Is There a Set Maximum For the Personal Computer Allowance In the Cost Of Attendance?

No. The statute does not set a maximum limit on the amount a school can include for the rental or purchase of a personal computer in a student's cost of attendance (COA). This is set by the school and must be based on the reasonable actual or average costs for a personal computer. To include the allowance in the student's COA, the school must be able to document that the student rented or purchased the computer. [HEA 472; 20 USC 1087LL ]

Remember the following:

• 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).
• There is no limit on the amount of times a school can allow for the rental or purchase of a computer in a student's COA.
• The school’s policies and procedures should include the conditions under which the allowance is permitted, the amount permitted, the documentation required, and how many times the school will allow for the rental or purchase of a computer over the course of a student's enrollment.
• Effective with the 2023-24 award year, the allowance for the rental or purchase of a computer is no longer limited to students enrolled at least half time.

Note: Effective with the 2023-24 award year, the COA components for “living expenses,” for “books, course materials, supplies, and equipment,” for “transportation,” and for “miscellaneous” are now separate cost components.

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.