Adjusting Cost of Attendance
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 student 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
If you incur expenses during the academic year that are greater than your standard financial aid budget, we may be able to increase your budget and your financial aid eligibility. This is called a Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustment.
Allowable costs considered for a COA adjustment may include:
- health insurance purchased through ZSOM or elsewhere
- medical, dental, or optical expenses not covered by insurance
- automobile repairs
- personal computer purchase including the cost of insurance, such as AppleCare+; only one request allowed during your tenure at ZSOM
- dependent care costs
- ERAS application fees greater than 30
- special books and supplies
- clothing expenses; in cases such as relocating from a different climate or professional attire for residency interviews
Maximums can be found below:
| Budget Item | 2026-2027 Maximum Budget |
| Off-Campus Rent | $1,677 per month including utilities |
| Off-Campus with Parent(s) or Family | $800 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) |
| Dependent Care | Infant/Toddler – $1,500/month 3 or 4 year old children – $1,300/month 5 and older – reasonable cost in the community for the type of care provided. NOTE – educational tuition expenses (e.g., kindergarten or private school) are not an allowable dependent care expense |
| 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 |
Note:
There are maximum amounts allowed for each expense. Establishing maximums ensures students understand that the COA is finite and prevents over-borrowing.
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 are required. Other acceptable proof of payment includes canceled checks or credit card statements. For commuting costs, a map printout showing mileage and toll expenses if you drive your vehicle. If using ride share or taxi service, paid receipts are required.
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.
Our team is here to guide you through every step of the financial process. Call 516-463-7523 if you need help.