Using Professional Judgment for Cost of Attendance (COA) Lamar D. Richardson Duke University Fuqua School of Business NCASFAA 2007 FALL CONFERENCE

Agenda  COA Development: Federal Guidelines Federal Guidelines Institutional Guidelines Institutional Guidelines  COA – Allowable Items  A PJ Party  PJ Issues and Concerns  How to say “No” without saying “No”  Options

COA Development  Number of months (nine to thirteen months)  Cost of living surveys  Student involvement, Financial Aid Committees  Special circumstances based on your school

COA Development Federal Guidelines:  SFA Handbook, Volume 3, Chapter 2  Cost of Education Established each year by each school’s financial aid office. Established each year by each school’s financial aid office. Costs directly related to a student’s education that may be met through financial aid. Costs directly related to a student’s education that may be met through financial aid. Components (allowable costs) of a COA are very similar at each school, the amounts will vary significantly from institution to institution. Components (allowable costs) of a COA are very similar at each school, the amounts will vary significantly from institution to institution.

COA Development: Institutional Guidelines:  Policies such as using University Cost of Living  Fee Structures  Graduation requirements that help dictate what can be included in COA

COA Development  Allowable items Tuition and Fees Tuition and Fees Books, supplies, transportation, personal, and miscellaneous Books, supplies, transportation, personal, and miscellaneous Room and board or rent and utilities Room and board or rent and utilities Dependent care Dependent care Study abroad expenses Study abroad expenses Disability expenses Disability expenses Employment expenses for coop study Employment expenses for coop study Loan fees Loan fees

PJ Party  Alone =  With Staff =

PJ Issues and Concerns  Medical/Dental Issues  Transportation Issues  Childcare  Lifestyle choices  Preparatory Courses  Licensing Exams (USMLE, Bar, etc.)  Remediation  Study Abroad

How to say “No” without saying “No” Decline in a Professional Manner:  Explain regulations  Explain fairness and equity for all  Discuss student’s other options  Appeal process, FA Committee  Offer tissue and candy  Other?

Options