Policies & Eligibility
Students who demonstrate financial need will qualify for financial aid provided they meet certain eligibility requirements below. These requirements include full-time enrollment in a degree program, satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, and eligible citizen status. Students with demonstrated financial need who live off-campus, while still eligible for financial aid, may see a reduction in their financial aid award as a result of a lower cost of attendance. A student with demonstrated financial need who studies abroad will receive more or less financial aid depending on the program's administering sponsor.
Demonstrated financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance and the expected family contribution.
Boston College is committed to providing information in a manner that is accessible to all. If you are in need of a printed copy of the material presented on this web page, please contact the Office of Student Services.
Verification
Verification is a federal process used to confirm the accuracy of the information provided on the FAFSA. If your FAFSA is selected for verification, additional information will be required to complete your financial aid file.
Students may be provided with a financial aid award before submitting all the required documentation to complete the verification process. Should the verified financial information differ significantly from the original information provided on your FAFSA, there may be a change in your financial aid eligibility.
Required Documentation
The documentation required for the verification process can vary. Students can confirm what information is needed by checking their online portal which will indicate the information needed to complete your financial aid file. Typically, students selected for verification will have to submit the following documents:
- Incoming Student Federal Verification Form or Returning Undergraduate Verification Worksheet
- Signed copies of federal/foreign tax returns or IRS Tax Return Transcripts
- Confirmation of Non-Filer Tax Status form (if applicable) along with copies of your W2 forms
- Additional documentation may be required for some to verify:
- Untaxed Income
- Family Size
- Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose
See below for additional instruction pertaining to your tax-filing circumstances.
As part of federal student aid eligibility, parents, students, and student's spouses will be required to consent and approve sharing and importing income and tax information from the IRS to the FAFSA form, even if the attempt to obtain or use such data is ineffective. In other words, if the student and spouse filed separate 2022 IRS income tax returns, both must provide consent and approval to share and import income and tax information from the IRS. In most cases, no further documentation is needed to verify 2022 income information that was transferred into the student's FAFSA using income and tax information directly from the IRS. However, if 2022 income tax return information for the parent, student, or student's spouse was not available or could not be used, you must provide the institution with a 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript(s) or a signed copy of the 2022 income tax return and applicable schedules.
An individual who filed an amended IRS income tax return for tax year 2022 must provide a signed copy of the 2022 IRS Form 1040X, “Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,” that was filed with the IRS or documentation from the IRS that include the change(s) made by the IRS, in addition to one of the following:
- Updated income and tax information from the IRS on an ISIR record with all tax information from the original tax return;
- A 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript (that will only include information from the original tax return and does not have to be signed), or any other IRS tax transcript(s) that includes all of the income and tax information required to be verified; or
- A signed copy of the 2022 IRS Form 1040 and the applicable schedules that were filed with the IRS.
An individual who is required to file a 2022 IRS income tax return and has been granted a filing extension by the IRS beyond the automatic six-month extension for tax year 2022 must provide:
- A signed statement listing the sources of any 2022 income and the amount of income from each source;
- A copy of the IRS's approval of an extension beyond the automatic six-month extension for tax year 2022;
- A copy of IRS Form W–2 for each source of employment income received or an equivalent document for tax year 2022; and
- If self-employed, a signed statement certifying the amount of the individual's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and the U.S. income tax paid for tax year 2022.
An individual who was the victim of IRS tax-related identity theft must provide:
- A Tax Return DataBase View (TRDBV) transcript obtained from the IRS or, if unable to obtain a TRDBV, an equivalent document provided by the IRS or a copy of the signed 2022 income tax return and applicable schedules the individual filed with the IRS; and
- A statement signed and dated by the tax filer indicating that he or she was a victim of IRS tax-related identity theft and that the IRS is aware of the tax-related identity theft.
A tax filer who filed an income tax return with a tax authority other than the IRS may provide a signed copy of his or her income tax return that was filed with the relevant tax authority. However, if we question the accuracy of the information on the signed copy of the income tax return, the tax filer must provide us with a copy of the tax account information issued by the relevant tax authority before verification can be completed.
If the parent, student, or student's spouse did not and were not required to file tax returns with the IRS, please submit a Confirmation of Non-Filer Tax Status form available on the Financial Aid Forms page and all W2 and/or 1099 forms.
