Cost of Attendance (COA) Changes

Students that may have education-related expenses that go beyond their standard Cost of Attendance (COA), can request a COA adjustment by submitting a Cost of Attendance Adjustment Request. Each request is reviewed individually in accordance with federal and university policies.

A COA (or “student budget”) includes the typical costs of being a student—such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, meals, travel, and personal expenses. Under federal regulations, adjustments can only be made for additional educational expenses incurred during the current academic year.

Examples for a COA Appeal Include – but are not limited to:

• Tuition and/or fees exceeding a student’s standard COA (this generally relates to those in academic overload). 
• Course, lab, program, or fees exceeding your standard COA.
• One-time cost for the purchase of a computer and/or mandatory course software, purchased during the aid year.
• Childcare or dependent care costs not covered by a third party. Only expenses incurred while students are in class and a spouse/significant other (when applicable) is unavailable to provide care will be considered.
• Student health insurance exceeding your standard COA, if required by a student’s program/college and billed through your student account.
• Travel costs exceeding a student’s standard COA.

Examples of what does not qualify as a reason for a COA special circumstance review – but are not limited to:

• Consumer bills (i.e., credit card debt, cell phone payments, car payments, insurance).
• Food and on-campus meal expenses for off-campus students.
• Expenses for extracurricular activities (i.e., conferences, sports, internships).
• Relocation expenses.
• Expenses for other family members.
• Pet or hobby expenses.