Adjusting the Student Budget

The Cost of Attendance or Student Budget includes standard education-related expenses that most students experience. BU understands that some students may have expenses that are higher than the standard budget. We will work with you to determine if you have expenses that qualify according to federal regulations and University policy but are not included in the standard budget. Please understand that the Law Financial Aid Office is subject to the constraints imposed by the Department of Education and policies set by BU in only allowing expenses that meet the following criteria:

  • Directly related to the student’s education
  • Incurred during the academic year
  • Properly documented (receipt, invoice, lease, etc.)

Students should consult with the Law Financial Aid Office to determine whether or not the expense can be included in their budget. When practical, students are encouraged to speak with our office prior to incurring the expense.

How to Request a Budget Increase

  • Collect the required documentation – receipts, lease, or copies of bills
  • Consult with the Law Financial Aid Office if you have questions – we know that once you start to get into the details of your specific situation, this process can get complicated
  • Submit the Budget Increase Request Form – 2024-25

Once your cost of attendance has been adjusted, you will be eligible to receive additional financial aid to help cover those expenses. Increasing your cost of attendance will usually mean an increase to your loan amount.

Common Cost of Attendance Adjustments

  • Purchase of a computer
    • up to $2,500 one time during a student’s program of study
    • must be purchased after July 1 or during the academic year
  • Boston University Student Health Insurance (SHIP)
  • Rent/Mortgage
    • must exceed amount in standard cost of attendance ($1,301 for 2024-25)
    • $2,300 per month cap
    • if there are multiple tenants, the rent for an individual is determined by dividing the monthly rent equally; this applies to roommates, partners, and spouses; small adjustments can be made if one person pays a slightly higher rent (say for a larger bedroom)
  • Moving expenses (for 1Ls only)
    • can include the cost of transporting you and your possessions from your permanent residence to Boston
    • can include airfare, truck rental, gas, tolls, lodging while in transit, packing supplies, and a realtor fee
    • expenses that cannot be included – security deposit, first and last month rent, and the purchase of furniture or other household items
  • Books and Supplies
    • must exceed amount in the standard cost of attendance ($731 per semester for 2024-25)
  • Interviewing expenses (for 1Ls and 2Ls only)
    • expenses related to travel to interviews that are not reimbursed by an employer (e.g. transportation, lodging) – 2L’s only
    • professional attire (up to $600) – can request during your 1L or 2L year
  • Additional costs for study abroad programs (e.g., airfare, higher living expenses)
  • Childcare expenses (e.g., day care for a child who is under school age while you are in class)
  • Bar exam fee (3L’s)
    • for 2024-25, the bar exam fee for Massachusetts is included in the standard cost of attendance for all 3L’s
    • 3L’s can request an adjustment to the bar exam fee if their total fee is greater than the fee for MA; documentation in the form of proof of payment must be provided
    • bar review courses and living expenses while studying for the bar exam cannot be included
  • MPRE
    • can include the cost for the MPRE in the year that you take this exam
    • this amount can only be included in your 3L year if the fee for the MPRE and the fee for your bar exam result in a total amount greater than the bar exam fee included in this year’s standard budget
  • Journal dues

Note on having a car in Boston

Because BU is accessible via public transportation, we will not include car-related expenses for most students. If you need to rely on financial aid to pay for your car (gas, parking, insurance, repairs), please check with the Law Financial Aid Office before bringing a car to Boston to see if your circumstances will allow us to make an exception. Having a car in Boston is an expensive choice for most students.