Students may experience unforeseen expenses during an academic year that are not accounted for in the Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA). Students in these circumstances can submit the Graduate Appeal Form to Adjust Cost of Attendance along with the required supporting documents outlined below under each category. Approved appeals can be funded only if you are eligible for additional student loans.
We urge students to consider their total debt before borrowing additional loan funds.
Course-Related Expenses
If you incur course-related costs not included in the standard Cost of Attendance, you can submit a request itemizing your additional expenses, along with receipts. Examples of additional course-related expenses may be required reference texts, special equipment/supplies, and required research costs.
Dependent Care Expenses
If attending classes causes you to incur dependent expenses, you may submit the following documentation for consideration.
- A letter identifying the dependent's name and age as well as the name of the care provider and days/hours that care is provided.
- A copy of the contract verifying care expenses.
- Copies of canceled checks or receipts to verify expenses.
Disability-Related Expenses
If you incur expenses related to a disability during the academic year, and those expenses are not covered by your insurance, you may submit supporting documents and receipts. You must be registered with LMU Disability Support Services for expenses to be considered.
LMU Health Insurance
Graduate students who wish to purchase the LMU Health Insurance Plan can request a budget increase by submitting the Graduate Appeal Form to Adjust Cost of Attendance.
Medical Expenses Not Covered by Insurance
A medical, dental, and optical allowance for expenses not covered by insurance is already included in the “Personal Expenses” category of your basic budget. Appropriate documentation for additional expenses that occur during the academic year includes:
- Healthcare provider's billing statements showing cost, date of treatment, and the amount paid by the student.
- Copy of Insurance policy that shows students' premium cost.
- A letter from the student's primary care physician or specialist verifying that the treatment is medically necessary for the student to attend school.
Housing
If you pay more rent than is specified in the standard Cost of Attendance, submit a copy of your current lease agreement and copies of canceled checks (front and back) or money orders verifying payment of rent. Your budget may be increased if your rent level is deemed to be reasonable despite exceeding the standard budget. However, you are expected to seek housing within the budgeted housing allowance. If you have roommates, your costs will be divided by the number of roommates.
Computer or Technology Purchase
Your Cost of Attendance (COA) may be increased up to $2,000 one-time only to purchase a computer, printer, or university-required software. Students can request a COA increase by submitting a copy of their technology purchase receipt. The receipt must be dated within the current academic year.