COST OF ATTENDANCE

Your Cost of Attendance (COA) is the federally defined estimate of what it costs to attend The Colleges of Law for one period of enrollment. It is established in accordance with Section 472 of the Higher Education Act and used to determine your eligibility for Title IV federal financial aid, including federal loans, grants, and work-study. You cannot receive more financial aid than your total COA, which is why understanding every component matters.

This page explains what the COA includes, how it is calculated, and what your specific estimates are for the current academic year. If your actual costs differ significantly from the standard estimates due to documented circumstances, you may be eligible to request a professional judgment adjustment.

What Is Included in Your Cost of Attendance?

Federal law specifies the categories of costs that may be included in the COA. The Colleges of Law establishes standard costs for each category based on average expenses for students with the same enrollment status and program. Only the following allowable cost categories may be included:

1. Tuition and Fees The tuition and fees are normally assessed for a student carrying the same academic workload. This includes required program fees, graduation fees incurred while enrolled, and any fees charged to all students in the same program.
2. Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment — A reasonable allowance for all required books, materials, and supplies, including bar exam preparation materials.
3. Housing and Food (Living Expenses) — An allowance for housing and food costs based on average student expenses. Your actual costs may vary depending on your location and living situation.
4. Transportation An allowance for costs of transportation between school, your residence, and your place of work, including vehicle operating and maintenance costs. Transportation costs required as part of your program of study may also be included. Note: the cost of purchasing a vehicle may not be included in the COA.
5. Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (for students enrolled at least half-time) A reasonable allowance for other personal expenses incurred while enrolled. This category may only be included in the COA for students enrolled at least half-time.
6. Loan Fees (if applicable) An allowance for the average loan origination fees charged on federal student loans, if applicable to your loan type.

COA Estimates for the Current Academic Year

COA estimates are established for each program and vary based on enrollment status. Contact the Financial Aid Office for your specific COA estimate. Current estimates are published on the School’s website.

NOTE: CONTENT NEEDED: Insert current COA tables by program (JD, HJD, MBLT) and enrollment status (full-time / half-time), showing direct vs. indirect cost breakdowns.

NOTE: COA estimates are updated annually. Students enrolled less than full-time will have annual federal loan limits reduced proportionally.

PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT

Professional Judgment refers to the authority granted to institutions under The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to permit financial aid administrators to adjust FAFSA data elements and cost of attendance due to special or unusual circumstances. Professional judgment decisions are made case-by-case by examining documentation validating a student’s unique circumstances. If you feel you may be eligible for a professional judgment or cost of attendance adjustment, please connect with the Financial Aid office for additional details.

When Your COA May Be Adjusted

In certain circumstances, the financial aid office may use professional judgment to adjust your standard COA on an individual basis. Adjustments are made on a case-by-case basis and require appropriate documentation. Situations that may warrant a COA adjustment include:

• Documented dependent care expenses required to allow you to attend school
• Disability-related expenses not otherwise covered
• Unusually high medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
• Required costs specific to your program not captured in the standard COA
• Other documented costs that exceed the standard allowance

A COA adjustment does not automatically result in additional aid. It increases the maximum amount of aid you may be eligible to receive, but aid is still subject to your financial need, available funds, and program eligibility.

Important Notes on COA and Your Financial Aid

• Your COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid you may receive from all sources combined, including federal aid, institutional aid, private scholarships, and outside awards.
• Receiving a private scholarship or outside grant may reduce the amount of other aid in your package if your total aid would otherwise exceed your COA.
• Your COA is based on your enrollment status for the period of enrollment. Students enrolled less than full-time will have a COA calculated proportionally, and federal loan eligibility may be reduced accordingly.
• COA estimates are provided for planning purposes and do not guarantee specific aid amounts. Your actual financial aid package is determined based on your FAFSA results, eligibility, and available funds.
• Financial aid is renewed each academic year. You must resubmit the FAFSA annually and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving aid.