Tuition & Aid

Boston College’s Office of Student Services assists graduate students in applying for University and federal aid, and there are several external opportunities as well.

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BCSSW offers scholarships to 100% of accepted students—with no additional application to complete.

MSW Tuition & Fees

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Financial Aid

A number of scholarships are awarded to MSW applicants by the Boston College School of Social Work each year. All applicants are considered for scholarship awards during the admission process. No additional application is required for BCSSW scholarships. Award notification will be included with the admission acceptance letter in most cases; however, some awards will be made on a rolling basis.

Awards available through BCSSW include merit-based scholarships, the Dean's Fellowship, scholarships available to City Year alumni, Jesuit Volunteer Corps alumni, and stipends associated with specific field placements. BCSSW graduate assistantships are available for final-year students. Students awarded an assistantship will receive an annual stipend and tuition remission scholarship. Applications are distributed to current students prior to their final year in the program.  

The Boston College School of Social Work has compiled an exclusive listing of outside scholarships to aid our students with their search for additional funding. The most recent information is stored in a password-protected online scholarship database (BC username and password required).  

The Boston College Office of Student Services administers and awards need-based federal financial aid programs. Please review their Graduate Financial Aid website for information, deadlines, and a step-by-step guide to applying for financial aid. International students should visit the Graduate Financial Aid for International Students webpage. You must meet the following eligibility requirements to receive federal aid:

  • You must have been accepted to a degree-seeking program
  • You are enrolled at least half-time per semester as defined by the Office of Student Services (half-time is generally 6 credits)
  • You must not be in default on a Federal Stafford or Perkins Loan or need to pay a Federal grant overpayment
  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • International students are not eligible for Federal financial aid.

For more information on federal financial aid terms and conditions, disbursement, loan repayment, continued eligibility for aid programs, and rights and responsibilities, visit the Graduate Financial Aid website or contact the Office of Student Services at 617-552-3300 or studentservices@bc.edu.

There are a number of external funding opportunities available for students looking to finance their education. The Boston College School of Social Work has compiled an exclusive listing of scholarships to aid our students with their search for additional funding. The most recent information is stored in a password-protected online scholarship database (BC username and password required). The Council on Social Work Education also maintains a list of student funding opportunities. 

Loan Cancellation for Federal Perkins Loan

Check with Boston College Office of Student Services (617-552-3300) or your employer's personnel office to determine eligibility. Early intervention services or services for high risk children from low income communities may be applicable.

National Health Service Corps

The National Health Service Corps unites underserved communities with thousands of dedicated clinicians. The NHSC provides a Loan Repayment Program to fully trained providers with qualified educational loans (maximum $25,000) if they choose to serve at an eligible site. Applicants must agree to provide primary care services in a priority health professional shortage area for a minimum of two years. Clinical Social Workers are possible candidates for the program.

National Association of Social Workers: Massachusetts

Resources on loan repayment options are available from the National Association of Social Workers - Massachusetts.

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, engages more than 40,000 Americans in intensive, results-driven service each year. Most AmeriCorps members are selected by and serve with local and national organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and Boys and Girls Clubs. Others serve in AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). After their term of service, AmeriCorps members receive education awards to help finance college or pay back student loans.

Teach for America

Teach for America places members in schools where they are often eligible for loan deferral or forbearance. 

PhD applicants are fully funded with a doctoral fellowship valued at more than $200,000 over the course of four years This includes tuition, an annual living stipend, health insurance, and conference support.

Financial Aid Checklist

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The Boston College Office of Student Services administers and awards need-based federal financial aid programs. Please review their Graduate Financial Aid website for a complete step-by-step guide and deadlines.

Graduate Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA

You should submit your application for federal financial aid as soon as possible. You do not have to wait to be admitted to a degree program to apply for federal financial aid, however notification of your loan package will occur after you receive an admissions decision from BCSSW.

Have the following available when completing your FAFSA:

  • Social Security number
  • W-2 forms and other records of earnings
  • The BC College code: 002128
  • Your Federal Income Tax Return (and that of your spouse, if you are married)
  • Any foreign tax return
  • Untaxed income records—Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veteran's benefits records, etc.
  • Bank statements
  • Investment information
  • Permanent resident card, if you are not a U.S. citizen

The FAFSA must be signed electronically using a U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can apply for one. Be sure to maintain a copy of the FSA ID for your records. You will need to use it to make changes to your FAFSA, or to file again in future years.

Apply for an FSA ID

Once you have submitted your FAFSA for the appropriate year, it will take a few days to process. You should receive an e-mail directing you to your Student Aid Report (SAR). This is the summary of the FAFSA you should keep for your records. Some students may be chosen for verification of the information they submitted on the FAFSA. If you are chosen for verification, please review your SAR to see if any additional information is requested.

About Verification

Complete the BC Supplemental Information Form

Complete the BC Graduate Student Supplemental Information form. Please upload this form to bc.edu/finaidupload. Detailed instructions are available at bc.edu/gradaid

You will need to complete this form if you:

  • Will be enrolled for more than 6 credits per semester
  • Wish to apply for Summer loans, including Direct Unsubsidized loan, the GradPlus loan, or any alternative loans
  • Wish to be considered for summer or academic year work-study
  • Will be enrolled in a dual degree program at BC

Graduate Student Supplemental Info Form

Review Other Resources

Loan Cancellation

Check with Boston College Office of Student Services or your employer's personnel office to determine eligibility. Early intervention services or services for high risk children from low income communities may be applicable.

Loan Repayment Info

National Health Service Corps

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) unites underserved communities with thousands of dedicated clinicians. The NHSC provides a Loan Repayment Program to fully trained providers with qualified educational loans if they choose to serve at an eligible site. Applicants must agree to provide primary care services in a priority health professional shortage area for a minimum of two years. Clinical Social Workers are possible candidates for the program.

NHSC Loan Repayment

National Association Of Social Workers - Massachusetts

Resources on loan repayment options are available from the National Association of Social Workers - Massachusetts.

NASW Loan Repayment Options

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, engages more than 40,000 Americans in intensive, results-driven service each year. Most AmeriCorps members are selected by and serve with local and national organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and Boys and Girls Clubs. Others serve in AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). After their term of service, AmeriCorps members receive education awards to help finance college or pay back student loans.

AmeriCorps Site

Teach for America

Teach for America places members in schools where they are often eligible for loan deferral or forbearance.

Teach for America Site

Resources for Veterans

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 www.gibill.va.gov or by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

About the GI Bill

Once the Certificate of Eligibility has been received, the student should contact Linda Malenfant, the VA Certifying Official in the Office of Student Services. The Certifying Official will then certify the student's enrollment information to the Regional Processing Office (RPO). The RPO will process payment of benefits directly to the student.

Financial Aid FAQ

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