Worth applying for transfer?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston College
1

I really don’t know how to articulate this properly. In (very brief) summary: I’m a freshman at St. John’s College (Santa Fe), and I’m quickly learning that while I may succeed here academically, it really isn’t the place for me – or for the education I ultimately need. I’m looking at applying to BC as a transfer, but the main reason I came to SJC was their generosity re: financial aid.

So: on the one hand, my household’s AGI for 2015 was ~$17,000. We rent an apartment and have no assets or investments or, frankly, any of the things that wealthier people might have. On the other hand, BC claims to meet 100% of demonstrated need, just like SJC. And on a third hand, a friend warned me that she wound up with an EFC of >$25,000 with a household income of <$50,000. Is that at all normal? Does BC understand “demonstrated need” differently than other schools?

My thanks in advance to anyone who might respond.

2

every school that is not FAFSA-only calculates ‘need’ under its own formula. One thing that trips up many applicants to BC is home equity, which is an asset, albeit illiquid. Nevertheless, BC and many other colleges use home equity in their calculation of need. In your case, it is a moot point.

BC is not known to be generous, but the only way you will find out is to apply and see if the finaid award is enough for your family.

Run the NPC and see what it comes out with and then e-mail BC with your question: as a transfer, will they meet full need similar to what is on the NPC?

http://www.bc.edu/offices/stserv/financial.html

Good luck.