How to Increase Your Cost of Attendance for Financial Aid

The Cost of Attendance (COA) represents a college’s comprehensive estimate of a student’s educational expenses for a specific academic period. This figure typically encompasses direct costs like tuition and fees, alongside indirect expenses such as room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenditures. Financial aid administrators utilize the COA to establish a limit on the total amount of aid a student may be eligible to receive. It serves as a foundational component in determining financial need and the overall financial aid package offered to students.

Understanding Cost of Attendance Components

The Cost of Attendance is not a rigid figure. Financial aid administrators can adjust a student’s COA based on specific, unusual circumstances through a process called professional judgment. These adjustments account for educational expenses exceeding standard allowances or other documented special situations not initially captured by financial aid applications.

Expenses that may warrant a COA adjustment include dependent care costs, such as childcare. Significant out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses not covered by insurance are another common reason. Some institutions consider these if they exceed a certain percentage of the household’s adjusted gross income, often around 4% or 11%.

Expenses related to a disability, such as special equipment, personal assistance, specialized transportation, or supplies, can also increase COA. These costs must be reasonable and not provided by other agencies. A one-time computer purchase essential for academic purposes is another frequently allowed expense, typically limited to once every three academic years.

Additional expenses for professional licensure or certification directly required for a student’s field of study may be included in the COA. Students in approved study abroad programs can request an adjustment for additional costs, such as visa or passport fees. Unusual transportation costs, like mileage, tolls, and parking for unique commuting situations, can also be factored in.

Other documented special circumstances, such as specific course fees or relocating expenses for new students, may also qualify. However, expenses like consumer debt, car payments, or general living expenses typically excluded from the standard COA are not considered for adjustment.

Preparing Your Request for Review

To increase your Cost of Attendance, you must submit a professional judgment appeal directly to your institution’s financial aid office. First, contact the financial aid office to learn about their specific appeal procedures, required forms, or guidelines. Some institutions use an online portal or specific forms, while others may require a written letter.

A successful professional judgment appeal requires comprehensive documentation to support your request. For medical expenses, submit medical bills, insurance statements, and proof of out-of-pocket payments, clearly showing amounts covered by insurance. For dependent care, documentation might include provider invoices, payment records, or a signed letter from the care provider.

For a computer purchase adjustment, provide receipts, an order form, or an estimate, ensuring the purchase date is within the enrollment period. Disability-related costs require a doctor’s diagnosis, invoices for specialized services, or equipment purchases. Documentation for unusual transportation expenses includes an itemized list of mileage, tolls, parking fees, and vehicle registration details.

General financial documentation, such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, or termination letters, may be necessary depending on your special circumstance. Provide clear, legible copies of all supporting documents, not originals, as they will not be returned.

Your written request should clearly explain the special circumstance, its necessity, and how it impacts your ability to pay for education. Include a summary of the requested increase, referencing supporting documentation. Specific dates and exact amounts strengthen your appeal. Address the letter to a specific financial aid administrator, if possible, and maintain a professional tone.

Submitting Your Professional Judgment Appeal

After gathering documentation and preparing your request, submit your professional judgment appeal to the financial aid office. Submission methods vary by institution, including online portals, email, mail, or in-person delivery. Confirm the preferred submission method with the financial aid office to ensure proper delivery.

After submission, expect a confirmation of receipt from the financial aid office. Processing timelines vary significantly by institution and time of year. Some colleges process appeals within a few days to two weeks, while others, especially during peak periods, might take two to six weeks. If you do not hear back within a week, a follow-up call or email to confirm receipt is appropriate.

If your appeal is approved, your Cost of Attendance will be adjusted upwards, increasing financial aid eligibility. This may result in eligibility for additional grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, or federal student loans. However, an approved COA increase often primarily increases eligibility for federal student loans rather than grants or scholarships, depending on the school’s policies and available funding. The financial aid administrator’s decision on a professional judgment appeal is final and cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.

If your appeal is not approved, seek clarification from the financial aid office to understand the reasons for denial. In some cases, providing new information or addressing shortcomings may allow for a secondary appeal. If further aid through the appeal process is not possible, explore alternative funding sources like private student loans, external scholarships, or payment plans directly with the institution.