston University: 002130
  • Parent income data is not required
  • We encourage you to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer your IRS federal income tax information from the IRS to your FAFSA

2. Entrance Counseling

  • Must be completed online (select “I am a Graduate or Professional Student”)
  • Must be completed by first-time borrowers of Boston University

3. Master Promissory Note

  • Must be completed online (select Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN)
  • May be used for one or more academic years (up to ten years)

4. Email MET Graduate Financial Assistance

Contact BU MET’s Financial Aid office at finanaid@bu.edu to request an unsubsidized loan. Please include your name and BU ID number (UXX-XX-XXXX) and indicate the semester(s) and loan amount you are requesting. Loans can be awarded as a fall/spring academic year loan, as well as a fall only or spring only one-semester loan. All summer semester loans are awarded separately.