Osher Scholarships Maximum Award
Scholarship money for returning adult B.A. students
Tuition & Aid
We know that a Boston College education is a worthwhile, but significant investment. We know that applying for financial aid can be a confusing and lengthy process. We hope that the resources here will give you the tools and information necessary to help make a Boston College education possible. The financial aid staff is committed to working together with you as you navigate this process.
To serve as a bridge between students and their educational goals while fulfilling our responsibilities as stewards of federal, state, and institutional funds:
Counsel – to provide an open and welcoming environment to serve our students in a student-centered culture with clear and effective communication, customer focus, and mutual respect.
Access – to provide the tools and resources to help remove the financial barriers to accessing quality higher education.
Equity – to treat each student and their family equitably, understanding that each situation is unique in its circumstances.
$5,000
$76,000
Approximate Total Cost of B.A.
Based on 2024-2025 tuition, including 108 credits over fall and spring and 12 credits in summer
<$43,000
Average Program Cost for a 30-credit M.S.
Based on 2024-2025 tuition
Tuition rates for the next academic year are updated annually in spring.
B.A.
Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $630 per credit |
| Required Massachusetts medical insurance | According to credit |
| Registration fee | See Fees Page |
| Identification Card Initial Fee | See Fees Page |
| Books & supplies | $400 |
For students wishing to "Audit" a Woods College undergraduate course (without receiving academic credit), the fee for Academic Year 2024-2025 is $1,260. The fee paid to audit a course is non-refundable.
M.H.A. Healthcare Administration
Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,452 per credit |
| Required Massachusetts medical insurance | According to credit |
| Registration fee | See Fees Page |
| Identification Card Initial Fee | See Fees Page |
Financial aid and payment plans are available for students taking a minimum of 6 credits across a semester. A recommended first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please use Boston College’s FAFSA school code: 002128.
M.S. in Applied Analytics
Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,432 per credit |
| Required Massachusetts medical insurance | According to credit |
| Registration fee | See Fees Page |
| Identification Card Initial Fee | See Fees Page |
| Books & Supplies | $400 |
Financial aid and payment plans are available for students taking a minimum of 6 credits across a semester. A recommended first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please use Boston College’s FAFSA school code: 002128.
M.S. in Applied Economics
Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,432 per credit |
| Required Massachusetts medical insurance | According to credit |
| Registration fee | See Fees Page |
| Identification Card Initial Fee | See Fees Page |
| Books & Supplies | $400 |
Financial aid and payment plans are available for students taking a minimum of 6 credits across a semester. A recommended first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please use Boston College’s FAFSA school code: 002128.
M.S. in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance
Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,432 per credit |
| Required Massachusetts medical insurance | According to credit |
| Registration fee | See Fees Page |
| Identification Card Initial Fee | See Fees Page |
| Books & Supplies | $400 |
Financial aid and payment plans are available for students taking a minimum of 6 credits across a semester. A recommended first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please use Boston College’s FAFSA school code: 002128.
M.S. in Leadership
Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,124 per credit |
| Books & supplies | $400 |
| Required Massachusetts medical insurance | According to credit |
| Registration fee | See Fees Page |
| Identification Card Initial Fee | See Fees Page |
Financial aid and payment plans are available for students taking a minimum of 6 credits across a semester. A recommended first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please use Boston College’s FAFSA school code: 002128.
M.S. in Sports Administration
Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,432 per credit |
| Required Massachusetts medical insurance | According to credit |
| Registration fee | See Fees Page |
| Identification Card Initial Fee | See Fees Page |
| Books & Supplies | $400 |
Financial aid and payment plans are available for students taking a minimum of 6 credits across a semester. A recommended first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please use Boston College’s FAFSA school code: 002128.
Nondegree Students
Our nondegree option allows students to earn academic credit without enrolling in a degree program. Fall and Spring tuition for the 2024-2025 Academic Year is $2,520 per course (4 credits).
For nondegree students who later enroll in a B.A. program, the credits earned as a nondegree student will be counted toward your B.A. degree.
For information about specific course offerings, please view the University's Course Information and Schedule website.
Summer Nondegree Enrollment
Woods nondegree and Lifelong Learners, as well as day school students and non-BC students taking classes over the summer (visiting students) are all charged the current undergraduate day school summer rate of $1,064 per credit.
Billing Information
The Office of Student Services sends all bills electronically to the student's Boston College e-mail address. No paper bills are mailed to the student's home address. Students will be notified at their Boston College e-mail address whenever an online bill is generated. Please visit the Billing page for detailed information including schedules and deadlines.
Boston College knows that applying for financial aid can be a confusing and lengthy process. We encourage you to utilize the resources provided on the Financial Aid Website to give you and your family the tools and information necessary to help make a Boston College education possible. The financial aid staff is committed to working with you as you navigate this process.
Financial Aid Counselors are available to meet or speak with students throughout the process, and are divided by student last name.
