Increasing Your Budget
Computer purchase
Any medical student, who decides to buy a computer after being admitted, may request a one time budget increase in order to be reimbursed for this purchase.
The increase will be for the actual amount of purchase not to exceed $2,000.
- Covered costs include a tablet, PC or laptop/case; peripherals such as a monitor, software, and printer can be included.
- Costs for extended warrantees or services plans are NOT covered.
The type of assistance offered to cover the increase is in the form of an unsubsidized Stafford Loan or estimated med loan (i.e., Grad PLUS or alternative loan). The budget increase will only be granted upon submission of a receipt in the student's name.
Computers purchased prior to being admitted as a medical student will not be reimbursed, and reimbursement will not occur prior to the beginning of the semester.
Away electives/rotations
A student may request an increase for expenses related to department approved "away electives and/or designated clinical rotations". Approved budget increases will typically be covered by an unsubsidized Stafford loan, Grad PLUS or alternative loan. Both Grad PLUS and alternative loans require a credit check for approval.
To request a budget increase a student must submit a letter from his/her department indicating:
- the nature of the student's program of study
- the semester of enrollment for the away elective/rotation
- mention that the away elective/rotation will contribute to the granting of the student's degree program
Additional information to be submitted by the student:
- actual costs for any additional transportation or housing expense
- the semester of enrollment for the away elective/rotation
- documentation of costs (i.e., receipts for airfare or housing)
Provide all required information at time of submission to expedite the processing and approval of the budget increase.
Residency interviewing expenses
A standard $4,000 allowance has been included in the fourth year budget for COM and CHM students. If your residency interviewing expenses for travel and accommodations exceed this allowance, you can request a one-time budget increase to cover actual expenses. The increase can now be covered by federal student loans per clarification of cost of attendance by the Department of Education.
To request an increase to be covered by federal loans, you must provide:
- Cover letter listing date and location of each residency interview. Please include itemization of each expense which may include expenses for airfare or mileage, ground transportation, and hotel accommodations.
- Verification of scheduled interview(s) from the Residency Program.
- Documentation of costs by providing receipts for transportation and accommodations.
Other budget increases
Other items (i.e. unreimbursed medical expenses, dependent living or daycare expenses, etc.) may be considered for a budget increase. A student should write a letter to the medical advisory staff explaining the situation and providing documentation of expenses. Requests will be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid Professional Judgment Committee for approval.