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  • Did you know students with dependents can adjust their financial aid cost of attendance

    Student parents often face higher college expenses because they need to budget for things like childcare and food. When figuring out the Cost of Attendance, several factors are considered to ensure a more accurate view of what they’ll need. The GAINS for Student Parents Act (AB2458) will allow institutions in California to identify who student parents are and ways for them to maximize federal aid.

      • Cost of Attendance Appeal

        If your actual educational expenses are significantly higher than the standard budget used in the Cost of Attendance Determining Financial Need (New) , you may request a COA Appeal by submitting a Special Circumstance Appeal below. 

      • Reasons to Apply for an COA Appeal

        Reasons to Apply for an COA Appeal

        • High Housing or Rent
        • Transportation Cost
        • Disability Expenses
        • Childcare Cost
        • Required Supplies or Equipment
        • Other Educational Related Cost

        We understand that unexpected or unique expenses can impact your ability to cover educational costs. A Cost of Attendance (COA) appeal allows our office to review documented, exceptional circumstances that may affect your budget.

      • Please keep in mind:

        Please keep in mind:

        • COA appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
        • Submission of an appeal does not guarantee approval
        • An approved appeal does not always result in additional grant aid
        • In some cases, adjustments may only increase eligibility for loans or other aid options

        To ensure timely and accurate review, we strongly encourage you to submit complete and clear documentation supporting your request. Incomplete submissions may delay processing or impact the outcome of your appeal.

      • What happens next?

        What happens next?

        Once you submit the appeal and provide documentation to the Financial Aid Office, we will evaluate your documentation and situation. If approved, the Financial Aid Office will make the necessary corrections to reflect the change.  If the change results in an increase in your financial aid, awards will be adjusted and funds will be disbursed to you.

  • The net price of college is the actual amount a student pays after financial aid is applied. It’s the cost of attending Mt. SAC minus the financial aid you may qualify for. Our Net Price Calculator can help you estimate your real cost to attend Mt. SAC and gives you an idea of the types of financial aid you might receive.

    Net Price Calculator