Please note: all students must apply annually if seeking aid. Prior year funding is not renewed.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
"Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929. More than 3.5 million students have been inducted since 1918, with approximately 250,000 active members in the nation’s community colleges, making Phi Theta Kappa a true catalyst among members and colleges.” - PTK.org
The Woods College is proud to award scholarships to PTK members. Most scholarship recipients receive the equivalent of one course during an academic semester. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 courses in a semester.
In order to apply for a scholarship, students must:
- Be accepted into an undergraduate degree program at Woods.
- Be a PTK member (Please send your certificate to wcasadm@vbj4.com).
- Submit a short letter (500 words) of interest to wcasadm@vbj4.com. The letter should indicate why being a member of PTK has been valuable to you.
Osher Undergraduate Student Scholarship
This is a tuition-only scholarship available to Woods College students enrolled in the undergraduate degree program.
In order to be eligible, students must meet the following qualifications:
- Have experienced a cumulative gap in education of five or more years
- Are pursuing their first bachelor's degree
- Anticipate workforce participation for a significant period of time after receiving a degree
- Demonstrate financial need (to be determined upon completion of FAFSA).
Osher Scholarship Program Website
Additional Resources
At the undergraduate level, the first step in applying for need based Financial Aid, is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using your FSA ID. Federal aid includes Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Direct Loans, both subsidized and unsubsidized, Perkins loans, Nursing loans, and Work-Study. State aid varies by state.
This process is also required for need-based scholarships. Please complete the FAFSA if you would like to be considered for need-based scholarships.
In addition to completing the FAFSA, please follow the steps outlined on the Boston College Financial Aid page. International students are not eligible for need-based aid.
Boston College acts as a liaison with the Veterans Administration for students who may qualify to receive veterans' education benefits. Eligible students should apply through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in order to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. Applications can be completed online at benefits.va.gov/gibill or by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Boston College is proud to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program. This award is a supplement to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, and it signifies Boston College’s commitment to providing benefits to those who have served our nation so courageously.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Veterans Association to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses, and the VA will match the same amount as the institution.
Boston College has allocated 100 slots for Yellow Ribbon recipients. Any student in a degree program is eligible to apply. The Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) scholarship, combined with Boston College Scholarships, federal aid, and other estimated financial assistance, cannot exceed the cost of attendance. YRP recipients must maintain good academic standing while receiving the scholarship. Recipients will be eligible to receive the award in subsequent years, provided that Boston College remains a YRP participant.
Eligible veterans must meet one of the following criteria:
- Served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months
- Honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
- Is a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above
Students in all undergraduate schools, GA&S, GSOE, GSON, GSSW, and CASG will receive a $6,000 Yellow Ribbon scholarship from BC that is matched by the VA with an additional $6,000 for a total of $12,000.
Boston College Student Services maintains a website developed to assist students in their search for hourly paid employment, as well as provide a wide range of information.
Corporate Partnerships
The Woods College of Advancing Studies partners with many companies, organizations, and consortia to provide discounted tuition to their employees. For more information on how to apply for the corporate scholarship and to see what companies and organizations qualify, visit our website.
First Responders and Public Safety Professionals Appreciation Program
The Woods College of Advancing Studies is pleased to provide a 10% tuition scholarship and waived application fee to First Responders and Public Safety Professionals for any Woods undergraduate and graduate programs. This scholarship covers members of the military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, medical staff and paramedics, emergency management personnel, and public works employees, among others.
For more information, visit the Woods College Education Partners Page.
Limited scholarships may be available for accepted degree-seeking students in select programs.
The MS in Leadership, MS in Sports Adminsitration, and MS in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance award a limited number of scholarships each semester. There is no application process for these scholarships -- they are enerally awarded by the program director at the time of admission and are based on a the application materials submitted as part of your application.
For more information on scholarships, contact the Office of Admission at wcasadm@vbj4.com.
Graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply for federal loans to help cover their tuition and cost of living. Please visit their webpage vbj4.com/gradaid for helpful information on the application process.
Students must be registered for a minimum of 6 credits in order to be eligible for federal financial aid in that semester. Once your file has been reviewed you may be eligible for a direct federal unsubsidized loan up to $10,250 per semester including summer.
Additionally, graduate students may be eligible to borrow up to their full cost of attendance (expected tuition charges plus estimated cost of living) through the Grad Plus Loan after any other has been offered, such as the unsubsidized loan and scholarships.
How and When to Apply:
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Summer loans: the preferred deadline is February 3
Academic year loans: the preferred deadline is March 6
Note: Federal financial aid can be applied for on a rolling basis and the application can be completed any time before the semester begins. See the Graduate Student financial aid website vbj4.com/gradaid for additional information.
2. Submit the Graduate Supplemental Information Form to Boston College financial aid site per instructions on the form if and when you decide to enroll.
Our dedicated federal aid advisors in the Office of Student Services will review your information and let you know when your federal financial aid is available to view in the Agora Portal.
