Trends and Issues

Question of the week

Q.: Can we add include the cost of a computer in a student's cost of attendance (COA)?

A.: Yes. According to the 2007-08 Federal Student Aid Handbook (FSA Handbook) the cost of a computer may be included in the COA. The cost must be "a reasonable amount, as determined by your school, for the documented rental or purchase of a personal computer that the student will use for study for the enrollment period. For example, a computer purchased in the summer for use in the fall term may be included." (page 3-20)

When making adjustments to the COA, the FSA Handbook (page 3-19) says: "If a student is enrolled in a program that has extra fees or costs…you can add those fees to the student's cost or use a standard cost that you've established for all students in that program. If you establish standard cost categories, you must apply the cost allowances uniformly to all students in those categories."

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