Estimated travel expenses are included in our calculation of your grant as a part of your Cost of Attendance. This estimate is designed to help you plan for your anticipated travel expenses. For most students, the travel expense is covered by your Family Contribution. The amount reflects three trips between home and Bowdoin during the academic year. This is not an exact amount, but rather an estimate assuming the most economical and efficient travel options. Travel expense is not included for students living in New England or New York.

You will receive a bill from the College each semester for tuition, fees, room, and board (meals). Your semester grant(s) will be subtracted from these billed charges, or Direct Expenses. Your fall bill will include a health insurance charge. If you are covered by a family health plan, you may waive the Bowdoin health insurance plan; if you are not covered by an adequate health plan and receive a grant from the College, Bowdoin will cover the cost of your health care coverage. Instructions about this process will be provided by Bowdoin Health Services during the summer.

Students can often use outside scholarships to help reduce their summer earnings expectation. If students are unable to work or do not receive outside scholarships to help with their summer work expectation, they may consider borrowing to address any costs not covered by grant assistance.

In most cases, your Bowdoin Grant does not change unless federal rules limit your grant eligibility. Students often use outside scholarships to reduce their summer and academic year work expectations. Each student’s situation is unique, and you should contact the Office of Student Aid to discuss how you can benefit from outside scholarships.

If a student's family or guardian is unable to manage their calculated share from available resources, the student or their family may consider financing part or their entire share of the educational costs. While we do not package loans, most students and parents are eligible to borrow. To learn more about student and family financing options please visit bowdoin.edu/student-aid/types-of-aid/financing.