How to Obtain an IRS Return Transcript
A 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript may be obtained through:
- Get Transcript by Mail: Go to www.irs.gov, click "Get Your Tax Record.” Click “Get Transcript by Mail.” Make sure to request the “Return Transcript” and not the “Account Transcript.” The transcript is generally received within 10 business days from the IRS's receipt of the online request.
- Get Transcript Online: Go to www.irs.gov, click "Get Your Tax Record." Click “Get Transcript Online.” Make sure to request the “Return Transcript” and not the “Account Transcript.” To use the Get Transcript Online tool, the user must have (1) access to a valid email address, (2) a text-enabled mobile phone (pay-as-you-go plans cannot be used) in the user's name, and (3) specific financial account numbers (such as a credit card number or an account number for a home mortgage or auto loan). The transcript displays online upon successful completion of the IRS's two-step authentication.
- Automated Telephone Request: 1-800-908-9946. Transcript is generally received within 10 business days from the IRS's receipt of the telephone request.
- Paper Request Form: IRS Form 4506T-EZ or IRS Form 4506-T. The transcript is generally received within 10 business days from the IRS's receipt of the paper request form.
Withdrawals and Leaves of Absence
Students who need to withdraw or take a leave of absence may do so for academic, disciplinary, personal, or medical reasons. For students that receive federal financial aid funds, you may be subject to the Federal Return of Title IV Aid calculation and state financial aid return policies. Students should notify the Office of Student Services as soon as a decision has been made to withdraw, take a leave, or otherwise stop attending Boston College.
Students receiving Federal Title IV funds (Federal Pell, SEOG, TEACH, Direct Loans, Plus/Grad PLUS loans) are subject to a return to title IV (R2T4) aid calculation. There are several key elements to the calculation:
Withdrawal Date: At Boston College the withdrawal date is the date that the student started the official withdrawal process with the appropriate campus representative. For most students, the process begins in their academic school/college or with the Academic Services team. The R2T4 calculation is typically done within 30 days of when the school is made aware of the withdrawal. Boston College's requirements and procedures regarding withdrawal/leave of absences can be found in the University Catalog.
Percentage of Earned Aid: Calculation to determine the amount of financial aid that was “earned” for the term/semester. It is calculated by taking the number of days of the term completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total days in the term/semester. Any break of five days or more is not counted as part of the days in the term.
Students who remain enrolled through at least 60% of the payment period (semester) are considered to have earned 100% of the aid received.
Amount of Earned Aid: This calculation applies to the percentage of earned aid multiplied by the total aid the student was eligible to receive as of the withdrawal date. There are two categories of earned aid:
- Disbursed aid—federal financial aid that disbursed into the student account by the withdrawal date
- Aid that could have disbursed—federal financial that was awarded but did not disburse by the withdrawal date but otherwise could have disbursed
Aid to Be Returned
Please note that when Title IV aid is returned the student may owe a balance to Boston College. It is important to review your student account after notification of an aid adjustment resulting from the R2T4 calculation.
If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the institution is required to return a portion of the funds that have been received by the student. The University is required to return funds to Title IV aid programs, those funds must be returned in the following order: Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Federal Subsidized Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Federal TEACH Grants. The funds must be returned within 45 days of the withdrawal date. Boston College will also return any funds that the calculation determines the student should return. The student can enter into payment arrangements with the University.
If a student earned more aid than was disbursed, the institution may owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement. Boston College will notify students via email that they are eligible for a post withdrawal disbursement from loan funds within 30 days of when the school determined the student withdrew. A response will be required within 14 days to accept any offered loan funds. Any federal grant funds that are a part of a post withdrawal disbursement will be applied to the student account with 45 days of determination.
Unofficial Withdrawals: Non-attendance does not represent an official withdrawal. If a student begins attendance, does not officially withdraw, and fails to earn a passing grade in at least one course over an entire term, the university must assume that the student has unofficially withdrawn. Unofficial withdrawals will be determined within 30 days of the end of the term. The withdrawal date for unofficial withdrawals will be the midpoint of the term or the last date of active course participation (if available). Federal financial aid recipients will have their awards reviewed and recalculated, causing a reduction in aid awarded.
