Cost of attendance adjustment is a change to one or more components of a student’s cost of attendance made by a financial-aid administrator using professional judgment.
How it works
The student submits a request and supporting documents (for example, child-care receipts or a lease showing higher housing costs). The aid administrator reviews the materials, decides whether an adjustment is warranted, and revises the relevant COA component. The new COA is used to repackage aid. The decision and documentation are retained in the student’s file.
Example: an online student documents $400 per month in dependent-care costs that exceed the standard allowance. The administrator increases the dependent-care component of the COA by $2,000 for the year. The higher COA increases the student’s remaining need, allowing a larger Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
How it differs
A change to the Student Aid Index alters the income or asset side of the need equation. An over-award resolution reduces aid already awarded. A COA adjustment changes the price side of the equation before or during packaging. Institutional pricing changes affect all students, not one student’s COA through professional judgment.
Common errors
Granting a COA increase without documentation. Applying the same increase to every online student without individual review. Using a COA adjustment to exceed statutory loan limits.
References
- 1. Federal Student Aid professional judgment COAAllowable adjustments
- 2. HEA section 479AAuthority for adjustments
Cost of attendance adjustment is a change to one or more components of a student’s cost of attendance made by a financial-aid administrator using professional judgment.