The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total amount of your educational expenses for the period of enrollment during an Aid Year. The COA is based on your MS level, program of study, and whether you live on or off campus or with parent(s) or family while attending the ZSOM.
Note: The terms cost of attendance and budget are used interchangeably by our office
The basic components of your budget include:
- tuition & fees
- food & housing
- books, course materials, supplies & equipment
- miscellaneous personal expenses
- USMLE registration fees (Step 1 & Step 2)
- federal loan fees
- transportation
Your financial aid eligibility is determined by your assigned standard cost of attendance. You may view your cost of attendance at my.hofstra.edu by clicking on Financial Aid Services and then Award Summary by Aid Year.
We Understand Expenses Change
We may be able to increase your budget, and your financial aid eligibility, if you incur expenses during the academic year that are greater than your standard financial aid budget. This is called a Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustment.
Allowable costs considered for a COA adjustment may include:
- your residence hall
- rent for off-campus housing
- transportation
- special books and supplies
- purchasing a computer; only one request allowed during your tenure at ZSOM
- medical, dental, or optical expenses not covered by insurance
- childcare expenses
- health insurance purchased through ZSOM or elsewhere
- clothing expenses; in cases such as relocating from a different climate or professional attire for residency interviews
- disability related expenses not covered by a third party
- auto repairs and maintenance
- ERAS application fees greater than 30
Note: There are maximum amounts allowed for each expense. Establishing maximums ensures students understand that the COA is finite and prevents over borrowing.
Maximums can be found below:
Budget Item |
2023-2024 Maximum Budget |
|
Off-Campus Rent |
$1,563 per month including utilities |
|
Off-Campus with Parent(s) or Family |
$692 per month |
|
On-Campus Residence Hall Costs |
Actual cost |
|
Transportation/Commuting Expenses |
Actual cost of travel to and from campus for class and ACE/ICE sites |
|
Computer Purchase |
$1,500 (one-time allowance during your tenure at ZSOM) |
|
Childcare Expenses |
Infant/Toddler - $1,500/month 3 or 4-year old children - $1,300/month |
|
Health Insurance |
Lesser of the annual rate provided by Gallagher for ZSOM student insurance or other individual coverage |
|
Special books & supplies above the cost allowed in the standard budget |
Actual costs; may need academic department approval |
|
Clothing Expenses |
$500 each academic year; exceptions can be made in extreme circumstances |
The following items are NOT considered for COA adjustments:
- purchase or lease of a new vehicle
- moving costs or costs associated with furnishing off-campus housing
- USMLE preparatory expenses
- conferences, unless required for a class
- pet or hobby expenses
- credit card or other consumer debt payments
- costs incurred outside of the current academic year in which the request was made
Support Documentation:
In most instances, paid receipts for additional costs is needed. Other acceptable proof of payment includes canceled checks or credit card statements. For commuting costs, a map printout showing mileage as well as any toll expenses if you are driving your vehicle. If taking a ride share or taxi service, paid receipts are needed.
The Process:
Email the Office of Student Finance with your completed COA Adjustment Request form. Be sure to include the reason for the increase request in the space provided on the form.