Cost of Attendance Adjustments

Increases to Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance (COA) includes average amounts for standard educational expenses incurred by students during the academic year. These costs may include tuition, fees, housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, and other education-related expenses.

Students who experience additional current educational expenses during a period of enrollment that are not already included in the standard cost of attendance may request a review for a cost of attendance adjustment.

Expenses must be incurred during the student's period of enrollment for the applicable academic year and must be current at the time of the request. Expenses from prior enrollment periods, expenses incurred outside of a period of enrollment, or anticipated expenses that have not yet been incurred are not eligible for a cost of attendance adjustment.

Students must work closely with their designated financial aid counselor and requests must be submitted in writing with significant supporting documentation.

Examples of allowable adjustments may include:

• Additional course- or program-related expenses incurred during the period of enrollment
• Childcare expenses incurred during the student's period of enrollment that are necessary to enable the student to attend scheduled classes or other required academic activities. Proof of child care payment will be required prior to second disbursement of the loan.
• Disability-related expenses incurred during the academic year and period of enrollment
• Reasonable out-of-pocket medical, dental, or vision expenses incurred by the student during the period of enrollment that are medically necessary, not covered or reimbursed by insurance, and total at least $500. Students must provide comprehensive supporting documentation, including:
  • Itemized billing statements;
  • An insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing the student's actual out-of-pocket responsibility; and
  • Verifiable proof of payment (such as receipts or bank statements). Documentation may be requested for up to 18 months of recurring expenses.
• One-time computer purchase or other required educational technology expense incurred during the period of enrollment

If a cost of attendance increase is approved, students may be eligible to apply for additional loan funding depending on their remaining eligibility under federal or private loan programs.

All cost of attendance adjustment requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to federal regulations and institutional policy.