Budget Adjustments

Student budgets are an important component in the financial aid process. Standard student budgets reflecting the average student population cost of attendance at a modest, but adequate standard of living are used to award financial aid. Special budget considerations are approved through the Professional Judgement process on a case by case basis and with the proper documentation as outlined below. Adjustment to the cost of attendance do not guarantee additional financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships. Most adjustments are funded with “self-help” aid in the form of loans.

What Adjustments May be Considered?

Adjustments may be considered for increase of the following types of mandatory or non-discretionary student paid expense during the academic year:

• Medical/dental/disability expenses that exceed the student’s Income Protection Allowance
• Additional educational expenses
• Additional transportation expenses for commuting cost or car repairs
• Housing and Utilities expenses
• Childcare expenses
• Relocation expenses
• Other miscellaneous expenses on a case by case basis
• Once time direct cost for obtaining a first professional license or certificate

What Adjustments CANNOT be Considered?

• Credit card and other consumer debts
• Cost incurred outside of the academic year, unless it is a computer purchased in the summer for the Fall quarter
• Legal fees, bail, traffic or parking tickets/fines
• Pet care, unless the pet is a registered service animal
• Luxury items, such as, premium cable
• Loan Repayment

How do I Request a Budget Adjustment?

1. Complete the 2017-2018 Budget Adjustment Request Form. (link for form)
2. Provide required supporting documentation to the Office of Financial Aid.

What Happens Next?

Your request will be evaluated after the Budget Adjustment Request Form and all supporting documentation have been reviewed. It can take up to a week for this process to be completed. If more information is needed to complete your request, the Office of Financial Aid will contact you. This could result in a delay in processing your request.

Will I get More Aid?

Increasing your budget does not increase your Federal Aid Eligibility. The maximums are set by the Federal Government. However, additional aid options may come in the form of a PLUS Loan or a private loan.