Additional Considerations
- If the R2T4 calculation results in a credit balance on their student account, the credit balance will be refunded to the student within 14 days. If you have not signed up for direct deposit, please be certain that your home address is up to date and accurate.
- Periods of non enrollment may cause student loans to go into repayment. If you are not enrolled in at least 6 credits for more than six months, please be sure to reach out to your loan servicer.
- This recalculation process is required regardless of the reason for the withdrawal. It is important to resolve any outstanding balances to prevent your student account from being sent to collections.
Federal funds are adjusted according to the policies in the Federal Student Aid Handbook.
If you withdraw after classes have begun, most Boston College funds will be reduced based on the percentage of the tuition charges that remain in your student account. For example, if you withdraw during week 1, you will be charged 20% of the semester's tuition. Similarly, if you received Boston College grant funding, you will keep 20% of the semester's grant. Fees are not refundable.
Institutional funds that are subject to this policy are (but not limited to):
- Institutional funding managed and controlled by the Office of Student Services (includes Boston College Grants, scholarships, endowed funds, etc.)
- Departmental funds that are based on the amount of tuition assessed
For departmental specific funds that are not related to tuition, reduction of funding depends on the department policies and procedures.
Tuition Refunds
Tuition is canceled subject to the following conditions:
- Notice of withdrawal must be made in writing to the dean of the student's school.
- The date of receipt of written notice of withdrawal by the Dean's Office determines the amount of tuition canceled.
The cancellation schedule applies to students withdrawing voluntarily, as well as to students who are dismissed from the University for academic or disciplinary reasons.
If you leave the university, you must notify appropriate offices according to current policies described in the Boston College catalog, including the Dean of your school and the Office of Student Services. Whether you graduate or take a leave of absence, you must advise your lender(s) and contact the Office of Student Services for exit counseling or materials covering repayment responsibilities.
You will need to plan your return if you take a leave of absence before you graduate. The Office of Student Services has financial aid application materials available for the upcoming academic year beginning in November, with a February 1 filing deadline. Visit the Applying for Aid pages for a list of requirements and deadlines.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations (Sections 668.16(e).668.32(f) and 668.34) require that schools monitor the academic progress of each applicant for federal financial assistance and that the school certify that the applicant is making satisfactory academic progress toward earning his/her degree. This determination of progress must be made at least once a year and before the financial aid office disburses any federal aid funds for the subsequent semester. At Boston College, students are reviewed annually, at the end of each spring semester, for compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
Students who are aware of learning or other disabilities should immediately contact the Disability Services Office so that appropriate accommodations can be made. A student with a documented disability and functional limitations is still held to the same academic expectations as other students. If the student is registered with the Disability Services Office and receiving appropriate accommodations, the student should be able to maintain satisfactory academic progress for financial aid eligibility purposes.
Pursuant to Federal regulations, the following constitutes Boston College’s Financial Aid policy on satisfactory academic progress for undergraduate students.
Satisfactory Academic Progress requires that students receiving financial aid meet certain benchmarks and guidelines to demonstrate their successful progression towards earning a degree. On a yearly basis, the financial aid office has to evaluate 3 standards: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Maximum Credit.
Qualitative Standard
The qualitative standard evaluates the quality of a student’s academic work. This is most commonly measured by evaluating a student’s grade point average (GPA). Undergraduate students are expected to maintain a minimum 1.67 GPA [1.50 for students in the Carroll School of Management (CSOM)].
The decimal on GPAs is carried to two places. For example, the number 0.255 is rounded to .260 percent.
Grade Changes
If grade changes occur after the annual SAP review, for most students, grade changes will be factored into the student's SAP calculations at the time of the next formal evaluation. However, students who are receiving aid on an appeal (conditional) basis must resolve all incomplete grades before the Office of Student Services can make a final determination that they meet the satisfactory academic progress guidelines. Students must report any grade changes that impact their aid eligibility directly to the Office of Student Services. Grade changes must be submitted to the Office of Student Services by October 15 for fall semester aid applicants and by March 15 for spring semester aid applicants. Consult the University Catalog: Undergraduate Academic Regulations section for additional policies concerning grade changes and appeals.
