Congress has granted Financial Aid Administrators the authority to evaluate special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Students must provide adequate documentation to show why their circumstances warrant re-evaluation.
While Congress has given Financial Aid Administrators a large amount of freedom in making professional judgment decisions, there are firm limits to this power. We are permitted to make changes to data elements submitted on the Financial Aid Application (i.e. Adjusted Gross Income, Dependency Status, etc.), but we are not allowed to alter the EFC (expected family contribution) formula that the application uses.
Appeal for Increased Cost of Attendance and Additional Loan Funding
Students may experience unforeseen expenses during an academic year that are not accounted for in the typical estimated cost of attendance. This form is used to identify expenses within the enrollment period and request additional loan funding.
Students may submit this appeal prior to the start of the fall term and should ensure that all supporting documentation is included with the appeal. Our office will begin reviewing these appeals in July, and the review process can take up to 4-6 weeks.
Adjustments to the COA will not increase the eligibility for Federal and State grant aid.
Examples of Allowable Expenses
Receipts must be submitted for all documented expenses.
ALLOWABLE EXPENSES
- Housing
- Medical, Dental, and Optical
- Required Educational Costs
- One-Time Computer Expense
- Transportation
- Dependent Care Expenses
HOUSING
Housing costs that exceed the basic student budget for reasonable, justified living accommodations are acceptable In accordance with California Assembly Bill 990, CSUF provides the typical market cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the Orange County, Santa Ana - Anaheim-Irvine CA HUD Metro area for the fiscal 2024 year, which is $2,344 per month. You are expected to seek housing within the budgeted housing allowance. If you have roommates, your costs will be divided by the number of roommates. Acceptable additions to this category include:
- Excess rent: a copy of your lease agreement
- Homeowner's or renter's insurance premiums: proof of payment, copy of the policy
- Proof of payment: receipts, billing statements for three months for:
- Basic PG&E/SMUD
- Basic telephone costs
- Basic internet costs
MEDICAL CARE/DISABILITY
A medical, dental, and optical allowance for expenses not covered by insurance is included in the “Miscellaneous” category of the basic budget. Appropriate documentation for additional projected expenses or expenses that occur during the academic year include:
- Healthcare provider's billing statements showing cost, date of treatment, and the amount paid
- Copy of insurance policy (for student's premium cost)
- Proof of payment by student or parent
Projected expenses that occur during the academic year will be considered when you present a signed healthcare provider’s statement, written on letterhead, indicating:
- Treatment required
- Cost
- Scheduled date of treatment
REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL COSTS
In addition to the basic “Books and Supplies” category of the student expense budget, acceptable additions include:
- Required special equipment/supplies
ONE-TIME COMPUTER EXPENSE
A one-time computer expense can be added to your Cost of Attendance for up to $2,000. Attach an estimate or receipt of the computer cost for the computer purchase. This budget increase can only be requested once during a student's academic career at CSUF.
TRANSPORTATION
The basic student expense budget covers the moderate cost of public transportation for incidental travel to and from your parents’ or your home. Transportation costs must be educationally related. Acceptable additional expenses may include:
- Transportation costs required by an academic program, unusual medical condition, or other reasons directly related to educational needs (supporting statements from an academic advisor may be requested)
- Costs of commuting to CSUF from surrounding communities and/or commuting to work/internship from surrounding communities. Be sure to include:
- Estimated mileage per trip (indicate whether one-way or round trip)
- List starting and ending addresses
- Number of trips and total mileage
- Semester(s) you will incur extra travel expenses
- Receipts for travel expenses
CHILD/DEPENDENT CARE EXPENSES
The basic student expense budget does not include an allowance for Child/Dependent Care expenses. You may request to increase your budget to assist with expenses paid to your childcare provider. Child/Dependent Care costs must be educationally related. Acceptable expenses may include:
- Child/Dependent care expenses incurred by you (the student) for your dependent child(ren) while you attend school for the academic period.
- Documentation must be from the provider and include:
- Start and end/expected end date of care
- Amount per dependent per week
- Names and ages of dependents in care
- Contact information of provider
In order to request an adjustment to your Cost of Attendance you must submit the Cost of Attendance Appeal form along with a personal statement and all necessary supporting documentation. Further directions are included within the Cost of Attendance Appeal form.
