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Financial Aid Cost of Attendance for Student Parents
Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated total cost for a student to attend college for one academic year. It includes both direct costs, which are paid directly to the school (such as tuition, fees, and on-campus housing or meal plans), and indirect costs, which are educational and living expenses a student may incur while attending school (such as books and supplies, transportation, childcare, and personal expenses).
Your financial aid eligibility is based on your COA, which reflects the average estimated costs of attending a college within the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD). The COA is intended to estimate the amount a student may need to cover educational expenses for the academic year. SMCCCD Financial Aid Offices understand that some students may have expenses that exceed the standard budget allowances. Examples may include higher childcare expenses, required tools or supplies, licensing or certification exam fees, uninsured medical or dental expenses, disability-related expenses, or the purchase of a computer required for educational purposes.
Students may request a review of their COA by submitting a Financial Aid Cost of Attendance Appeal through their Financial Aid Office. To submit an appeal, please visit the Financial Aid Forms page linked below.
Additional educational expenses, such as exams, licenses, and required supplies, may only be added to a student’s COA if they are directly related to the student’s officially declared Program of Study (POS) and supported by appropriate documentation.
Adjustments to the COA generally will not be made for expenses related to coursework outside of the student’s declared POS. Changes to a student’s POS during the academic year may impact future COA considerations and financial aid eligibility.