Quantitative Standard
The quantitative standard measures the amount of academic work completed by a student on a cumulative basis towards the completion of a program of study within a specified timeframe. This standard expects a student to earn a certain percentage of the credits they attempt within a given year. The formula used to determine your credit attainment is earned credits divided by total scheduled (registered) credits. Students are considered to be making satisfactory progress when their credit attainment is equal to or greater than the percentages below:
| When total scheduled credits are: | Earned credits must be at least: |
|---|---|
| Less than 25 credits | 50% of scheduled credits |
| 25 through 50 credits | 55% of scheduled credits |
| 51 through 75 credits | 60% of scheduled credits |
| 76 through 100 credits | 65% of schedule credits |
| 101 through 125 credits | 70% of scheduled credits |
| 126 credits and above | 75% of scheduled credits |
Maximum Credits Standard
Federal regulations require undergraduate students to complete their degree within 150% of the specified length of the program. At Boston College, most programs require 120 credits to graduate, so students must complete their program within 180 total scheduled (registered) credits (120 X 150% = 180 credits). Should your program require fewer credits for graduation, then you must earn your degree within 150% of that published program length.
Satisfactory Academic Progress requires that students receiving financial aid meet certain benchmarks and guidelines to demonstrate their successful progression towards earning a degree. On a yearly basis, the financial aid office has to evaluate 3 standards: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Maximum Credit.
Qualitative Standard
The qualitative standard evaluates the quality of a student’s academic work. This is most commonly measured by evaluating a student’s grade point average (GPA). The decimal on GPAs is carried to two places. For example, the number 0.255 is rounded to .260 percent. Graduate students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA as specified below:
| College/School | Minimum GPA Required |
|---|---|
| Carroll School of Management (CSOM) | 2.67 |
| Connell School of Nursing (CSON) | 2.67 |
| Lynch School of Education and Human Development (LSEHD) | 3.0 |
| Graduate School of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences (GSMCAS) | 3.0 |
| Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) | 3.0 |
| School of Social Work (SSW) | 3.0 |
| Law School | 2.3 |
| Woods College of Advancing Studies (WCAS) | 3.0 |
Quantitative Standard
The quantitative standard measures the amount of academic work completed by a student on a cumulative basis towards the completion of a program of study within a specified timeframe. This standard expects a student to earn a certain percentage of the credits they attempt within a given year. The formula used to determine your credit attainment is earned credits divided by total scheduled (registered) credits. Students are considered to be making satisfactory progress when their credit attainment is equal to or greater than the percentages below:
| When total scheduled credits are: | Earned credits must be at least: |
|---|---|
| Less than 25 credits | 50% of scheduled credits |
| 25 through 50 credits | 55% of scheduled credits |
| 51 through 75 credits | 60% of scheduled credits |
| 76 through 100 credits | 65% of schedule credits |
Maximum Credits Standard
Federal regulations require graduate students to complete their degree within 150% of the specified length of the program. For example, if your academic program requires 86 credits to graduate, you must complete your program within 129 total scheduled (registered) credits (86 X 150% = 129).
- Withdrawals: Grades of W are counted as courses attempted and count toward the maximum time frame.
- Incompletes: Grades of I are counted as courses attempted and count toward the maximum time frame.
- Audited Courses: Students do not earn any academic credits for audited courses taken in the Woods College of Advancing Studies. They do not count in the calculation of "attempted credits." Students can find additional information in the University Catalog: Undergraduate Academic Regulations.
- Pass/Fail Courses: These credits do count within the total of attempted and earned credits.
- Transfer credits accepted for the student's academic program or degree are counted when measuring the maximum time frame to complete the degree or program. While credits may be accepted towards a Boston College degree, grades do not transfer. Visit the University Catalog: Undergraduate Academic Regulations for additional information concerning how transfer credits are evaluated.
- Academic Re-admission: Boston College must count all prior credits attempted for determining the eligibility for federal aid programs of students readmitted.
- Double Majors and/or Minors: Students who receive/attempt to pursue a double major/minor will normally be expected to complete all degree requirements before reaching the maximum attempted credits allowed. Institutional financial aid is provided up to eight semesters.
- Change in Majors: Students who change their majors will normally be expected to complete all degree requirements before the maximum attempted credits allowed.
