Your financial aid eligibility is based on a standard cost of attendance, or student budget.
We Understand Expenses Change
We may be able to increase your budget—and your financial aid eligibility—if you incur expenses during the academic year that are higher than your standard financial aid budget. This is called a Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustment. Please note that there is no COA Adjustment process for the summer term.
Expenses often considered for COA Adjustment include:
- The cost of your rent and utilities or the cost of your university residence hall.
- The cost of purchasing a computer; you can only request this once every three years.
- The cost of uninsured medical, dental, or optical expenses.
- The cost of transportation.
- The cost of childcare expenses.
- The cost of special books and supplies.
- The cost of relocating expenses (entering student living off-campus only).
The cost of attendance adjustment form will be made available on August 15, 2024 for the 2024-25 academic year. The priority submission deadline to request a cost of attendance adjustment for the 2024-25 year is as follows:
- Friday, April 4, 2025for students enrolled in the Fall and Spring terms so we can ensure the request is reviewed by the end of the academic year.
- Friday, November 15, 2024for Fall only enrolled students.
The Process
The Cost of Attendance Adjustment Request Form includes information about which expenses can be claimed and the proper documentation required. Please ensure that you have properly documented your expenses, as any expenses that are not properly documented will not be considered. You can fill out the COAAR form in our Berkeley Financial Aid Forms portal.
- Most cost of attendance adjustment requests are funded with additional loan, work-study, or outside scholarships that you bring with you to Berkeley.
Supporting Documentation
Housing
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Rent, Mortgage, Utilities
Copy of a signed lease agreement. If rent is not shared equally, you must provide documentation of your share of expenses. This can be done by providing proof of payment (receipts, Venmo transactions, etc). If married or living with a partner, the rent will be split equally.
Transportation
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Commuting to/from school; visits home during school breaks (maximum of two trips per academic year, one per term, or one international trip allowed per year).
Commuting expenses: Itemization of per-month amount calculated at standard rates. If using a private car, you must provide a copy of your DMV registration and a letter explaining why AC transit is not an option. Calculate this cost using $.67/mile, cost of tolls, and parking.
Trips home: Copy of actual travel bill or quote/estimate for 21 day advance purchase fare. Two reasonably priced domestic or one international trip allowed per year for yourself and dependent children under the age of 18.
Computer Purchase
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Expenses for the cost/purchase of a computer.
Receipt or order form for computer. Must be purchased during the period of enrollment. The date on the receipt or order form must fall within July 2024 - May 2025.
NOTE: You can request an increase for a computer once every three academic years.
Medical/Dental Expenses
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Expenses not covered by insurance (e.g., checkups, lab work, prescription drugs, optical, dental, physical therapy, psychological counseling).
Copy of billing statement or estimate, indicating patient name, cost, date, and type of treatment. The billing statement and/or estimate must indicate the amount paid by insurance.
Child Care Expenses
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Child care costs for dependent children, under the age of 14.
If you are married, we can consider expenses if the spouse is also a student and/or working.
For licensed providers: two canceled checks and a copy of the invoice or contract for care.
For non-licensed providers: two canceled checks and a signed letter from the provider that outlines the agreement for care.
Special Books & Supplies
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Items needed in addition to regular required materials. This includes computer supplies.
Itemized list approved by advisor (including travel). Items must be required for all students in the class.
Relocating Expenses
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Relocating expenses applies to only new, entering students relocating to Berkeley.
Receipts for actual rental truck expenses including gas receipts.
Relocating expenses DO NOT include security deposits, the purchase of household items, flights, or other expenses related to securing living arrangements prior to the start of the term. This also does not include the purchase of furniture.
Research, Fieldwork, or Thesis Expenses
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Itemized list approved and signed by faculty advisor (including travel). Advisor must specify that costs are required educational costs. Professional development costs are not allowed.
Please Note:Any changes to your financial aid awards will be contingent on the type of funds available, eligibility policies, and regulations. Adjustments typically result in increases to loan or work-study eligibility.
