Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the foundation of your financial aid eligibility. It is not your actual tuition bill, but rather an estimate of what it will cost the average student to attend the Shreiber School for one academic year. The COA includes both direct costs (those billed by the university) and indirect costs (personal expenses you may incur as a student).

What the COA Includes:

• Tuition and Fees: These are direct charges from Rowan University for enrollment in the DVM program.
• Books and Supplies: Estimated cost of textbooks, equipment, and other academic materials.
• Room and Board: Estimated housing and meal expenses, whether you live on or off campus.
• Transportation: Includes commuting costs, gas, basic car maintenance, or public transportation.
• Personal Expenses: Budget for clothing, hygiene products, and other day-to-day needs.
• Loan Fees: A small amount to account for origination fees on federal loans.

SSVM Cost of Attendance

2025-2026 Academic Year Direct Cost

TUITION

Additional Indirect Costs

*added to COA upon confirmation of securing insurance through Rowan University

**the exact amount will be based on the eligible loan amount

Please Note:

• Your actual expenses may be higher or lower than these estimates.
• If you have unusual expenses not included in the COA (e.g., required medical costs, dependent care), schedule a COA Adjustment by contacting our office.
• The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid (including loans) you can receive in a given academic year.

We encourage you to use our Student Budget Worksheet to personalize your budget and compare it to the COA. Our team is here to help you understand the numbers and plan responsibly for your DVM education. 

Cost of Attendance Appeals (Budget Adjustment Appeal)

What is a Cost of Attendance (COA) Appeal?

The Cost of Attendance (COA) represents the maximum amount of financial aid a student may receive during an academic year. It includes both direct costs (tuition and fees charged by the University) and indirect costs (estimated living and educational expenses such as housing, meals, books, and transportation).

The Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University recognizes that each student’s situation is unique. If you experience unanticipated, education-related expenses that are not already included in your standard COA, you may submit a Cost of Attendance Appeal.

An approved COA appeal allows the Financial Aid Office to recalculate your aid eligibility to include those additional costs.

Approval of a COA increase does not automatically result in new funding; it only permits the office to consider additional aid up to the revised limit.

Examples of Allowable COA Adjustments

Appeals are considered only for expenses directly related to your veterinary education. Common examples include:

• Required educational equipment or technology (e.g., laptop or tablet purchase once every four years)
• Transportation related to clinical rotations or externships beyond standard commuting distance
• Dependent child care expenses incurred while attending classes or clinical rotations
• Uninsured medical, dental, or vision expenses paid out of pocket during the enrollment period
• Licensing or examination fees required for veterinary credentialing (NAVLE, state board exams)
• Documented increases in housing costs are directly tied to educational enrollment
• Disability-related expenses not covered by another agency or resource

All appeals must include documentation (such as receipts, contracts, billing statements, or invoices) showing the amount, date, and educational purpose of the expense.

Expenses Not Eligible for Appeal

Federal regulations prohibit including personal, consumer, or non-educational costs in your COA.
The following cannot be included in a budget adjustment:

• Car payments, vehicle maintenance, parking tickets, or car insurance
• Credit card payments, personal debt, or loan repayments
• Costs related to lifestyle choices (e.g., pet expenses, weddings, travel, entertainment)
• Mortgage payments or rent for family members not enrolled at Rowan
• Personal savings contributions, investments, or consumer purchases
• Moving expenses, furniture, or home décor
• Expenses incurred outside the academic year

How to Submit a COA Appeal

1. Schedule an appointment - Schedule an appointment to discuss your situation with the Director of Financial Aid. 
2. Submit Supporting Documentation – Include itemized receipts, statements, or official verification for each requested expense.
3. Submit to:
   Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine - Financial Aid Office
   Email: ssvmfinaid@rowan.edu

After Your Appeal is Reviewed

• If approved, the Financial Aid Office will update your COA and notify you via email.
• If the change increases your aid eligibility, you may request additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized or Graduate PLUS Loans, or other available aid.
• If denied, the office will provide a written explanation outlining why the expense does not qualify under federal or institutional policy.

Important Notes

• Budget adjustments are based on educational necessity, not lifestyle preferences.
• Requests must be submitted within the same academic year in which the expense occurred.
• Documentation must clearly demonstrate that the expense was incurred during your period of enrollment at Rowan University.
• All adjustments are subject to verification under HEA Section 479A(a) and 34 CFR 668.164(c).