A student can request a Cost of Attendance Appeal if they believe the Cost of Attendance used in determining their total financial aid was not sufficient to cover their actual expenses. Award increases for approved Cost of Attendance Appeals will usually be in the form of additional loan eligibility.

Reviewable Cost of Attendance Expenses:

  • Rent
  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Medical/Dental Expenses
  • Books/Supplies
  • Computer/Equipment needed for school
  • Personal Expenses
  • Professional license fees (If required for your program)

The following expenses are not considered for Cost of Attendance Appeals:

  • Security deposit for housing
  • Car payments, car insurance, and repairs
  • Resume preparation and job interviews
  • Expenses incurred prior to the beginning of the current academic year

How it Works

If a Cost of Attendance Appeal is approved, you will be notified and your budget will be increased to make room for additional aid, typically in the form of federal loan funding. Due to annual limits on Federal Sub/Unsubsidized loans, it is possible that your eligibility will be restricted to PLUS loans or private student loans.

Eligibility 

  • Have already received a Financial Aid Award Letter from our office
  • Have actual expenses that incurred while enrolled for the current academic year at UCSB
  • Be able to provide receipts or other documentation to show expenses. For example, to prove your rent expense you must upload a copy of your lease agreement, housing contract, or proof of payments. Receipts will be required for items like out-of-pocket medical expenses or purchases of computer equipment, supplies, books, etc. 

How to Apply

Cost of Attendance Appeals can be submitted through our Student Forms website. Please note that newly admitted students must wait until after they have submitted their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) before submitting an appeal to our office.