@Mwfan1921 Thanks for your reply and sorry for how late mine is. We did not do an IRA rollover but it seems that since my father was working for a foreign company (but still filed taxes there), BU regarded it as untaxed. We’ve talked to them and they’re processing my appeals. Fingers crossed!
You have international income, BU might see that as untaxed (it may have been exempt, so they may be correct) as per international tax treaties. This is really complex stuff, where is “there”? Did an adult fill in the profile? If not, why not? Do you have any idea of actual numbers?
@Sybylla Thanks for your reply. “There” is the UK with whom the US does have an international tax treaty and my parents have sent the according tax form showing the US does recognize this as taxed income. I’m not fully aware of the exact numbers as my parents filled in the profile.
Well, you might want to get an idea of what severance and relocation package numbers were involved, all of that would be considered income. It sounds like your dad works for a multinational, how are you so sure you would get FA?
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.
Thank you so much for posting this, it is very helpful and will continue to be so for people considering applying to BU.
I call BS on their new ‘Affordable BU’ initiative.
Good luck thru the rest of the admissions process.
Hi guys! I wanted to let you all know my appeal was successful and they have awarded me a generous amount of grant and some work study, so it looks like I’m all set to be a Terrier!!
Great news!! Sorry for all the stress and turmoil that postponed the celebration, but hope you can make up for lost time and celebrate now! Congrats from an old Terrier to a new one 
@ajfromma I’m so glad to hear it worked out for you. I also want to commend you for the diligent and patient way you worked through the appeals process. I know it must have been super stressful and I’m really happy that you had a positive outcome!