Dollar$ and $ense: October 2021
2021-22 COA Increase Appeal Process – Now Open!
Student Financial Services has begun reviewing Cost of Attendance (COA) Increase appeals for the 2021-22 academic year. You can view the information about the appeal process, qualifying expenses that can be considered, and access the 2021-22 Cost of Attendance Increase Request form on our website. Please keep in mind these general reminders about the Cost of Attendance appeal process:
- You are not required to complete the COA Appeal Request Form if your expenses do not exceed the standard cost of attendance for your program.
- Be sure to include documentation, as missing or incomplete documentation may delay the review and decision of your appeal.
- Not all expenses will be reviewed with your appeal request. Unallowable expenses are listed on the Cost of Attendance Increase Request page (linked above)
- A determination with respect to your appeal will be sent to you via email within 10 business days
If you have any questions about this process, please contact our office at osfs-gms@bu.edu.
Complete the 2022-2023 FAFSA
The 2022-2023 FAFSA is now open as of October 1st. If you plan on using Federal Direct Unsubsidized and/or Federal Graduate PLUS Loan funds during the 2022-2023 academic year (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023), you will need to complete the 2022-2023 FAFSA. We recommend doing so by the priority deadline of February 1, 2022.
Free Financial Wellness Resources
FAFSA Festival
The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) is hosting their 2021 FAFSA Festival on Monday, October 18th from 4:00 – 8:00pm EST. Experts will be available to help students complete the FAFSA via studentaid.gov or the myStudentAid mobile app. If you’re interested in participating, registration is required for the Zoom session.
AccessLex Financial Education Resources
SFS has partnered with AccessLex, a non-profit that offers free financial education programming and resources to help students and graduates manage their finances and loan repayment. We recommend you check out AccessLex’s webinar, The Road to Zero: A Strategic Approach to Student Loan Repayment. The webinar is usually offered twice a month. You can also set up a free 1:1 meeting with one of their Accredited Financial Counselors to discuss your specific loans and repayment strategies.
Questions?
Come See SFS In-Person!
Stop by Student Financial Services in suite B-401 in the Robinson Building where you can meet with an SFS staff member in-person Monday through Friday. We will still maintain the Zoom virtual office hours. Each session is open to all students from BUSM, GMS, SDM or SPH. You can also reach us by phone at 617-358-6550.