Can a Student Receive a Personal Computer Allowance More Than Once?

Yes. A student can receive a personal computer allowance more than once if your school's cost of attendance (COA) policy allows for it. The statute does not set a limit on the number of times a student may rent or purchase a personal computer and have that cost included in his or her COA. This limit is set by the school and must be documented in its policies and procedures. [HEA 472; 20 USC 1082LL]

Remember the following:

• The personal computer allowance must be based on the reasonable costs for the documented rental or purchase of a personal computer.
• The computer does not have to be required by the student’s program of study.
• The computer may be purchased in the summer for use during the upcoming enrollment period(s).
• The school’s policies and procedures should include how many times the school will allow for the rental or purchase of a computer over the course of a student's enrollment, the permitted amount (reasonable allowance or actual cost), and the required documentation.
• The personal computer allowance is no longer limited to students attending on at least a half-time basis.

Note: Effective with the 2023-24 award year and application processing cycle, the COA component for “books and supplies” has been renamed “books, course materials, supplies, and equipment.”

Student Aid Reference Desk: For additional information, try the Student Aid Reference Desk. It is a central hub of all the important financial aid resources you need with direct links to legislation, regulation, Dear Colleague Letters, and other ED and NASFAA references. It is updated on a rolling basis with the latest news and changes. Search Cost of Attendance.