Applying for Aid

The Cost of Attendance (COA) increase appeal process allows the Boston College Graduate and Law Financial Aid team to review additional educational expenses incurred during your enrolled academic period. In order to appeal, students must receive aid up to their cost of attendance, and your expenses must exceed the living allowances listed on our Cost of Attendance page.

Increases to COA are limited and are based on federal regulations. These expenses may include:

• Rent, if it is above the amount included in the living expenses portion of the cost of attendance
• One-time computer purchase
• Dependent care expenses for dependents under the age of 16 (Note: please speak with your financial aid counselor first)
• Other expenses as listed on the appeal request form.

All requests must include supporting documentation for each expense. If you list expenses without any supporting documentation, the request will not be considered, and it will be automatically denied.

Note: the Graduate and Law Financial Aid Office may limit the amount of a student’s increase for any reason. If it is determined that the cost was not incurred during the current academic enrollment period or if it is not an allowable education-related expense, the request for an increase will be declined.

Cost of Attendance Increase Form (PDF)

The following is a list of items that are not allowable expenses:

• Costs incurred outside of the current academic year
• Costs incurred by anyone other than the student
• Outstanding student loan payments
• Automobile purchase or payments, including insurance
• Credit card payments or other consumer debt payments
• Moving expenses, including security deposits
• Child support and other child care expenses (except for day care)
• Legal fees or fines, including traffic tickets, parking tickets, or bail
• Veterinary costs
• Test preparation fees, or exam fees not related to the current academic program

Receipts for expenses must show the identity of the buyer, the identity of the vendor, the amount of the purchase, and the date.

The Graduate Financial Aid team will notify you by email within 7 business days whether or not your request was approved.

If approved, you may apply for additional federal and/or private loans to cover approved expenses. You may visit bc.edu/altloans for more information regarding private educational loans. Approval for an increase in your cost of attendance does not guarantee an approval for an additional loan. 

If you have questions or concerns about an appeal, please contact your financial aid counselor in the Office of Student Services.