What is “cost of attendance”?

We will determine your maximum financial aid award by creating a “cost of attendance” (COA) or budget for you. Your total financial aid, including loans and outside scholarships, cannot exceed your budget. The standard COA includes costs for 9 months. See How Cal State Fullerton assigns your COA. If you attend Cal State Fullerton only one semester, or if you attend summer session in addition to the regular semesters, we prorate your costs. Here are the standard budgets used at Cal State Fullerton:

Standard 9 month Student Budget 2009-2010
	Type of Budget Commuter  Dorm Apt       Fees* $3,990 $3,990 $3,990 Books & Supplies 1,638 1,638 1,638 Rm/Brd 4,338 9,082 11,124 Misc. 2,700 2,700 2,700 Transportation 1,200 1,100 1,200 Total $13,866 $18,510 $20,652
Standard 9 month Student Budget  2008-2009
	Type of Budget Commuter  Dorm Apt       Fees* $3,382 $3,382 $3,382 Books & Supplies 1,568 1,568 1,568 Rm/Brd 4,050 8,722 10,872 Misc. 2,700 2,700 2,700 Transportation 1,200 1,100 1,200 Total $12,900 $17,472 $19,722 *If non-resident, add tuition payment of $339 per unit.

 

How does Cal State Fullerton assign my COA?

When we receive your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we check to see if you indicated your housing plans on your FAFSA. If you did, we assign one of these three budgets:

• At home with parent/relative
• On-campus (please see below for further information)
• Off-campus apartment/house

 

What is the policy if I plan to live on campus?

Starting in early summer, the Housing and Residential Life Office sends us lists of students who have secured a space on campus. In the meantime, our policy is to assign an “at home” budget.

Later, if we receive confirmation that you will be living on-campus, we will adjust your budget and your awards as needed.

 

What happens if I left my housing plans blank on my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

If you did not tell us your housing plans on your FAFSA, we assign an “at home” budget. If this is not correct and you will not live at home, with a parent or relative, you need to notify the Office of Financial Aid of this correction.

You may contact the Office of Financial Aid for instructions on how to make this change, or you may download and complete the “Housing Update Form” and attach the appropriate documentation to the form, which is then submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.

 

What if I want my assigned COA to be changed?

A change in COA usually does not affect grant awards but it may affect the amount of loan you may borrow for the year. This is because the “family contribution” determines eligibility for most grant programs. If you need to know whether a change in housing status will affect your awards, please feel free to contact our office. We will be happy to change your COA if necessary. We may require documentation, such as a copy of your lease or rental agreement, before changing your budget from at home to off-campus. If your budget increases your eligibility for financial aid funds, we will adjust your awards according to funding availability at the time you make the request.