Cost of Attendance Review

The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) (budget) is used to determine your financial aid eligibility for a specific period of enrollment and includes estimated amounts for tuition, mandatory fees, as well as average amounts for standard educational expenses such as housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and other personal/miscellaneous expenses.

If your actual education-related expenses are higher than the estimated cost of attendance used to calculate your financial aid eligibility, you may request a review of your cost of attendance. Cost of attendance increases are considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Consider the following before submitting a request for an increase:

• Only expenses incurred by and for the student (or dependents of students) during the current academic year (between August 1 and August 10 of following calendar year) will be considered.
• One-Time Expenses incurred prior to the start of the academic year (August 1st) will not be considered; other than a computer purchase.
• If approved, an increase is typically funded through Federal Direct PLUS Loans or private education loans (and will not result in additional grant assistance). This request is not an application for a loan. Visit the NSLDS's website to review your current federal indebtedness and consider how additional borrowing may impact your post-graduation repayment.
• Reasonableness of your request along with prior indebtedness may be considered in determining whether an increase to your cost of attendance will be approved or for how much. Not all housing adjustment requests will be approved if the expenses are related to personal lifestyle choices rather than educational necessity.
• You may be asked to participate in a money management consultation with Red to Black.
• Completing the Cost of Attendance Review Request form does not guarantee an increase to your cost of attendance. Each request receives a thorough review by a committee, and committee decisions regarding requests for increase are considered final. In addition, approval of identical requests for increase during the academic year or future academic years, are not guaranteed.
• Appropriate documentation (as indicated on the Cost of Attendance Review Request form) must be submitted at time of form submission or your request may not be reviewed.
• A personal statement describing the reason for request and detailed explanation of extenuating circumstance is required with every request.
• Please allow 10-15 business days (or more during peak processing times) for your Cost of Attendance Review Request form to be processed; you will be notified of our response via your TTU email address.

Examples of possible reasons for submitting a Cost of Attendance Review

Educated Related Expenses:

• License, Certification, or First Professional Credential for Your Academic Program
• Daycare expenses
• ADA expenses
• Elder care expenses
• Auto repair costs other than routine maintenance, during the current aid year
• Computer purchase (not to exceed $2500, one time only)
• Other allowable costs that are determined by the Financial Aid Office to be directly related to a student's education

Examples of unacceptable reasons to submit a Cost of Attendance Review. These will not be considered.

Unrelated Cost:

• Auto purchase or payments  
• Credit card or other consumer debt payments  
• Moving expenses and security deposits  
• Costs incurred outside of the current academic year, including costs incurred before matriculation that do not directly relate to the current academic year or after the final day of exams for the student's final term
• Costs incurred by a family member or other person, including a spouse or roommate's portion of rent, mortgage, or day care  
• Child support and other childcare expenses (other than day care)  
• Legal fees, bail, traffic tickets, parking tickets, or fines
• Veterinary costs, unless for a service animal
• Luxury items, such as premium cable channels, high-speed internet, food costs in excess of the standard allowance or other similar costs unless required for a specific education-related reason

** Note that the Financial Aid Office may limit the amount of a student's increase for any reason and must decline an increase if it is determined that the cost was not incurred during the current period of enrollment or if it is not an allowable education-related expense. **

Helpful Links

Dependent Care Expense Worksheet