- Second Bachelor's Degree: A student who has already been awarded a bachelor's degree may apply for a second degree only if the second degree is different from the first degree. Ordinarily, a second degree at the undergraduate level is discouraged, and a graduate degree is encouraged.
- Students working towards a second bachelor's degree are no longer eligible for Federal Pell Grants and Federal SEOG Grants.
- Students are limited in how much they can borrow under the Federal Direct Loan Program. These limits are not increased for students working on a second Bachelor's Degree.
- Students who complete the academic requirements for a program but do not yet have the degree of certificate are not eligible for further additional Title IV funds for that program.
- Retaking a Course: Repeated courses are included in the calculation of both attempted and earned hours. A student is allowed to repeat a course only twice.
- Summer Courses: These courses count as attempted and earned hours.
A student who has lost eligibility to participate in federal student aid programs for reasons of academic progress can regain that eligibility only by enrolling at Boston College at his/her own expense and demonstrating that he/she is capable of completing a semester without any failures, incompletes, or withdrawals and showing the ability to complete his/her degree requirements in a more regular fashion. The mere passage of time will not ordinarily restore eligibility to a student who has lost eligibility for failure to make satisfactory progress.
Students who have been academically excluded from the University but who are subsequently given permission to re-enroll are not automatically eligible to continue to participate in federal, state, or institutional aid programs. Admissions decisions are totally separate from funding decisions.
Students have the right to appeal any decision of ineligibility to continue to receive financial assistance. Students will typically be notified if they are not meeting the required SAP standards over the summer (mid/late June). Appeals should be filed as soon as possible after status notification is provided. The appeal may not be based upon your need for the assistance or your lack of knowledge that your assistance was in jeopardy. An appeal would normally be based upon some unusual situation or condition that prevented you from passing more of your courses, or that necessitated that you withdraw from classes. Examples of possible situations include documented serious illness, severe injury, or death of a family member.
Appeal Requirements
To appeal, students will need to provide:
- A written statement detailing:
- The circumstances surrounding their case and explain why they were not able to maintain SAP.
- An explanation of how these circumstances have changed and why they will be able to regain SAP going forward.
- An academic plan
Students should meet with their Dean (or appropriate academic representative) and obtain an academic plan. This plan must be specific as to when and how the student will achieve the requisite SAP standards (GPA, progression, timeframe).
Students should upload these required documents into the Document Upload portal and notify their financial aid counselor. These materials will be reviewed by an SAP appeal committee and a decision will be made. All decisions of the SAP appeal committee are final.
Approved Appeals
Students whose appeals are granted will be put in a financial aid probation status for one semester/term of enrollment. The conditions will be outlined in the letter sent to the student granting the appeal. The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review the student's record at the end of the semester to determine his/her status for the following semester. If the student is not meeting the terms set forth in the appeal approval documentation, the student will lose federal aid eligibility.
Regaining Eligibility
Students may regain eligibility for financial aid during the academic year if they reach the minimum standards of satisfactory progress. Students may continue to attend courses at Boston College without the assistance of federal, state, or institutional funding. In certain instances, students may be able to attend classes at another approved institution; however, the student should work with their academic department on the appropriate external coursework that can be transferred back into BC.
Additional Appeals
Students who fail to meet the terms of their original appeal are not allowed to submit a secondary appeal based on being “close” to the terms outlined in the original appeal. Students are eligible to submit a subsequent SAP appeal if they have experienced a new circumstance while on their probationary term of aid. This new appeal will be evaluated using the same process described above. All decisions reached will be final and will not impact decisions made by academic areas where the student may also be appealing for readmission, etc. BC does not have a limit on the number of times a student can appeal their financial aid SAP status.
Retroactive Appeals
BC does not accept appeals for any academic term after that academic period has ended.
Eligible Citizen Status
The Office of Student Services gives full financial aid consideration to United States citizens and eligible non-citizens. Eligible non-citizens are:
- Permanent U.S. residents
- Holder of an Arrival Departure Record (I-94) for anyone of the following designations:
- Refugee
- Asylum Granted
- Parolee
- Victim of Human Trafficking
Eligible non-citizens must provide documentation of permanent residency or citizenship status. Acceptable forms of documentation include:
- Resident Alien Card (I-551)
- Arrival/Departure Record (I-94) with a temporary I-551 stamp that has not expired
- Conditional Permanent Resident Alien Card (I-551C)
- T-Visa (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc)
Pending U.S. Permanent Residency Status
Prospective Students
- Must document permanent residency by the admission deposit deadline. If you will not be able to document permanent residency status, you are not eligible for financial aid.
