THE AWARD DECISION

NOTIFICATION: Financial assistance decisions will be announced after student budgets are set and funds are assured for the academic year. The School of Public Health (SPH) does not as a matter of routine send out financial aid award letters prior to deposit deadlines. It is assumed you will apply for Federal Direct Loans and/or private sector loans to finance your educational costs. Any aid obtained from SPH is often awarded after you have already secured financing. Since it is assumed you will apply for Federal Direct Loans and/or market rate loans to finance your cost of attendance, you should begin this process before receiving an institutional award letter.

Any Boston University School of Public Health Application for Financial Assistance received for new students after 5:00 p.m. February 26, 2010 or after 45 days of admission (whichever is later) and for continuing students after 5:00 p.m. April 16, 2010 will be considered for institutional aid only after all applications submitted on time have been considered and if funds are still available.

SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE: Students who apply for institutional assistance prior to the deadline(s) are considered for all programs for which they are eligible. Institutional funds are limited and the Office of Student Financial Services does its best to allocate them equitably. Because of the limited availability of institutional funds, students are advised to obtain as much outside funding as possible. (See other funding alternatives.)

APPEALS: Students appealing their financial aid package should speak to an Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) staff member within 30 days of the institutional award notification date. If the issue is unable to be resolved to the student’s expectations at the meeting, within 14 days of the meeting the student may submit a letter of appeal addressed to the Financial Aid Committee, c/o Ms. Kathy R. Stavropoulos, Executive Director, 72 East Concord, Room A303, Boston, MA 02118-2526. The letter should explain the circumstances of the appeal and include any documentation necessary to support the claim for the appeal. The Financial Aid Committee, which serves as a policy-making and advisory body to the Executive Director, will consider the merits of the appeal, and provide the student with a written response. Subsequently, the student may re-appeal that decision within 14 days of the date of Financial Aid Committee letter by presenting new evidence or requesting to appear before the Committee.

ADJUSTMENTS IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PACKAGES: The Office of Student Financial Services reserves the right to adjust a student’s financial aid package when any of the following occurs:

the student’s support from all sources exceeds need
when institutional resources change
when circumstances such as the number of family members in college changes
when a student’s enrollment status changes or if a student fails to make satisfactory academic progress
when a student receives any scholarships and/or loans provided by sponsors outside the University.

Federal program regulations require a reduction in financial assistance when a student’s support from all sources exceeds financial need. Private programs require a reduction when a student’s support from all sources exceeds the cost of attendance.

STATEMENT OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS: Students will be considered to be fulfilling the criteria for satisfactory academic progress if they meet the following requirements:

The student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Earn at least 2.7 in each of the six core courses (or course equivalents).
Must complete all degree requirements within five calendar years after initial registration as a degree candidate at the school.
The student cannot exceed a one-year leave of absence (included in a five-year period).
The student is a candidate for an approved degree granting program, approved certificate program or dual degree program (M.D./M.P.H., J.D./M.P.H., M.S.W./M.P.H., and M.A./M.P.H.).

REPAYMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: You should take care in choosing which school and academic program to attend because lenders, whether the U.S. Department of Education or private, do not vouch for the quality of education you will receive. Even if the school and/or program have not met your expectations, you do not complete the program, or you are unable to secure employment, you are responsible for repayment of your loans.