The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total amount of your educational expenses for the period of enrollment during an Award Year. The COA is based on your enrollment status and level, your program of study, and whether you live on or off campus while attending the University.
The basic components of your COA include:
- tuition and fees.
- books and supplies.
- food and housing.
- transportation.
- miscellaneous living expenses.
Your financial aid eligibility is determined by your assigned standard COA. You can view your COA at my.hofstra.edu under “Financial Aid Services” and then under “Award Summary by Aid Year.”
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.
Expenses often considered for COA Adjustment include the cost of:
- your residence hall.
- rent for off-campus housing.
- transportation.
- special books and supplies.
- program-related projects or instruments.
- purchasing a computer; you can only request this once during each degree.
- uninsured medical, dental, or optical expenses.
- childcare expenses during class or study time.
- health insurance for enrolled student only.
- clothing expenses in case relocating from a different climate or professional attire for interviews or internships.
- disability-related expenses not covered by a third party.
- the one-time direct cost(s) of obtaining a first professional license or certificate for students who are enrolled in a program that requires such professional licensure or certification.
Note: There are maximum amounts allowed for each expense. Establishing maximums ensures students understand that the COA is finite and prevents overborrowing.
Maximums can be found below:
| Budget Item | 2024-2025 Maximum Budget |
| Off-Campus Rent | $1,956 with utilities included |
| On-Campus Residence Hall Costs | Actual Costs |
| Transportation/commuting expenses | Actual cost of travel to and from campus for class; actual cost for required travel for class-specific events |
| Computer purchase | $1,500 |
| Childcare expenses | Infant/Toddler - $1500/month 3 or 4 yr. olds - $1300/month |
| Special books and supplies above what is allowed in the standard budget | Actual costs; may need academic department approval |
| Research, fieldwork, or thesis expenses | Determined by academic department |
| Clothing expenses | $500 each academic year. Exceptions can be made in extreme circumstances. |
The cost of first professional license or certificate:
- Examples of allowable costs include:
- fees charged to take a licensing exam.
- costs of applying for and obtaining the license or certification.
- the costs must be incurred during (not after) a period of enrollment, even if the exam is after the end of the period.
The following items are not considered for a COA adjustment:
- conferences. Unless required for a class.
- interview expenses
- pet or hobby expenses
- car purchase or monthly lease payment
- credit card or other consumer debt payments
- costs incurred outside of the current academic year
Support Documentation:
In most instances, receipts for additional costs are all that is needed. Canceled checks or other proof of payment is needed. For commuting costs, a map printout showing mileage as well as any toll expenses is needed.
In certain cases, such as program-required projects or musical instruments, approval from your academic department will be required.
The Process
Just email your SFS counselor! Please make sure your email includes information about which expenses you have experienced and confirmation that you have uploaded the proper documentation via the portal.