Planning for graduate school often begins with one big question:
How Will I Pay For It?
To support prospective and admitted students on this journey, the Lynch School of Education and Human Development has developed the Financial Aid Quick Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to simplify the complexity of funding graduate education at Boston College.
"Our goal is to offer prospective students a variety of resources on program cost and funding options,” shared the Associate Director of Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid, Carolyn Looker.
“Beyond our webpage, these include virtual information sessions, online videos, advising appointments, and our Financial Aid Quick Guide. The idea behind the Quick Guide is to synthesize information into one resource for easy reference."
Developed by the Lynch School Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid team, the guide begins by outlining the primary sources of financial aid, how to calculate graduate tuition, and how to apply for Federal aid. All applicants to master’s and Ed.D. programs are automatically considered for available scholarship funds during the admission review process. Full-time Ph.D. students receive a multi-year funding package that includes full tuition remission, a living stipend, and medical insurance coverage. These details are clearly outlined within admission offer letters.
The primary sources of aid break down into three categories:
- Scholarship Aid is awarded through Dean’s Scholarships, Special Cohort Programs, and Named Scholarships.
- Graduate Assistantships offer a monthly stipend and sometimes other benefits while allowing students to gain valuable on-campus experience.
- Federal and private loans allow students to fund tuition and living expenses while completing their studies.
Beyond these scholarships and loans, the Financial Aid Quick Guide highlights other funding opportunities, such as external scholarships, employer tuition benefits, and housing-related options like Resident Assistant positions. It also provides a transparent overview of expected fees, including the enrollment deposit and student activity fees.
"The question we hear most often is, 'What is my program cost?' This is a complicated question because cost includes more than just tuition and will vary by student. We aim to be transparent, while offering as much information as possible, recognizing that it can be overwhelming,” explained Looker. “Our office strives to support students and offer guidance during each step of the admission and enrollment process."
The guide also addresses frequently asked questions, including loan forgiveness programs, grants for future teachers, health insurance requirements, and the status of undergraduate student loans while enrolled. It also includes dedicated sections for international students, detailing employment eligibility, loan options, and external funding resources.
At Boston College’s Lynch School, students are never alone in navigating financial aid. With dedicated advisors and comprehensive resources like the Financial Aid Quick Guide, graduate students can approach funding with confidence.
Find detailed information and helpful tips in the Lynch School Financial Aid Quick Guide and on our Tuition & Aid webpage.