The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of a student’s educational expenses for a specific period of enrollment. It is reviewed and established annually and is used to determine the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive for the academic year. In accordance with federal regulations, a student’s total financial aid package, including loans, may not exceed the published COA.
The COA includes both actual and estimated costs. These may include tuition and fees billed by the institution, as well as estimated expenses for books, supplies, equipment, housing, food, transportation, personal expenses, federal student loan fees, and certain costs associated with obtaining a first professional license. Non-allowable expenses, such as consumer debt, spousal expenses, deposits, relocation costs, and vehicle purchases or leases, are not included.
Standard COA figures are based on full-time enrollment for each academic period. If a student’s actual enrollment dates differ from the standard schedule for their year in the program, their individual COA may be adjusted accordingly. Students are expected to budget within their COA to ensure responsible financial planning throughout their time in the program.
The Cost of Attendance is subject to change without notice.
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Students are encouraged to plan ahead for any expenses that may be due before financial aid refunds are issued. This includes out-of-pocket costs such as books, supplies, relocation expenses, housing and utility deposits, monthly bills, childcare, and other personal expenses.
Students receiving financial aid are encouraged to live as economically as possible while enrolled at ACHE. It is important to plan your living expenses thoughtfully and understand that you are not required to borrow the full amount offered in your financial aid package. Many students find that they can manage their expenses on less than the full COA. Keeping track of your actual spending may help you identify areas where you can reduce costs and make more intentional financial decisions.
Valuable tools are available through the AAMC FIRST (Financial Information, Services, and Tools) and Studentaid.gov website. These resources can assist you in creating a detailed budget, tracking your expenses, and identifying opportunities to save throughout your time at ACHE.
In rare circumstances, students may request an increase to their COA by submitting the Cost of Attendance Increase Request Form, available on ACHE Connect. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not guaranteed. Generally, requests are related to child-care expenses, a one-time computer purchase, unexpected medical expenses, or major car repair while attending. Students will be notified of the decision once the review is complete.
