Adjusting the Student Budget

The Student Budget (or Cost of Attendance) is constructed to allow for standard education-related expenses that most students experience. The University appreciates 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 University is subject to the constraints imposed by the Department of Education in 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.

The most common adjustments are for the following expenses:

  • Purchase of a computer
    • up to $2,500 during a student’s program of study
    • must be purchased after July 1 or during the academic year
  • Boston University Student Health Insurance (additional documentation not required)
  • Higher rent costs
    • must exceed amount in student budget
    • $2,100 per month cap on adjustments we are able to make
  • Moving expenses (for 1Ls only)
    • can include the cost of transporting you and your possessions from your permanent residence
    • specific costs 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 months rent, and the purchase of furniture or other household items
  • Books and Supplies
    • must exceed amount in student budget
    • can include books (new, used, digital) and other supplies, such as, noise canceling headphones, printer, and printing supplies (paper, toner)
  • 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)  – for 1L’s and 2L’s
  • Additional costs for study abroad programs (e.g., airfare, higher living expenses)
  • Child care expenses (e.g., day care while a student is in class)
  • Bar exam fee (3L’s)
    • as of 2023-24, the average bar exam fee 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 average fee; 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

How to Request Changes

You must submit a written request to increase your student budget, along with documentation (2023-24 Budget Increase Request Form, as well as appropriate receipts). The Law Financial Aid Office and the University will determine whether the cost may be added to a student’s budget.

How to Increase Financial Aid

Increasing the student budget does not automatically increase your financial aid. You will need to take additional steps to increase your financial aid which will mean requesting additional loan funds for most students.

Bar Expenses

Graduating students who are concerned about paying for bar review courses, bar exam fees, and living expenses while studying for the bar exam should read through our information on bar loans and/or talk to the Law Financial Aid Office about bar loans.

Bar loans are a specific type of educational loan offered by private lenders to assist with these post-graduation expenses.