BU meeting full need?

Mwfan1921
Sun, 12 Jan 2020 14:40:13 +0000

This thread discussed some details:

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/boston-university/2167114-financial-aid-troubles-help-p1.html

The appeal outcome was good for the original OP. But, someone else posted this:

So, I want to close the loop about my experience with BU’s appeal process. (Post #18) As originally stated, we were “gapped” $27k between their FA offer and the College Board online calculator. There was no error with the data input to the online calculator but the calculator does not closely align with their internal FA model used to generate FA offers.

I was told explicitly by the FA office during the appeals process that their model of “meeting need” assumes the parents will pull equity from their home (if available) and NOT save for retirement if BU deems the parents have saved enough for retirement. Apparently, BU felt that both of the assets described applied to us and hence generated an extra $27k in expected family contribution.

During the appeals process we explained that we have an autistic child and do not know the financial burden it may place upon us ten years forward and would not be able to access home equity or not avail ourselves of retirement savings. BU denied our appeal.

FYI, I currently have two children in private schools that meet demonstrated need. Both children have FA offers resulting in a family contribution of about $32k.

So BU’s institutional need formula seems to be more stringent than some other meet need schools.