Dollar$ and $ense: February 2022
Complete the 2022-2023 FAFSA today!
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, but we will continue to accept applications throughout the academic year.
Spring 2022 Loan Disbursements & Refunds
Student Financial Services began processing refund requests after your program’s semester start date (see below). If you haven’t already done so, please be sure to log in to the Student Link to put in your refund request so that we can process your refund without delay. Once we have approved your refund, the request will be sent to Student Accounting Services to be released to you. You can expect the funds to post in your bank account within 2-3 business days from the time that Student Accounting releases the funds, depending on the processing time of your bank.
- PA, Class of 2022: 12/6/21
- PA, Class of 2023: 1/3/22
- Oral Health Sciences: 1/3/22
- All others GMS programs: 1/20/22
2020-21 Cost of Attendance Increase Appeal Deadlines
If you have borrowed up to the cost of attendance (COA) and are in need of additional loan funds for education expenses, please carefully review the COA appeal section of the Student Financial Services Website. To have your appeal reviewed by the financial aid committee, please submit the COA Appeal form and any supporting documentation. Supporting documentation may include a full copy of your lease and one month of utility bills. All submitted documentation must be organized and dated during your enrollment period. You can submit your complete COA appeal to osfs-gms@bu.edu. When emailing please include your BU ID number.
THE DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING COST OF ATTENDANCE APPEALS IS APRIL 1, 2022
Virtual Housing Fair
Boston University Off-Campus Services is hosting a virtual housing fair on Tuesday, February 22, from 1-2 p.m. All students are welcome to register and learn more about off-campus housing opportunities in the Boston area. You can register for the event at https://forms.gle/J69xAMGV1geYWVKL7.
SNAP Benefit Eligibility
Due to a change in federal law, some graduate college students not previously eligible may now be able to receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. More information about this benefit change and how college students may be temporarily eligible for SNAP is available here. In some instances, you may be asked to have your financial aid office provide additional documentation, such as the Educational Income and Expense form. If you need SFS to complete this document, you may come by our office or email the form, with part A completed, to osfs-gms@bu.edu.
Other SFS Reminders
Changes to Spring 2022 Enrollment
If you have finalized your Spring 2022 registration and no longer are enrolled as you anticipated and reported to SFS in your GMS Aid Application, please email our office at osfs-gms@bu.edu. Adjustments to your cost of attendance and/or financial aid award may be necessary as financial aid is awarded based on your enrollment plans listed on your financial aid application.
Student Loan Relief Update
The Department of Education extension of the pandemic relief for federal student loan borrowers has been extended to May 31, 2022. The student loan relief, which began in March 2020, includes temporary 0% interest rates, reprieve on loan payments, and paused collection of defaulted federal student loans. Further information and FAQs can be found on the Federal Student Aid website’s announcement on Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents.
Free Financial Wellness Resources
Tax Preparation Workshop for PhD Students
In this workshop, Dr. Emily Roberts, a personal finance educator, will guide PhD students and postdocs through the tax preparation process. The workshop is for US citizens, permanent residents, and residents for tax purposes, and comprises pre-recorded videos, worksheets, and live Q&A calls.
Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA) is covering the cost of the workshop for up to 100 PhD students and postdocs on a first-come, first-served basis. After that, admission to the workshop can be purchased for $20 per person.
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 the recording of AccessLex’s webinar, The Road to Zero: A Strategic Approach to Student Loan Repayment. 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.
Quick Survey!
In order to provide the best level of service to our students we would appreciate your feedback by completing this short questionnaire: https://bostonu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ObzaNUVC3D7A2O
Questions?
Speak with SFS!