Understanding Boston University MPH Tuition and Costs

Pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a significant investment in one's future. For prospective students considering Boston University's School of Public Health, understanding the tuition costs, fees, and available financial aid options is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with the Boston University MPH program, along with insights into financial aid, scholarships, and debt management.

Tuition and Fees: The Sticker Price

Boston University's tuition is $71,372, which is more expensive compared with the national average cost of tuition of $47,097. This figure represents the sticker price, encompassing both tuition and fees. These fees vary by institution and may fund crucial resources such as library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

Total Cost of Attendance

When comparing the costs of different institutions, it's essential to consider the total cost, which includes the sticker price plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. At Boston University, the total cost is $90,207.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Need-Based Aid

Boston University offers need-based financial aid to students who qualify. In fall 2023, 43% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $64,175. Need-based self-help aid, including federal loans and work-study, averaged $2,808 for first-year students. Boston University met 91% of its students’ financial aid need.

Merit-Based Aid

Merit-based aid, also known as non-need-based aid, is awarded for specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Boston University - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $33,299. All applicants who are offered admission into a graduate program are considered for merit-based scholarships. Merit scholarships are based on the strength of the student’s application, which is reviewed holistically by an admission committee. Students will be notified if they have been awarded a merit scholarship in the letter of acceptance.

Read also: Applying to BU Dental

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships are a form of funding that does not require repayment. Need-based scholarships consider a student’s financial status, while merit-based scholarships recognize academic or athletic achievement. Students may also qualify for scholarships based on community service, unique hobbies or traits, personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation. Some students receive enough scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.

G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program

Boston University is G.I. Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering additional financial support to eligible veterans and their dependents.

Student Loan Debt

The accumulation of student loan debt can significantly impact a graduate's financial life. Ideally, the total student loan debt should be less than the anticipated starting salary after graduation.

At Boston University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $23,250. The median monthly federal loan payment (if repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for these borrowers is $246. Additionally, 8% of graduating students at Boston University took out private loans, with an average private loan debt of $73,370 at graduation. The Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class is $36,132, with 34% of graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024).

If students do not receive a merit scholarship, they may be eligible for financial aid in the form of loans. Federal financial aid includes both the unsubsidized and the graduate plus loan, which students may use to cover tuition and living expenses.

Additional Expenses

Beyond tuition and fees, students should budget for additional expenses, including:

Medical Insurance: Massachusetts state law requires students to have adequate medical insurance. Full-time BU students are charged for medical insurance each fall semester. For 2025-2026, the Basic Plan is $3,538, and the Plus Plan is $4,741. We automatically enroll all students who are legally required to have health insurance in SHIP, unless an online waiver is submitted by the waiver deadline each plan year. This includes all full-time, three-quarter time and all international students. The standard annual rate for the 2025-2026 year for most students is $3,538.
Clinical Education Fees: These fees vary by program.
Standard Living Expenses: To determine your total Cost of Attendance, add the cost of tuition and fees (as either a full-time or a part-time student) to the Standard Living Expenses.

Online MPH Program

Boston University also offers an Online MPH program designed for working professionals. This 42-credit program can be completed on a flexible timeline, with no in-person courses, orientation, seminars, or meetings required. The program features weekly integrated opportunities to connect live with peers and is led directly by Boston University School of Public Health faculty. Students complete six online modules with weekly deadlines, in addition to a 0-credit orientation module taken prior to the official start of the semester.

Managing Finances During Graduate School

Managing finances while enrolled in graduate school is crucial. Boston University provides resources, such as an unofficial Budget Worksheet, to help students estimate their personal monthly budget by projecting income and expenses.

Tuition Rates and Fees for graduate programs

The tuition rates and fees outlined below are based on the 2025-2026 rates set by the BU Financial Assistance office and approved by federal granting agencies. The same full-time tuition rate is charged to students taking anywhere between 12-18 credits of coursework. Students taking less than 12 credits are charged at a per credit rate. The Trustees of the University reserve the right to change tuition rates or fees at their discretion.

Tuition, fees, and total program costs are determined by enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time). If you enroll in 3-4 courses (12-16 credits) in a semester, you are charged the full-time semester rate. If you enroll in 1-2 courses (4-8 credits) in a semester, you are charged the part-time per-credit rate. The majority of our programs require the completion of 8 courses (32 credits).

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