Tuition & Aid

We're committed to helping students afford an excellent graduate education. Each year, generous funding is provided to students through several types of assistance—supporting candidates who have the strongest academic credentials, most devoted ministerial commitment, and greatest financial need.

Applying for Financial Aid

When you submit your application for admission, you are automatically considered for CSTM scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships, and research assistantships. There is no separate aid application for CSTM.

100%

of master's students receive financial aid

Financial Aid Opportunities

50+ Scholarships/Awards

Tuition scholarships are awarded based on considerations of academic achievement, potential for ministry, demonstrated leadership, and financial need. They are awarded at the time of admission and are usually renewable at the same level in years following your initial award year, assuming your need and academic standing do not change markedly. In addition to the named awards below, CSTM offers many general tuition scholarships. Some awards have designated amounts; the rest range from 25% to 100%.
 
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Agent of Transformation Scholarships

We seek to form faith-filled leaders committed to transformation in our Church and world. The Agent of Transformation Scholarships are for applicants committed to God’s vision for justice in one of six areas. Though certainly not exhaustive, the following awards and fellowships celebrate the myriad ways our students work creatively toward a more just and inclusive Church and world. These awards cover 100% of the recipient's tuition costs.

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20+ Assistantships

CSTM has more than 20 graduate and research assistantship positions available, with offerings expanding nearly every year. In addition to the financial benefits of these positions, our students and alumni often report on the professional and ministerial skills gained from their time as graduate assistants. The majority of these positions last for one year and are reserved to support entering, first-year students.

The application process for these positions begins during the admissions process.  If you are interested in being considered for the positions we have available, make sure to indicate that on your application form (there is a question that asks about assistantships).

CSTM Assistantships

  • CSTM Service Center (multiple positions available)
  • CSTM Admissions Office (multiple positions available)
  • Continuing Education
  • Liturgy
  • Student Affairs
  • International Student Liaison
  • New Testament Abstracts
  • Academic Affairs

Assistantships in Partner Offices

  • BC Campus Ministry (multiple positions available)
  • Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies
  • Roche Center for Catholic Education
  • Graduate Ministry Corps (multiple positions available)
  • Volunteer and Service Learning Center

Other BC Positions

In addition to positions through CSTM, there are many positions offered throughout the Boston College campus. Boston College's Office of Graduate Student Life maintains a listing of these positions, which are open to all BC graduate students. Recent positions held by CSTM students include working with the Church in the 21st Century Center, BC President's Office, Center for Teaching Excellence, Center for Digital Innovation in Learning, Information Technology Services, Center for Student Formation, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Provost's Office, and the Women's Center.

The Office of Student Services at Boston College provides the option for students to apply for need-based loans and federal work-study. Students can borrow up to their total calculated cost of attendance (minus any scholarship/assistantship funding they are receiving from CSTM) through the Stafford Loan Program.

Graduate students are advised to complete the BC Graduate and Law Supplemental Information Form or the BC Graduate Student (Non Law) Enrollment Form.

Please note that Federal Stafford loans are only available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Federal loans are not available to S.T.B., S.T.L. or S.T.D. degree seeking students.

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 CSTM.

If you receive a scholarship or assistantship, this may affect your federal financial aid. If adjustments are needed your financial aid counselor will notify you.  

The total financial aid awarded to you cannot exceed your cost of attendance, which includes assistantships, fellowships, grants, scholarships, non service stipends, tuition remission and your federal financial aid.  

If you have questions about any adjustments you can contact your Financial Aid Counselor at the Office of Student Services 617-552-3300 or email them at studentservices@xyschool.net.

Cost of Attendance

How much will it cost?

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the tuition cost per credit at CSTM is $1,318.

To help you budget the cost of your graduate program, we've provided this breakdown of expenses. Additionally, the Office of Student Services has resources to help you calculate an approximate cost of attendance, which includes both tuition and living expenses.

The amounts shown here are estimates.
ExpenseEstimated Cost per Academic Year
Tuition and fees
$31,632 (24 credits, before financial aid)
Rent and utilities
$12,000
Meals
$3,000
Transportation
$1,000
Personal expenses$2,000
Books and supplies$600
Total$50,232

100%

of M.Div., M.A., & M.T.S. students found a placement within six months

(Class of 2023)

97%

of all degree program graduates found a placement within six months

(Class of 2023)

Financial Aid FAQ

question match your criteria

Are there opportunities to work on campus?

There are multiple opportunities to work on campus through graduate assistantships and other on-campus employment options. In addition to the financial benefits of these positions, our students and alumni often report on the professional and ministerial skills gained from their time as graduate assistants. Both the BC Office of Graduate Student Life and the BC Office of Student Services maintain listings of potential assistantships and work-study positions open to all Boston College graduate students.

Graduate Student Life

Student Services

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Do CSTM students have off-campus jobs?

Yes! Multiple CSTM students supplement their incomes with off-campus jobs!  There are many different employment opportunities in the Boston area, ranging from food services to hospital and mental health facilities.  While on-campus jobs only permit students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week, often only during normal office hours, off-campus employment can be a good option for flexible hours.

