Dollar$ and $ense: March 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. Failure to submit your 2023-2024 FAFSA can result in significant delays in receiving your financial aid.
2022-2023 Cost of Attendance Increase Appeals
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, 2023
Act Quickly! Graduate Housing Application Now Available
The Graduate Housing application for the Fenway campus and Charles River Campus* is open! You can access the application through the Graduate Housing portal. BU graduate housing is extremely limited. Anyone who is interested in living in graduate housing is encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You will be required to submit a $500 deposit as part of the application. You can find more information regarding monthly rates on the BU Housing page. All questions or technical issues related to the application should be directed to BU Housing. *This application is only for Fenway and Charles River Campus housing where students can use the free BU Shuttle to commute to BUMC.
Summer Enrollment & Aid Application Status
Looking to borrow loans for the summer semester? You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits for summer 1 and/or summer 2 or be enrolled as certified full-time. If you wish to apply for federal loans, make sure you’ve submitted the 2023-2024 FAFSA and the Summer Direct Loan application (available in late March).
Join the Financial Literacy Pilot Program!
If you’re a current student who wants to learn more about budgeting, managing debt, saving, and credit scores, you’re invited to test our new financial literacy platform!
The pilot program will run for four weeks and end in early April. As a pilot program participant, you’ll have the opportunity to use the new platform before anyone else. You’ll complete two short surveys, one at the beginning and one at the end of the pilot program, and you’ll have the opportunity to join our focus group at the end of the pilot. It should take no more than an hour or two a week. Interested? Click the link to get started!
Each focus group participant will get a prize for participating. Prizes will be announced before the focus group. And for those who finish the pre and post-surveys, you will have a chance to win 1 out of 3 mystery prizes (each with a value of $100)!
Other SFS Reminders
Snap Benefit Eligibility
The current Public Health Emergency and SNAP qualification exemptions are scheduled to end in mid-April. 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.
Reduce Your Internet Bill
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can provide a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service for students and families who may qualify. Those who currently receive SNAP benefits qualify for the ACP. Other eligibility requirements and the application can be found on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) website.
Free Financial Wellness Resources
Loan Repayment Strategies for You Webinar
Student Financial Services will host a webinar with AAMC on Monday, April 10 at 5 PM ET. Attendance is strongly recommended for the Class of 2023. The session will give valuable information about how to manage your student loan debt and determine which repayment strategy is right for you regardless of your next steps after graduation. Registration is required. You will receive a link to join the webinar prior to April 10.
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, email, or one of our virtual drop-in sessions.