Is Brown or Boston University more affordable after financial aid?

Brown is more likely to cost less for a family with substantial demonstrated financial need because it commits to meeting full demonstrated need without loans in its standard aid packages. Boston University can become the lower-cost option for a student who earns a sizable merit scholarship, but that outcome is less predictable before admission.

Brown does not award merit scholarships, so its affordability depends almost entirely on the family’s financial circumstances as calculated through its aid forms. Brown also replaces student loans with grants.

BU provides need-based aid and states that it meets demonstrated need for eligible admitted students, but its calculation of need may differ from Brown’s. BU also offers competitive merit awards, including scholarships that can substantially reduce tuition, yet they are not guaranteed.

Compare each school’s net price calculator using the same current income, assets, home equity, business ownership, and number of children in college. After admission, compare the actual grant amount, expected parent contribution, work expectation, loan expectation, and whether renewable scholarships have conditions. A lower published tuition figure or a larger-looking scholarship does not necessarily produce the lower four-year cost.