Dollar$ and $ense: November 2023
November 2023
News to Know
2024-2025 FAFSA Available December 1
If you plan on using Federal Direct Unsubsidized and/or Federal Graduate PLUS Loan funds during the 2024-2025 academic year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), you will need to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA. Please be aware that the 2024-2025 FAFSA will be available in December as the Department of Education implements the new simplified FAFSA.
2024-2025 Housing Guide Survey
We are launching 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 made available to all admitted and current students to help them locate housing that best suits their needs.
Students are asked to complete the following survey:
Please take a few minutes to share your insights with the next generation of students and your own classmates. Let us know if you have any questions and thank you in advance for your participation.
Scholarship Opportunities
Our Scholarship page includes BU and BUMC specific scholarships, school-specific scholarships, various service-based scholarships such as the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and Military Health Professions Scholarship Programs, and scholarship search sites.
Financial Fitness 101: Building Your Financial Foundation Slides Available
Financial Fitness 101 introduces students to budgeting, understanding basic credit, managing living expenses, and provide tips, resources, and hints on ways to save money during college and improve your overall financial wellbeing. These sessions were held throughout October for students in the BUMC community. You can find the slides, links, and resources provided during the workshop at Financial Fitness 101 Presentation.
Take charge of your financial health on your own time with Kindros
SFS is excited to announce Kindros, the online financial knowledge center developed for BUMC students. This interactive platform covers everything from budgeting to retirement and includes readings, quizzes, planning tools, and additional resources. Check it out and let us know if there are features or content you would like to see!
Federal Student Loan Repayment and Interest Rate Updates
The Department of Education’s student loan repayment pause and temporary 0% interest rates have ended – interest accrual resumed on September 1 and Federal loan repayment resumed on October 1. 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.
Please be aware that while currently enrolled at least half-time you do not need to make payments on your student loans; however, interest has started to accrue on Federal loans. You can find a summary of your Federal student loans and interest rates by logging into the StudentAid.gov website.
Questions?
Speak with SFS!
We have Zoom virtual office hours available to all BUMC students throughout the week. 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.
Outside Financial Literacy Resources
MoneyGeek, founded financial industry veterans in finance and content marketing, is leading the charge to simplify personal finance. A myriad of financial concerns are addressed on the site, including financial planning, planning for college, student loan repayment, expenses associated with living in a big city, insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and more.
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.
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.