- If granted permanent residency later in the academic year, you will be considered for financial aid at that time. Be sure to submit a complete financial aid application.
Continuing Students
- Must document permanent residency with financial aid application.
- If documentation comes in after the start of the academic year, you will be considered for financial aid at that time.
Off-Campus Housing
Students are eligible to receive financial aid if they live off campus. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) remains the same for the academic year, and aid is adjusted according to the standard off-campus housing Cost of Attendance. The Cost of Attendance is based on a nine-month academic year, so the Summer months are the student's responsibility.
Based on extensive research performed by Residential Life and Enrollment Management on local cost of living, it is considered less expensive to live off campus than on campus. Living off campus impacts the awarding of financial aid in that the total cost of attendance is lower for a student living off campus. As a result, many students and families experience a decrease in the amount of financial aid awarded in the year the student spends off campus.
It is the student’s responsibility to find off-campus housing. This process usually takes place starting in February of each year. For more information, visit bc.edu/reslife. Students may apply for financial aid or alternative financing to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and off-campus housing costs.
All Boston College financial aid funds, as well as any federal or private loans are disbursed to your student account. When you live off campus, your student account is billed for only tuition and fees. All other costs (rent and food) are the responsibility of the student and the family. If your determined financial aid funding exceeds tuition and fees, a credit balance is created. You may use this credit balance to cover rent and food.
If you borrow funds to cover the expected family contribution, funds will be disbursed to the student account to cover any outstanding balance. Any credit balance may be refunded to you in the form of a refund check that you may request through My Services at bc.edu/myservices. These funds may be used for all costs associated with living off-campus.
Funds will not be available until the start of classes each semester and after all financial aid funds have been disbursed to the student account. There are no advances given to cover these costs, so you must make arrangements ahead of time.
Living Off Campus for 2024–2025
The approximate total cost for a student living off campus in 2024–2025 is $88,988. This figure consists of direct (billed) costs (without financial assistance) of $70,080 for tuition and fees. The remaining $18,908 consists of indirect (non-billed) costs such as an allowance toward books, meals, transportation, and an estimated cost for housing and food (living expenses) off-campus.
When looking for off-campus housing, it is important to take into consideration the average amount allowed for housing and food within the 9-month academic year (September to May) budget. For the 2024–2025 academic year, the amount allowed for off-campus housing and food is $15,658. This translates into approximately $1,739.78 per month for rent, groceries, and utilities. Keep in mind that if you sign a full-year 12-month lease, you are responsible for the costs of the apartment over the summer (June to August).
Study Abroad
- Students studying abroad can use financial aid for their study-abroad semester or year.
- If you study abroad through a Boston College Program or Approved External Program, you will be considered for all of the same need-based grants and loans you would be considered for if you were studying at BC. You will also be considered for BC tuition remission, FACHEX, the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship, and Allston/Brighton Scholarship, if applicable.
- To learn more, visit the Applying for Aid web page.
The information below applies to full-time study in a program that will count towards your undergraduate degree at Boston College. A student’s enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the home institution may be considered enrollment at the home institution for the purpose of applying for assistance under the Title IV, HEOA programs.
Can I receive financial aid when I am studying abroad?
Students studying abroad can use financial aid for their study abroad semester or year. Students interested in financial aid must complete the BC financial aid application process. Students applying for alternative loans only do not need to complete a financial aid application.
I have charges to pay to a school other than BC. Who processes my financial aid?
Your financial aid (grants, loans, and alternative loans) is processed by the school from which you are seeking your degree. Although you may have some charges payable to your study abroad institution, your aid, including alternative loans, will be processed through BC.
How is my financial aid affected by studying abroad?
