Process for Cost of Living Increase

OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine realizes that students come to medical school from varied backgrounds, experiences and lifestyles. However, the student budget allows only for the lifestyle of a full-time medical student and the expenses for the student.

In extreme circumstances, students occasionally incur expenses during the year that may be legitimate reasons to warrant an increase in our standard cost of attendance budget. Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid to ask about potential budget increases.

Students with Dependents

According to the Federal Construction Rules for the student Cost of Attendance, only the student's costs are to be included in the expected COA, regardless of filing status (single, married or with dependents).

Other dependents are taken into consideration in the establishment of the expected student contribution (SC) during the FAFSA needs analysis. Since the standard Cost of Attendance includes expenses only for the student, it will be necessary for students with dependents to identify means other than student financial aid to support them.

Generally, unless you have children, it is expected that your spouse will be employed. If your spouse attends school, he/she will be expected to apply for his/her own financial aid. Should your spouse be unable to find employment, is unemployed due to caring for small children at home, or is unable to earn sufficient money to support your family, you may wish to make an appointment with your medical school financial aid advisor to discuss your personal situation

Allowable increases:

Licensed day care expenses (does not include private school tuition). Can only be approved for timeframe when student is in class.
Unreimbursed medical expenses (including prescriptions)
Auto repair costs other than routine maintenance
Travel for education-related interviews not already included in the COA.
Emergency home repairs – necessities only such as plumbing, HVAC, etc. This does not include any cosmetic repairs such as painting, remodeling, etc.
Other costs as determined by the Office of Financial Aid that are directly related to the student's education

Non-allowable increases:

Auto or home purchase
Credit card payments or consumer debt of any kind
Moving expenses and rental deposits
Expenses incurred outside the current academic year
Expenses incurred by another person in the household
Child support or other child care expenses other than day care for attending school
Life insurance/disability insurance
Legal fees, traffic tickets, fines, etc.
Veterinary expenses
Luxury items such as cable, restaurant expenses, vacations, airline tickets for non-educational related events, lawn service, weddings, parties/celebrations, extra-curricular activities for family members

Requests for additional funding require documentation before approval can be considered. Examples of documentation needed are below:

Rent/Mortgage – Documentation must include the name of the student and the amount of the monthly payment.

Monthly Utilities – Documentation are copies of six months of the electric, gas and sanitation bills so a monthly average can be calculated. Only one copy of a utility bill is needed for bills that state they are already averaged monthly.

Car Insurance – Documentation should be a copy of the insurance bill that includes the student’s name, make/model of the vehicle, period of coverage and the cost. Students must also submit a copy of the vehicle title with their name on it.

Day Care – Documentation can be a copy of an official contract with the day care facility that lists the name of the child, the hours of attendance and associated cost calculated on a daily, weekly or monthly rate. A letter from an authorized official of the facility with the same information would also be acceptable. Daycare expenses for dependent children can only be approved for times when the student is in class or studying.

Medical – Documentation for expenses related to hospital or physician visits (medical, dental or vision) must include the name of the patient, the nature of services performed, the date services were performed, the amount insurance is paying (even if zero) and the final cost due from the student. Documentation for prescription medications can be reimbursed if it exceeds the amount already allotted in the class cost of attendance, in which case copies of official receipts should be submitted.

Vehicle Repair – Documentation can be an official receipt or estimate from a qualified repair shop. It must include the student’s name, make/model of the vehicle, the nature of service performed (or to be performed), the date performed (or of the estimate), the amount insurance is paying (even if zero) and the final cost due from the student. Student must also submit a copy of the vehicle title which must include the student’s name.

Emergency Home Repair – Documentation can be either a copy of an official receipt or estimate from a qualified repair company. It must include the student’s name and address, the nature of service performed (or to be performed), the date performed (or of the estimate), the amount insurance is paying (even if zero) and the final cost due from the student.