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How does funding work for dual degrees?

Dual degree students receive separate financial aid packages from both schools as part of their admission decisions. Each term, dual degree students will have a "home school" in which they are enrolled. During that term, the student will pay tuition to the school in which they are enrolled and the financial aid package that they receive from that school will apply to all credits being taken during that term, regardless of if you are taking classes at both schools during that term. For example, if a M.A./M.S.W. student is enrolled at the CSTM and taking classes at both schools, their CSTM financial aid package would apply to credits from both schools for that term.

For the M.A./M.S.W. and M.A./M.A. programs, the CSTM's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year I and both summers of the dual degree program, while the other school's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year II and Academic Year III of the dual degree program. 

For the M.A./M.B.A. program, the CSTM's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year I, Summer I, and the Fall semester of Academic Year III. The Carroll School of Management's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year II, Summer II, and the Spring semester of Academic Year III. 

For students in the M.A./M.Ed. program in partnership with BC's Urban Catholic Teacher Corps, the CSTM's financial aid package will apply to Academic Year II and onwards, and the Lynch School's financial aid package will apply to Summer I, Academic Year I, and Summer II.

If a student starts at Boston College in one graduate program and then later adds the second, the funding schedule may need to be altered. The admissions office will discuss specific details with each applicant. Never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

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How likely is it to receive a scholarship?

We understand the value of a strong theological education, which is why we do our best to make sure that our students have opportunities for financial assistance, whether it be through scholarships, federal aid, externships, or graduate assistantships. We are pleased to offer 100% of our M.A., M.Div., and M.T.S. students some level of scholarship aid for their studies with us, all the way up to full-tuition scholarships. We do all what we can to minimize financial barriers to studying with us.

For all applicants, there is a financial aid page on the application, and we encourage you to be as detailed as possible as to why you would like to be considered for funding. Over 90% of all applicants to all programs receive scholarship support. If you are concerned or have questions about your financial situation, please speak with a member of the admissions staff.

Admission Team

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I want to attend CSTM but don’t know if I can swing it financially!

Please get in touch with us! We want to make sure we’ve explored all possible options to help you make studying with us a reality. Please email cstmapply@xyschool.net and our team will direct you to the right person!

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What do graduate/research assistantships offer a student?

The CSTM is proud to offer over 20 graduate and research assistantship positions each year to incoming students. In addition to the financial benefits of these positions, our students and alumni often report highly on the professional and ministerial skills gained from their time as graduate assistants. The majority of these positions last for one year and are reserved to support entering, first-year students. The application process for these positions begins during the admissions process. If you are interested in being considered for the positions we have available, make sure to indicate as such on your application form.

Graduate & Research Assistantships

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What financial aid is available?

Each year, the CSTM awards scholarships to new students, supporting those candidates who have the strongest academic credentials, ministerial commitment, and greatest financial need. Most students fund their studies through a combination of tuition scholarship, on-campus work, and federal student loans. 100% of master's students receive scholarship support.

Tuition & Aid

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What is the application fee?

The application fee is $75. We provide fee waivers for Jesuits, current CSTM students, veterans, individuals completing a year of service with a Catholic Volunteer Network program, and individuals who are Pell Grant-eligible. If any of these situations apply to you, please reach out to the Admissions Office at stmadm@xyschool.net.

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What scholarships and on-campus job opportunities are available as an international student?

Higher education in the United States is expensive. However, CSTM is proud to award tuition grants, as well as graduate and research assistantship opportunities, to international students, depending on availability, to help ease their financial burden. For consideration, students must be enrolled in a degree seeking program, and should exhibit an exemplary academic record and personal potential. Students should be aware that, even if receiving a tuition grant, they still must obtain support to pay for their living expenses. Unfortunately, federal loans are not available to those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

All international students must show that they have sufficient funds or resources to pay for their tuition and living expenses during the course of their studies, whether support comes in the form of scholarships, grants, or support from a religious order or a personal bank account. Applicants do not need to supply evidence of sufficient resources with their applications. Once accepted, the admissions office will send a form where one can document resources.

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What type of housing and living options are available?

The city of Boston and its surrounding communities offer an array of housing options. Although the CSTM does not offer on-campus housing, we do all that we can to provide support throughout the process, including helping students find roommates and local listings. Boston College is located 6 miles from downtown Boston, so many CSTM students live closer to campus where rents can be less expensive than in the center of the city.

Graduate students are also welcome to apply to be Resident Assistants for Boston College.

Living in Boston

Being an RA

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Contact CSTM Financial Aid

Amanda Schar
Amanda Schar
Admissions and Financial Aid Specialist
617-552-6535
X
Amanda Schar

Amanda Schar

Admissions and Financial Aid Specialist

| 617-552-6535 | Simboli Hall 224

Curious about the types of aid, disbursement, or something else? Contact Amanda Schar, CSTM Admissions and Financial Aid Specialist, with additional financial aid questions.

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