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Accordion: Budget Increases

Allowable Increases to the COA

Note: All requests for an increase to the COA must include the documentation mentioned for each category and a signed Loan Increase Form. All documentation and the Loan Increase Form must be presented to a financial aid counselor four weeks prior to the end of any semester, unless otherwise noted. Requests made after the last day of exams will be processed in the first week of the following semester (the student must be enrolled in at least half time credit hours in the next semester).

Federal Loan Origination Fees Policy

You may increase your COA to net the cost of attendance in student loans by requesting that federal loan origination fees be added to the COA. On the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan the origination fee is 4.276% (4.264% for loans originated on or after October 1, 2017) of the loan and on the Federal Direct Stafford Loan the amount is 1.069% (1.066% for loans originated on or after October 1, 2017) of the loan. Your request to increase your COA must be in the form of a completed Loan Increase Form, which is available to students in the Financial Aid Office documents on the Law Student Portal or in the GW Law Office of Financial Aid.

Requests must be submitted no later than April 17th for the current academic year.

Computer Purchase Policy

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 included a provision that allows an institution, on a case by case basis, to include in a student's "cost of attendance" theactual, documented cost of a personal computer. Allowing inclusion of the cost is not based on any particular program of study or program requirement. The following policies and procedures will be in effect for GW Law students:

  • The maximum allowance for purchase of a computer is $2,500, which can include the cost of a printer.
  • Requests for inclusion of costs for maintenance and / or repair of a computer will not be considered. However, the cost of a maintenance contract or extended warranty, purchased along with the computer, can be included.
  • The cost of software, printer cartridges, paper, monthly online service fees, etc. will be assumed to be covered by the books and supplies and miscellaneous allowances already included in the student’s COA.
  • Expenses for the cost of leasing a computer (as an option to purchasing) can be considered. The monthly lease amount for each academic year will be considered, up to a career maximum of $2,500.
  • In order to have the cost of the purchase of a computer added to the cost of attendance, the student must provide a written request to the GW Law Financial Aid Office, with a dated receipt/proof of purchase attached. Therefore, the computer must be purchased prior to the request for coverage.
  • The purchase must have occurred no earlier than 90 days prior to the request.
  • Inclusion of the cost of the computer (or an upgrade) will be allowed only once per program of study (example: once for undergraduate studies, once for graduate studies).
  • Scholarship funds are not available to cover the cost of a computer. Students may apply for federal or alternative educational loan funds. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor to find out about loan eligibility.
  • Requests must be submitted no later than April 15th for the current academic year.

Dependent Care Policy

An allowance for the costs expected for dependent care can be made for the periods that include, but are not limited to, class time, study time, field work, internships, and commuting time when the student is enrolled at least ½ time. The amount of this allowance will not exceed reasonable costs in the community for the type of care provided . A married student whose spouse is not employed is not eligible to increase his/her cost of attendance, except in the case of a spouse’s disability.

Students seeking to increase their cost of attendance for dependent care costs should submit a letter or invoice from their provider for each semester (copies will not be accepted). Dates and times of care must be included in the documentation along with cost. For students who have home care by an independent provider, a notarized contract should be furnished with dates, times and cost of the care.

Students concerned about child care choices in the DC area are advised to visit theGW Grad Life website.

Requests must be submitted no later than April 15th for the current academic year.

Medical Expenses Policy

Unreimbursed medical expenses, including prescriptions and medical insurance premiums that exceed the allowance for medical expenses, may be considered by a financial aid counselor for an increase to the cost of attendance and a subsequent increase to a student’s eligibility for Federal Graduate PLUS Loan funds. Students must submit paid receipts for services rendered to, premiums paid or prescripts purchased for, the student only.

Requests must be submitted no later than April 15th for the current academic year.

First Bar Exam Policy

An allowance may be given for the one-time direct costs of obtaining a first professional license. This allowance may only be provided one time per student per eligible academic program. Examples of allowable costs include fees charged to take the bar exam and costs of applying for and obtaining the license. Costs must be incurred during a period of enrollment, even if the exam is after that period.

Requests must be submitted no later than April 15th for the current academic year.

Each new loan increase will incur a loan origination fee, which you may have added to your requested increase amount.