Changes to the Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) consists of standard school expenses (tuition, fees, and books) and an estimate of a student's standard living expenses (housing, food, transportation, and other expenses). Each student's financial needs are different so the estimated COA may not accurately reflect every student's circumstances. Federal regulations permit financial aid counselors, on a case-by-case basis to increase the COA to reflect the student’s actual (documented) living expenses.

The goal of adjusting the Cost of Attendance is to allow the student to borrow additional loan funds, subject to annual loan limits and/or credit approval (for PLUS or private loans). Adjusting the Cost of Attendance does not result in additional need-based grant or scholarship eligibility (eligibility for these is determined by the EFC).

Examples of reasons to request a Cost of Attendance adjustment:

• Housing costs in excess to the amount allotted in the standard COA
• Utilities in excess of the amount allotted in the standard COA
• One-time purchase of a computer for educational expense
• Meal costs in excess of the amount allotted in the standard COA (such as for special dietary needs - medical documentation required)
• Transportation such as car insurance (car payments/lease NOT allowed)

• Excessive out of pocket medical and/or dental expenses in excess of 11% of household’s Adjusted Gross Income

Email your Financial Aid Counselor to determine if a PJ may help you. In the subject include “Cost of Attendance adjustment request” and provide detailed explanation of your actual expenses related to the Costs of Attendance. Your assigned counselor will reply and request the necessary documents for the review. An aid administrator’s decision regarding adjustments is final and cannot be appealed to other individuals of the institution or the U.S. Department of Education.

• Signed copy of lease

• Utility bills with breakdown of charges
• Medical documentation
• Receipts (grocery, computer, medical bills etc.)
• Additional Documentation may be requested