Dollar$ and $ense: January 2023
Complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA today!
The 2023-2024 FAFSA is now available to complete for the next academic year. If you plan on using Federal Direct Unsubsidized and/or Federal Graduate PLUS Loan funds during the 2023-2024 academic year (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), you will need to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA. We recommend doing so by the priority deadline of February 1, 2023.
When Can I Request My Living Expenses Refund?
All financial aid (federal and private loans, scholarships, etc.) will first be applied toward the balance on your student account. Any excess funds above tuition and fees will be left as a credit for you to request a refund by following the instructions provided by Student Accounting Services. Please note, SFS is unable to process refund requests before your first day of classes of the spring semester nor until all documents relating to your financial aid (i.e. entrance counseling and loan promissory notes) are received and reviewed. SFS is also unable to process refund requests until the balance has been paid, whether by financial aid or by out-of-pocket payment.
Other SFS Reminders
Virtual Drop-In Sessions with SFS Available
Student Financial Services regularly scheduled virtual drop-in sessions have resumed. Students are able to join a virtual Zoom session from anywhere to speak with one of our staff. Our virtual drop-in sessions are on Wednesdays from 3-5 PM and Thursdays from 11 AM – 1PM. SFS is still available by email, by phone from 9 AM-5PM, and with walk-in appointments from 10 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday.
BU Virtual Housing Fairs February 7 & 15
The BU Off-Campus Services office is hosting 2 virtual housing fair sessions from 1 – 2 PM EST on February 7 & 4 -5 PM EST on February 15. Students can speak with Off-Campus Services and SFS staff as well property representatives. Registration is required. Students can register through the following links:
Housing Survey
We recently launched a short, anonymous survey to obtain information about current students’ housing experiences. This information will be included in a housing guide created by VeryApt, a startup in the real estate technology industry, and distributed to admitted students to help them locate housing that best suits their needs.
Students are asked to complete the following survey:
BU Graduate Medical Sciences – 2023 Housing Survey
Please take a few minutes to share your insights with the next generation of students. Let us know if you have any questions and thank you in advance for your participation.
Student Loan Repayment Pause and Debt Relief
The Biden-Harris Administration and Federal Student Aid recently announced a one-time federal student loan debt forgiveness of up to $20,000 for qualified borrowers. However, due to legal challenges the loan forgiveness plan is currently blocked and loan cancellation will not occur. For more information on the announcement, eligibility, and current state of student loan debt relief visit our website.
The Department of Education has extended the student loan repayment pause until student loan debt relief can be implemented or until June 30, 2023. Payments will resume 60 days after the end of the pause. The loan repayment pause, 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.
SNAP Benefit Eligibility
The current Public Health Emergency and SNAP qualification exemptions are scheduled to end January 11, 2023. Students who qualify for and currently utilize SNAP under the current exemptions may no longer qualify for recertification of SNAP benefits after the Public Health Emergency ends.
Free Financial Wellness Resources
Scholarship Opportunities
The JVS Scholarship Program application has opened for the 2023-2024 academic year. Need-based scholarships of up to $10,000 are available to graduate and professional students to qualified Jewish students whose primary residence is in the Great Los Angeles area. For more information on eligibility requirements and to apply, please see the JVS SoCal flyer.
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.
Questions?
Speak with SFS!
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. You can also reach us by phone at 617-358-6550 or by email.