If you study abroad through a Boston College Program or Approved External Program, you will be considered for the need-based grants and loans you would be considered for if you were studying at BC. If your study abroad program costs less than a BC semester, your financial aid must be based on this lower cost and your award may be adjusted. If your study abroad program costs more than a BC semester, you are eligible for financial aid up to the level that you would receive if you were at BC for that semester; it is your responsibility to finance any additional cost. Information about alternative loans is available on our website at bc.edu/paymentoptions. Your work-study will be canceled for your study abroad semester(s), as work-study cannot be used while abroad.
When will my financial aid be adjusted?
Student Services receives monthly rosters of students studying abroad for the upcoming semester. Once we receive notice that you have completed your study abroad application with the Office of Global Education (OGE), your financial aid will be adjusted. If you have already received a financial aid award based on being at BC both semesters, your award will be revised when we receive this notification. Your award letter will note if your study abroad semester was factored in to your award.
My study abroad costs include expenses that aren’t charged by BC. Are these costs taken into consideration?
We realize that you have expenses associated with studying abroad that are not paid directly to BC. When calculating your study abroad cost, we include charges from BC, charges from your study abroad institution (such as tuition, housing, and meal plans), along with additional costs not paid to either institution (such as airfare, off-campus housing, books, and living expenses). Elective “field trips” are not considered for financial aid. We will use the total cost as determined by the Office of Global Education when determining financial aid eligibility.
When and how do I obtain the refund on my credit balance?
If your financial aid (grants, loans, and alternative loans) for your study abroad semester exceeds what you will be charged by BC, you will have a credit balance available to take as a refund. Please note that your aid will be applied to prior unpaid balances before allowing a refund. Refunds are available when the funds arrive at BC, no earlier than the second day of classes at BC. Generally, loan funds are available after the first few weeks of school if your application materials were completed on time. Some funds, such as Pell and state grants, can take longer to arrive. You can monitor your bill online through your Agora Portal at bc.edu/myservices to see when these funds arrive at BC. Once the funds are applied to your account and BC classes have begun, you can request your refund online through your Agora Portal.
My study abroad institution has deposits and bills that are due before my refund will be available. Can I receive an advance on these funds?
No. You cannot receive financial aid that has not arrived at BC yet. Application and room deposits must be paid out-of-pocket. If a bill from your study abroad institution is due before your refund will be available, it is your responsibility to work out a payment arrangement with the study abroad school. Some study abroad schools may extend payment deadlines if they know you are waiting for financial aid, but this is entirely up to the school’s discretion. If they are not willing to extend the deadline, you must pay them out-of-pocket and use your credit balance to reimburse yourself when it becomes available.
Resident Assistants
Resident Assistant (RA) benefits are given to all students who become an RA at Boston College. The benefit is the reimbursement of all room, board, and the Health Services fee charged to the RA in an academic year. The total amount given to an individual RA can vary based on the cost of the residence hall in which they reside.
How are the RA Benefits paid to me?
Each RA is charged room, board, and the Health Services fee on their student account. The exact amount charged is then placed on the system as financial aid for the RA. This “aid” is then credited against the charges on the student account. Most of these adjustments occur in late June of each year.
How will RA benefits affect my financial aid?
Federal regulations require that these benefits be counted as a resource to meet a student’s financial need. Therefore, the Office of Student Services must incorporate the RA benefits within the financial aid award. We try to do so in a way that will not penalize the student by meeting any unmet federal need and by replacing federal work-study. Depending on the individual’s financial aid award, some Boston College grant may be replaced, but the total overall package will not be reduced due to a student becoming an RA. It is our goal in the Office of Student Services to faithfully award financial aid to all of our RAs who demonstrate financial need. In doing so, we try to recognize the valuable contribution that RAs provide Boston College by striving to preserve the maximum grant funding allowable under federal rules.
Special and Unusual Circumstances
The base information provided as part of the financial aid process looks at information from the prior prior tax year. We recognize that the information from that time period may not accurately reflect your current financial situation. Additionally, students may be experiencing circumstances that will impact their ability to provide parental information on the required financial aid application(s). Financial aid administrators are allowed to provide additional considerations for situations described below:
Special Circumstances
Special Circumstances refers to a financial situation that justifies an aid administrator adjusting data elements in the Cost of Attendance or in the financial aid calculation. Special Circumstance Appeals will be considered after you receive your initial award notification for the current aid year. After reviewing your special circumstance documentation, your aid package may remain the same, be increased, or reduced according to the financial information that has been submitted. Submitting a special circumstance request does not guarantee an adjustment will be made to your aid package.
