Student Expense Budgets

The student budget at New England School of Law allows for a moderate standard of living; that of a graduate student. It is understood that our students come from varied lifestyles and actual living expenses will vary accordingly. NESL uses four standard expense budgets for students: two for Day program students (living at home or on their own), and two for Evening program students (living at home or on their own). These budgets include married or single students with dependants, but bear in mind these students are afforded higher allowances against income when their contribution is calculated.

2008-2009 Student Expense Budgets

Incoming Students/Applicants click here.

Returning Students click here to be directed to the NECIN login page for your personal account. Go to the Student Accounts portal for more information on tuition and fees.

Additional Expense Budget Information

Living Expenses:

The expense budgets for incoming and returning students consist of a nine month room, board and personal expense allowance of $16,200 if living on own or $8,775 if living with parents. The allowance is divided by nine to provide a monthly total of $1800 or $975. We intentionally do not break down the monthly allowance into expense sub-groups. We believe that this is a personal decision that is best made by each individual student to best accommodate his/her individual lifestyle. That said, we do maintain that $16,200 or $8,775 is the total expense budget allowable and thus should be taken into strict consideration by the student when deciding where to allocate funds each month.

Student Health Insurance Expenses:

Day students that show proof of coverage through a comparable plan will have the insurance fee waived and their budgets reduced by the amount of the premium, up to the cost of the NESL plan. Most evening students have employer sponsored health coverage. Student Health Insurance can be added to the budget if not available from employer.

Adjustments to the Student Budget

It is important that students live within the budget guidelines as the majority of the budget is financed through loans, both federal and private, that must be paid back upon graduation. If a chosen lifestyle demands elevated spending in one area, expenses should be reduced in other areas to compensate. Any adjustments made to the budget are subject to the same guideline as the standard budget and in turn must fall under the category of educational expenses only.

As part of federal law, the Financial Aid Office cannot provide any information to any student or certification to any lender that qualifies the student or parent for a loan or loans in excess of the amount that the student is eligible to borrow. If the Financial Aid Office becomes aware of a student loan taken outside of the maximum allowable budget, the loan will be figured into their budget and will reduce the student's borrowing ability.

Any change in personal circumstances (i.e. income, scholarships, benefits, additions to assets, marital status, number of dependents) that were not originally reported on the FAFSA must be reported to the Financial Aid Office immediately. Failure to update this information could result in a request for the repayment of any financial aid funds received.

There are several items (listed below) that are allowable increases and will be granted when the appropriate documentation is received by the Financial Aid Office. Also listed below are several items that will not be considered under any circumstances as grounds for a budget increase. Please note that when a budget increase is granted it will most likely be in the form of additional private loan funds and as a result will increase the loan burden upon graduation.

Items Eligible for Budget Adjustments:

Computer Purchases: Student budgets may be increased to allow for the purchase and insuring of a computer as well as any hardware and software needed, including a printer, provided that all items are purchased at the same time. This $2000 increase is available one time during the three years of study at New England School of Law and is required to be split into two even disbursements over the fall and spring semesters. The following is required to be considered for this increase:

• Documentation of the cost in the form of receipts
• Approval for a loan to cover the cost of the computer

Daycare Costs: Upon request the Financial Aid Office may increase a student budget to allow for the cost of daycare for dependant children. Documentation will be required.

Healthcare Costs: Excessive medical expenses incurred during the academic year that are not otherwise reimbursed by insurance may be considered. Documentation will be required.

Items not eligible for Budget Adjustments:

Consumer Debt: The student budget will not allow for a monthly credit card payment. Students are encouraged to refrain from credit card use while in school and to strongly consider clearing their consumer debt before entering law school.

Automobile Expenses: Although the budget takes transportation costs into consideration the moderate allowance does not cover the high costs associated with car payments, insurance and parking. With NESL's close proximity to public transportation students should examine their need for a car while in attendance.

Moving Expenses: Students may incur moving expenses as they prepare for law school. This is not covered in the budget and should be taken into consideration before enrolling in law school. The budget does allow a monthly housing cost but any fees associated with moving such as first and last months rent, security deposits and realtor's fees will not be considered even if the move occurs during the three years the student is enrolled at NESL.

Wardrobe Expenses: The cost associated with building and maintaining a professional wardrobe is not eligible for budget adjustments.

Bar Expenses: There is no allowance in the student budget for expenses related to taking the Bar Exam. However, the Financial Aid Office has compiled a list of lenders who offer private loans to cover the costs associated with the Bar Exam.