What is my cost of attendance?
Your cost of attendance is the total of the direct and indirect educational expenses for an academic year.
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Direct expenses are charges billed by UAlbany — such as tuition, fees, on-campus housing and meal plans.
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Indirect expenses are all other costs incurred while you pursue your education — such as books, supplies, transportation and off-campus housing.
Why would I need to request an increase?
Your financial aid package is based off your estimated cost of attendance, which the University bases on your housing selection and credit load.
If you incur additional education expenses, your cost of attendance could be adjusted to reflect those charges. Examples of additional expenses that could result in an increased cost of attendance include:
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Selecting superior on-campus housing (Empire Commons, Freedom Apartments, and Liberty Terrace)
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Buying a computer (one increase allowed per academic career)
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Childcare
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Travel
A cost of attendance increase will only result in increased funds if you have remaining financial aid eligibility.
If you have additional eligibility, increasing your cost of attendance may allow you to access more financial aid — usually in the form of a loan — which you can use to pay for the new expenses.
Please visit our Secure your federal loans page for information on Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, as well as federal loan consolidation. Visit our Apply for additional loans for information on Federal Direct Grad and Parent PLUS Loans, as well as private loans.
How do I request an increase?
Please contact Student Financial Services at [email protected] or 518-442-3202 and request a consultation with a financial aid advisor, who can help you complete this process.
Note: If you or your family has experienced an extenuating financial situation not reflected in your FAFSA, you may qualify for a Special Circumstances review of your financial aid eligibility.