Decisions are final and will be communicated directly to the student within 60 days from when appeal is initiated. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid to see if your situation can be considered. Appeals will require additional documentation, and appeals will be denied if required documentation is not provided within 60 days of initiating appeal. If approved, any additional funding awarded is only available for the academic school year for which the special circumstance is approved. Special circumstances must be reviewed annually, so appeal financial aid is not renewable.
Examples of Special Circumstances Considered
- Loss or reduction of income (layoff, illness, forced reduction of hours, temporary employment, etc.)
- Catastrophic medical or dental expenses
- Death, divorce, or separation of parents or spouse
- Non-recurring payments receiving during the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) tax year that will not be repeated
- Loss of benefits, such as unemployment, disability, Social Security, veterans, child support, or alimony
- Private elementary and secondary tuition for siblings, not including the BC financial aid application
Examples of Special Circumstances NOT Considered
- Increase of standard living expenses
- Purchasing material items such as a home, car, home appliances, vacations, second homes, etc.
- Reduction of assets. Changes in assets will be reflected on the following year's FAFSA.
- Credit issues, line of credit changes, previous student loan debt, etc.
- Medical bills paid by health insurance or that will be reimbursed by health care coverage.
- Siblings or parents who are also attending college. Siblings are already taken into account on the institutional aid calculation. Students cannot list their parents in the number in college.
The Special Circumstance Appeal form is available by request only. If you feel you have a special circumstance, contact the Office of Student Services for further guidance. The recommended date to submit a complete request for Special Circumstance consideration is as soon as possible after financial aid offer is provided but no later than April 1 of the applicable aid year. The Department of Education does not permit processing special circumstance appeals past the end of the enrollment period (end of spring semester). Appeals may be submitted after April 1; however, they may not be processed depending on volume.
To review a special circumstance appeal, additional documentation will be required. Some types of documentation that may be needed based on the particular circumstance could include:
- Prior year tax return personal and business tax return (if applicable) and W2
- Most recent pay stubs for both parents (if applicable)
- Severance and termination letter
- Unemployment documentation
- Copies of paid medical expenses
Unusual Circumstances
Unusual circumstances refer to conditions that justify an aid administrator making an adjustment to a student’s dependency status based on a unique situation, more commonly known as a dependency override. Unusual circumstances may be considered for a dependency override after you file your Free Application for Federal and Student Aid (FAFSA) and before receiving your initial award notification for the current aid year. After reviewing your unusual circumstance documentation, your aid package may remain the same, be increased, or reduced according to the information that has been submitted. A dependency override does not guarantee an adjustment will be made to your aid package.
Decisions are final and will be communicated directly to the student within 60 days of the initial request or receipt of FAFSA. Failure to provide additional documentation requested will result in denial of appeal if not received within 60 days of request. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid to see if your situation can be considered.
Examples of Unusual Circumstances Considered
- Victims of human trafficking
- Refugee or asylee status
- Parental abandonment or incarceration
- Abusive family environment
- Parents are incapacitated
- Both parents became deceased after filing the FAFSA
- Contacting parent poses a risk to student
Examples of Unusual Circumstances NOT Considered
- Parents do not claim you as a dependent on their tax return
- Parents are not helping you pay for college or living expenses
- Parent refusal to complete the FAFSA or submit verification materials
- No longer living with parents (unless due to one of the unusual circumstances listed in the section above)
Unusual circumstance appeals will require additional documentation. The specific information that will be required will depend on the circumstance, but may include:
- Statements from student, parent, spouse and/or third party (therapist, academic advisor, pastor, etc.)
- Court or legal documents
- Police reports
- Information regarding length of circumstance and how student navigates school break periods
- Documented interview between student and financial aid administrator
- A documented phone call or written statement from an attorney, guardian ad litem, court appointed special advocate or similar, or representative of TRIO or GEAR UP confirming the applicant's circumstances and person's relationship to student
If you believe you have an unusual circumstance that impacts your dependency status, please contact the Office of Student Services as soon as possible after submitting your FAFSA.