Appeal for Reconsideration
All requests for reconsideration of a need-based financial aid decision are carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis within our established guidelines for awarding need-based financial aid. Every effort is made to assist qualified students who fully document new or extenuating circumstances.
To provide some guidance, here are some of the most common reasons we may increase financial aid:
- Significant decrease in current year income not reflected on your tax return
- Prolonged unemployment of a parent or spouse
- Unusually high or unexpected medical expenses paid
- Receipt of a one-time income source reported on tax return
There is no guarantee that we will increase your financial aid. Many circumstances are taken into account automatically within the need analysis formula. However, we encourage you to consider appealing for reconsideration if net costs appear unmanageable. At a minimum, we may be able to recommend an affordable financing strategy to supplement your existing financial aid.
Appeal Timeline:
- Academic Year Appeals – Complete appeal forms received before September 15th will be reviewed considering the full academic year.
- Second Semester Appeals – Complete appeal forms received after September 15th will be reviewed for appeal funding beginning in the spring semester.
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
Award decisions for first-year students for the 23/24 academic year are based on demonstrated financial need. To appeal, download and complete the Request for Financial Aid Reconsideration form and upload it via the BU FA Document Portal along with any supporting materials as “Appeal for Reconsideration of Need-based Aid”.
Submitting your appeal:
- Signed parent and student federal tax returns and W-2 forms must be submitted to BU Financial Assistance before your appeal request can be reviewed. These documents should be uploaded through the BU FA Document Portal with the Request for Reconsideration form.
- For BU enrollments starting September 2022 or January 2023, submit 2020 tax year forms.
- For BU enrollments starting September 2023 or January 2024, submit 2021 tax year forms.
The following must also be received by BU Financial Assistance before your appeal request can be reviewed:
- A complete and signed, (even if e-filed) copy of your federal income tax return, as submitted to the IRS, with all pages and schedules. If the IRS does not require that you file a tax return, complete the Income Tax Non-Filer Statement form.
- A complete and signed, (even if e-filed) copy of your parents’ federal income tax return, as submitted to the IRS, with all pages and schedules. If the IRS does not require that your parent(s) file a tax return, complete the Income Tax Non-Filer Statement form.
- Copies of all your parents’ 2021 W-2 forms.
Please note: BU cannot access documents you may have sent to CSS IDOC at the request of another university.
While we don’t negotiate financial aid offers or match offers from other schools, we’re always willing to have a discussion with families concerned that they can’t afford BU given the financial aid we have offered.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Award decisions for transfer students are based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds for the program of study. To appeal, download and complete the Request for Financial Aid Reconsideration form and upload it via the BU FA Document Portal along with any supporting materials as “Appeal for Reconsideration of Need-based Aid”.
Submitting your appeal:
- Signed 2021 parent and student federal tax returns and W-2 forms must be submitted to BU Financial Assistance before your appeal request can be reviewed.
The following must be received by BU Financial Assistance before your appeal request can be reviewed:
- A complete and signed, (even if e-filed) copy of your 2021 federal income tax return, as submitted to the IRS, with all pages and schedules. If the IRS does not require that you file a tax return, complete the Income Tax Non-Filer Statement form.
- A complete and signed, (even if e-filed) copy of your parents’ 2021 federal income tax return, as submitted to the IRS, with all pages and schedules. If the IRS does not require that your parent(s) file a tax return, complete the Income Tax Non-Filer Statement form.
- Copies of all your parents’ 2021 W-2 forms.
Please note: BU cannot access documents you may have sent to CSS IDOC at the request of another university.
While we don’t negotiate financial aid offers or match offers from other schools, we’re always willing to have a discussion with families concerned that they can’t afford BU given the financial aid we have offered.
RETURNING STUDENTS
Returning students are awarded BU financial aid consistent with the terms of the BU Scholarship Assurance. To request reconsideration of a need-based financial aid decision download and complete the Request for Financial Aid Reconsideration form and submit it to BU Financial Assistance.
Request for Financial Aid Reconsideration forms and supporting documentation should be uploaded to the BU FA Document Portal.
Priority Deadlines
- First-year students starting in September, expect a reply by your enrollment deposit due date if your appeal is submitted by April 15.
- Transfer students starting in September, expect a reply to your appeal before your fall semester bill is issued if your appeal is submitted by June 15.
- Returning students, we will begin reviewing returning student appeals in mid-July.
Complete appeal forms received after your appeal deadline will be considered on a rolling basis.
Families who experience changes in financial circumstances after September 15th may submit a Request for Financial Aid Reconsideration for the spring semester, which is due by the first Monday of November.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit an appeal on the BU FA Document Portal?
Who can submit an appeal?
If you received a decision on your application for need-based financial aid and have experienced a change in financial or other circumstances, we welcome your appeal for reconsideration of our decision.
What circumstances will be considered?
We understand that everyone’s situation is unique and that your family’s financial and other circumstances may have changed since you reported financial aid application information to us on your Profile™ and FAFSA. The CSS Profile used to establish your financial need for BU aid may not be very current, particularly if you are a returning student. You may believe certain factors that could compromise your family’s ability to pay educational expenses were not asked about or disclosed on your financial aid application. We are happy to reconsider your eligibility based on any new information and documentation you provide.
Does BU consider family consumer debt when calculating financial need?
No. Although consumer debt (car loans, credit card payments, etc.) is a very real expense for families, it is not considered in the analysis. We make every effort to treat all families equally, and allowing for consumer debt would give families who owe money an unfair advantage over families who do not.
What's the most likely outcome?
The outcome depends on several factors including the nature of the circumstances you document. Additional need-based scholarship, grant, loan, work-study or a combination of these could be offered.
As a returning student, do I have to meet a certain grade point average (GPA) to request reconsideration?
Yes, continuing students must meet a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) and other academic standards to be eligible to receive financial aid and for a financial aid decision to be reconsidered.
If I missed the appeal deadline can I still submit an appeal?
Yes, all requests are carefully considered, however it is always to your advantage to submit your appeal before the deadline.
What if my financial situation worsens after the start of the academic year?
Families who experience changes in financial circumstances after the appeal deadline may submit a Request for Financial Aid Reconsideration for their second semester, which is due November 5. Complete appeal forms received after mid-September will be considered for appeal funding beginning in the spring semester. If you have already appealed for the academic year and your financial circumstances have not improved you may appeal a second time during the second semester appeal window for addition assistance.
My appeal request was denied. Can I appeal again next year?
Yes, you can always re-apply for financial aid next year and appeal for reconsideration in the future. We encourage you to bring any new or changed circumstances to our attention. However, we urge you to carefully consider your options and whether resources currently available to you are sufficient to support the net cost of your studies at BU.
Can I request reconsideration for a merit award decision?
Merit-based scholarship recipients are selected by the Board of Admissions and selection decisions are final. Scholarship terms and conditions, including award amounts, are pre-established. If you were not selected for a merit award or were selected and believe you need additional financial assistance, we encourage you to explore need-based financial aid and credit-based loans.
When and how will I be notified of your decision on my appeal request?
We make every effort to respond to all appeal requests as quickly as possible. Any changes made to your award can be viewed on the MyBU Student Portal or Student Link. In addition, if you are a first-year student and you submitted a complete appeal including income verification by the April 15 deadline, you will be sent a decision notification email before the May 1 deposit deadline so you can make a well informed enrollment decision. After April 15, decision notifications are sent on a rolling basis as quickly as possible. If we receive your appeal request after May 1, you can expect our response within two weeks of your submission. If you are a transfer or returning student, we will make every effort to respond within two weeks of our receipt of your complete appeal request.
