<p>Someone was telling me about how there family was bankrupt and BU only offered them 7k in grants and told them to take the rest out in loans… it’s kind of hard to get loans when you’re family is bankrupt. But I’ve also heard people getting tons of grants for around 30K/year and stuff like that and princetonreview.com has their financial aid rating pretty high compared to most other schools.</p>
<p>So, my question is how much do they usually give in financial aid? financial aid is a huge concern for me especially since BU’s tuition alone is more than the combined income of my parents…</p>
<p>I wouldn't really worry about it.. Although it IS an expensive school, I for one received a very generous grant that covered most, if not just about everything :)</p>
<p>I don't know if I agree. I also received a very generous grant but many people (especially on these boards) haven't had such luck. Be weary and keep your options open... you never know unless you try. I think I read somewhere on these boards that BU students "either love or hate their financial aid package." I'd look into those scholarships you can apply for before your financial aid package comes (both for BU such as the MLK one and those from oustide sources) and just do your best and be practical. Good luck!</p>
<p>uh...
it was weird
with BU this year, they either screwed people over or made them extremely happy
with me, I would get around 30k of financial aid from the other schools and got 3k in loans from BU
always have a backup and go practical
especially if u still need to go to grad school</p>
<p>My family filed bankruptcy a few years back. Just to say, I dunno about your friend, but the bankruptcy hasn't done much to our lives, except my mother can't own credit cards anymore or take any loans under her name. </p>
<p>BU gave me a heckofalot of money (30+ grand in grants), so the bankruptcy thing, I don't think that was the only factor. It also depends on how much your parents might make. I know we make a small amount and thats what banked me the money I assume.</p>
<p>does having a little bit better than the average grades and scores for BU help in getting aid?</p>
<p>xcgirll, that’s exactly what helps the most. BU is actually fairly generous, or at least they want to be. They just don’t have the money to actually meet the financial needs they calculate of every student they accept/that enrolls. So, instead of randomly determining which students to meet 100% of their need, they offer more to above average students, sort of in lieu of scholarships. (They still have scholarships, but less than most schools I think, and some are designated only for those not eligible for grants)</p>
<p>If your stats are about their average or below, they probably won’t give you a ton of grants, even if you need it and get in, unfortunately. Personally, their financial aid was pretty damn good for me, but my SAT/ACT, gpa, etc is a bit above their average. </p>
<p>[Boston</a> University - Office of Financial Assistance - Applying for Financial Aid](<a href=“http://www.bu.edu/finaid/apply/incoming_probability.html]Boston”>http://www.bu.edu/finaid/apply/incoming_probability.html) this is a chart, that gives estimates of aid, based on income and SAT and class rank. It’s not a definite prediction at all though, and plenty of people have gotten packages that contradict the chart I’m sure.</p>
<p>Thanks for the awesome answer. If I apply early decision, will it make any difference?</p>
<p>What if your parents won’t contribute anything? Will the aid be higher? </p>
<p>My d got over 30k in grants, but the COA was still pretty high compared to other schools where she received aid. It was better than some, though.</p>
<p>This thread is from 2006 and then 2011. You know…what was true in 2006 or even 2011 might not be true now.</p>
<p>Boston university does not guarantee to meet full need for all accepted students…and it doesn’t. The cost to attend now is $60,000 a year…give or take a few dollars. The school does have some generous competitive merit awards (trustee, and MLK awards, for example). Need based aid varies and there is no guarantee YOU will receive $30,000 in grants, or an award that will cover the full cost of attendance.</p>
<p>The Net Price Calculator on the BU website is pretty accurate. If your parents are self employed or own a business, or have real star other than your primary residence, or are divorced, the NPC will NOT be accurate.</p>
<p>Boston University is not a financial safety school as there are no guaranteed awards other than the Direct Loan.</p>
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<p>Schools compute need based aid based on your parent income and assets…and what the school determines you can contribute. The school does not award additional need based aid if your parents won’t contribute. The school determines what they CAN contribute based on the financial aid formula the school uses for institutional aid. If your parent won’t pay their family contribution, you can’t attend that school. </p>