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Cost of Attendance Appeal

Cost of Attendance Appeal

Virginia Tech establishes a Cost of Attendance (COA) each academic year. In some cases, the COA may differ from the figures posted based on variables such as campus location, supplemental program fees, and dormitory costs.

The COA also serves as the maximum cap for financial aid. Under certain circumstances, students whose awards reach that COA limit may appeal for additional aid eligibility.

Prior to submitting an appeal, students should review the COA figures available in the financial aid award notification in Hokie SPA to determine if an appeal is necessary.  

2023-2024 Academic Year Deadlines

  • Cost of Attendance appeal opens June 15, 2023
  • November 3, 2023 - students attending fall 2023 semester only.
  • April 5, 2024 - students attending fall 2023 and spring 2024, or spring 2024 only.

2022-2023 Academic Year Deadlines

  • November 5, 2022 - students attending fall 2022 semester only.
  • April 4, 2023 - students attending fall 2022 and spring 2023, or spring 2023 only.

Please allow two weeks for processing (four weeks during peak processing periods of June through August).  It is important to remember that approval of an appeal does not guarantee receipt of additional aid.  Also, because certain additional aid resources are limited, we recommend filing as soon as possible.

Submission Reasons:

  • The student needs to purchase a computer . Freshmen may not appeal for computer purchase because we include the cost of a computer in the first-year estmated Cost of Attendance.
  • Books, course materials, supplies and equipment expenses exceed the current COA allocation.
  • The student has dependent child care expenses.
  • The student has disability related expenses not covered by a state or other agency.
  • The student has a cost associated with obtaining a license, certification, or first professional credential. 
  • Housing and food expenses exceed the current COA allocation.
  • Any component of the COA that exceeds the listed amount.

Please note - the following reasons are not considered for an appeal:

  • Credit card debt
  • Car purchase
  • In-state travel expenses
  • Spring break trip expenses

 

The Cost of Attendance includes: tuition and fees; books, course materials, supplies, and equipment; housing; food; transportation; personal expenses; and direct loan fees. Visit our undergraduate and graduate Cost of Attendance pages for COA figures and information.