Boston College acts as a liaison with the Veterans Administration for students who may qualify to receive veterans' education benefits. Eligible students should apply through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in order to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. Applications can be completed online at benefits.va.gov/gibill or by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Boston College is proud to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program. This award is a supplement to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, and it signifies Boston College’s commitment to providing benefits to those who have served our nation so courageously.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Veterans Association to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses, and the VA will match the same amount as the institution.
Boston College has allocated 100 slots for Yellow Ribbon recipients. Any student in a degree program is eligible to apply. The Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) scholarship, combined with Boston College Scholarships, federal aid, and other estimated financial assistance, cannot exceed the cost of attendance. YRP recipients must maintain good academic standing while receiving the scholarship. Recipients will be eligible to receive the award in subsequent years, provided that Boston College remains a YRP participant.
Eligible veterans must meet one of the following criteria:
- Served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months
- Honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
- Is a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above
Students in all undergraduate schools, GA&S, GSOE, GSON, GSSW, and CASG will receive a $6,000 Yellow Ribbon scholarship from BC that is matched by the VA with an additional $6,000 for a total of $12,000.
Graduate students may choose to work while attending BC, either on- or off-campus. The Office of Graduate Student Life maintains a listing of various opportunities.
Corporate Partnerships
The Woods College of Advancing Studies partners with many companies, organizations, and consortia to provide discounted tuition to their employees. For more information on how to apply for the corporate scholarship and to see what companies and organizations qualify, visit our website.
Alumni Scholarship
The Woods College of Advancing Studies is pleased to provide a 10% tuition scholarship on any Woods College course (certificate or degree program) to all Boston College alums.*
Students must be accepted into a certificate or degree program and ensure that an official Boston College transcript indicating degree conferral is submitted to the Woods College.
- Review application requirements and complete an application.
- Request a Boston College transcript from the BC registrar and have it submitted to the Woods College via wcasadm@vbj4.com.
- If accepted as a degree student, Woods College will apply the 10% scholarship prior to the new semester.
- Previously accepted students will have the 10% scholarship applied to the semester bill as long as an official Boston College transcript was previously received by Woods College.
*Alumni scholarship may not be combined with other 10% scholarships offered through Woods/employer partners. As of June 1, 2022, Pine Manor Alumni will also be eligible for the alumni scholarship.
First Responders and Public Safety Professionals Appreciation Program
The Woods College of Advancing Studies is pleased to provide a 10% tuition scholarship and waived application fee to First Responders and Public Safety Professionals for any Woods undergraduate and graduate programs. This scholarship covers members of the military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, medical staff and paramedics, emergency management personnel, and public works employees, among others.
For more information, visit the Woods College Education Partners Page.
FAQ
Financial aid is a combination of grants/scholarships, loans, and work-study that helps you afford college. Need-based aid assumes that the student and parents, if applicable, are responsible for the cost of education to the extent of their abilities and that financial aid will be used to supplement the effort of the student. It also assumes that need can be calculated with uniformity and equity using the Federal & Institutional Methodologies.
To apply for financial aid from all sources (federal, state, and institutional including Woods College Scholarships), please submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Boston College Financial Aid Application, and prior year tax documents.
The links below will take you to the required forms.
BC Undergraduate Financial Aid
• For students whose parents are divorced or separated, noncustodial parent information is required.
• For students whose parents are self-employed or own a business, the only requirement is the most recent year’s business tax return.
• When applying, you can check your application status anytime by visiting uytn.vbj4.com/finaidapp.
To apply only for federal and/or state aid, you need to complete just the FAFSA and the appropriate BC Financial Aid application (graduate or undergraduate). Federal aid includes Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Direct Loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized), Perkins Loans, Nursing Loans, and Federal Work-Study. State aid varies by state. Once the FAFSA is completed, you may be selected by the Federal Processor for a process called verification, which means you will have to provide your actual tax data on the FAFSA through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool at uytn.vbj4.com/irsdata.
Be sure to apply by Boston College’s deadline in order to receive full consideration for financial aid. We recommend reviewing the complete list of requirements with descriptions and deadlines at uytn.vbj4.com/undergradaid or uytn.vbj4.com/gradaid.
- Undergraduate Students may view their Financial Aid couselor here.
- Graduate Students, your counselor's name may be found below:
If your last name begins with a letter from A through F or S through Z, Elaine Holloman is your financial aid counselor.
If your last name begins with a letter from G through R, Marsia Hill Kreaime is your financial aid counselor.
For federal aid purposes, a student is considered independent and will qualify for federal aid (Pell Grant, Direct Loans) based on that status if he/she is:
- 24 years old
- married
- serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces
- a veteran
- a parent with dependents
- an emancipated minor
- homeless
- assigned a legal guardian before the age of 18
For institutional aid purposes, all undergraduates at Boston College are considered dependent. We recognize there are extenuating circumstances in which a student may believe they are independent but not meet the above criteria. We will only consider students independent in extreme circumstances. The student should submit a letter appealing dependency status to the Office of Student Services. The appeal letter should outline the student's relationship with his/her parents. We also require a letter from a third-party (counselor, teacher, social worker, lawyer for example) in support of the claim.