Student budget review

For students with dependents, this allowance may cover actual dependent care costs incurred during periods that include class attendance, study time, fieldwork, internships, and commuting time.

The allowance amount is based on the number and ages of dependents and must not exceed reasonable local market rates for the type of care provided.

The following expenses are not eligible for consideration:

• Private school tuition
• Secondary school tuition
• Care provided by a family member

Required documentation includes:

• Documentation from the childcare provider verifying enrollment/registration and rates
• Proof of payment, such as:
  • A provider ledger on official letterhead
  • Receipts
  • Bills accompanied by bank statements
  • An approved payment plan or contract

The period of care must align with the student's enrollment dates for the applicable term.

Students may request a reasonable allowance for the purchase or rental of a personal computer needed during their enrollment period.

Arizona State University has established a maximum allowance of $1,500 as a reasonable computer expense. Requests above this amount require documentation demonstrating that a more expensive device is necessary for the student's academic program.

Examples of acceptable documentation include:

• A detailed statement from the instructor explaining why a higher-cost computer is required
• A course syllabus that identifies the program, course, and required technical specifications

Students are eligible for one computer expense adjustment per academic career level (undergraduate, graduate, or law). If a computer expense has already been approved within the same career level, an additional computer expense adjustment will not be approved.

Housing expenses can only be reviewed for periods that overlap with the student's actual enrollment dates. Expenses incurred outside the enrollment period will not be considered.

Housing costs must also fall within reasonable market rates for the city where the student resides. ASU uses the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rent documentation system when evaluating reasonable housing costs.

Eligible housing costs may include expenses for the student and their dependents, including utilities.

To review utility expenses, students must provide 2–3 months of utility statements. Utility allowances are based on average usage. Optional services, premium features, and elective upgrades will not be included.

Course-related expenses are generally treated as one-time costs and are typically applied only to the semester in which they were incurred.

ASU does not consider the following expenses:

• Application fees
• Foreign credential evaluation fees
• Test preparation courses that are not part of the student's eligible academic program

Specific expenses include:

Flight Instruction Expenses

This expense category applies only to students enrolled in the Aviation program at the Polytechnic campus.

Students must submit the appropriate form. ASU will verify attendance and adjust the budget, if appropriate.

One-Time Direct Cost of Obtaining a First Professional license or certificate

Expenses associated with professional licensure or certification exams required for employment may be eligible for review.

Examples include:

• Bar Exam fees
• Teacher certification exam fees
• Social worker certification fees
• Other employment-related licensure or certification exams may also be considered if they are directly connected to the student's degree program.

The expense must be incurred while the student is enrolled, although the examination date may occur outside the financial aid year.

The following exams are not eligible because they are associated with admission to additional academic programs rather than professional employment:

• MCAT
• LSAT
• GRE

Thesis or Dissertation Expenses

Expenses required to complete a thesis or dissertation may be eligible for consideration.

Students should provide:

• A table listing:
  • Required supplies and expenses
  • The course name and number associated with each expense
  • The student's academic major
• A course syllabus showing:
  • The program and course
  • An itemized list of required materials and expenses
• A statement from the academic advisor or department providing an itemized list of required expenses
• Proof of payment, such as:
  • Paid receipts
  • Billing statements with supporting bank statements
  • Cancelled checks

Additional Course Costs

Additional program-related expenses may be eligible when they are required for academic participation.

Required Equipment

Examples include:

• Musical instruments for music majors
• Medical supplies for pre-medical or medical students
• Microscopes and laboratory equipment
• Required software or hardware for technology programs
• Cameras and photographic equipment for photography programs

Only required equipment is eligible. Discretionary or optional purchases and rentals will not be considered.

Required Internships and Conference Attendance

Travel expenses associated with required internships or conferences that are not already included in tuition may be eligible for review.

Examples include international internships required through academic programs such as Thunderbird.

See the Transportation section for additional information regarding travel expenses.

Professional Clothing

Students may request consideration for professional clothing that is required as part of their degree program.

Common examples include:

• Law students
• Education and teaching students

The standard cost of attendance budget does not automatically include transportation expenses related to travel between school and work.

Federal regulations beginning with the 2023–2024 academic year allow these costs to be considered. Students may submit a budget review request to include transportation expenses associated with travel between school and work, as well as emergency or unusual transportation expenses.

Examples may include programs such as:

• Social Work
• Psychology
• Doctoral research programs requiring travel

When submitting a request, students must provide:

• A description of where they are traveling and why
• Documentation showing mileage for each trip (such as a Google Maps route) that includes both starting and ending locations
• The number of days per week they travel