How Much Is Medical School?

Cost of Attendance Appeal

During an academic year, it is possible that a student will accrue expenses that exceed the expenses outlined in our Cost of Attendance table. In certain cases, a student may even accrue expenses not outlined in our Cost of Attendance table. Due to this, it is possible to appeal their expenses through the “Appeal: Budget Increase Form” that is located within a student’s Bruin Financial Aid portal. These appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The following are allowable expenses for a budget increase:

• Child Care – will be considered when medical student or spouse of medical student is working. Submit a personalized contract or a letter from your child-care provider describing the services offered and their cost. Additionally, please provide proof of payment (canceled checks or receipts) for at least two consecutive payments.
• Travel – will be considered when a student accrues high transportation expenses due to a long distant commute to campus or due to high transportation expenses due to away elective rotations. For away elective rotations only, airfare, lodging, and ground travel can be included. Please attach an itemized list of travel expenses with receipts on the “Appeal: Budget Increase Form.” *Students already receiving room/board/travel assistance due to relocation will not be considered.*
  • Can also help cover the cost of travel for family visits, such as holidays or family emergencies. Up to for roundtrip travel expenses, such as airfare, bus, train, and car rental can be considered
  • Airfare and economy seating should be purchased in advance
  • Rideshare to and from campus are not included
• 4^th Year Residency Applications – this can include residency applications and the following costs incurred for interviewing: airfare, lodging, ground travel, and interviewing attire. Please provide an itemized list of your interviewing expenses with attached receipts or proof of residency. *Students already receiving room/board/travel assistance due to relocation will not be considered.*
• Medical/Dental – only student expenses incurred and paid out of pocket (not covered by insurance) during the enrollment period will be considered. Please provide an explanation of your condition, billing statements and/or letters from physician outlining costs, and proof of payment, such as receipts.
• Computer Purchase – will only be considered after a student’s first year as their first year budget already includes a computer allowance. Please provide a receipt of your computer purchase.
• Rent Increase – expenses that surpass the room and board (rent) budget assigned to the yearly cost of attendance. Please provide a copy of your rental agreement and proof of payment. If you share the cost of rent with a roommate(s), please also provide a statement that explains how the cost of rent is divided.
• Miscellaneous – if a student incurs expenses not mentioned above, such as utilities, they can meet with a financial aid counselor to have their case reviewed before beginning the budget increase appeal process.