The standard budget includes tuition and estimated costs for health insurance, books and supplies, long-distance travel (not part-time or any online program), utilities/internet, rent, food, local travel and miscellaneous/personal expenses during the nine (9) months of the academic school year (September to May).

• A budget adjustment may be requested to cover certain additional allowable costs (see categories below) above your standard budget utilizing your student loan which increases your loan debt.
• The application process opens October 1 and closes April 15th. Fall semester adjustments will not be accepted after December 6th and Spring semester adjustments will not be accepted after April 15th. Adjustments can not be processed for previous academic years.
• Our processing timeline is up to 15 business days (this excludes holidays and weekends) from receipt of a complete budget adjustment request. If additional information or documentation is required to complete your request, this WILL extend your processing time.
• You must NOT have a balance in your Student Account.
• Utilize the upload tool (blue box on budget adjustment form page) to submit your completed budget adjustment form AND supplemental documents. Please DO NOT drop them off to our office or send them via email.

Join us for one of our Budget Adjustment Information Sessions where we shed more light on correct documentation, eligibility guidelines or questions with regards to the application. 

Learn more about the Budget Adjustment Process.

Group sessions! We will focus on completing the application correctly.

If you did not apply for the maximum GradPlus or Private loan request, you will need to reapply for another GradPlus or Private loan. If you have an endorser on your current GradPlus or Private Loan, your endorser must first re-apply and be approved for a new loan prior to submitting a budget adjustment form.

Certain eligible expenses incurred due to extenuating circumstances may be approved and added to your student budget if the expense occurred within the academic school year provided you submit all requested supporting documentation. Students who receive aid during the Summer session, should consult with our office as summer deadlines vary year to year.

Federal regulations limit the types of expenses that can be added to a student’s budget. Common non-allowable expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Car payments, parking, gas, insurance and associated costs
• Apartment/Condo Amenities
• Credit card debt
• Job search costs (including suits and travel)
• Moving costs (including security deposits, apartment furnishings and amenities)
• Cosmetic medical expenses
• Court or Attorney’s fees
• Bar preparation (See Bar Loan)
• Pets (care and related costs)
• Expenses incurred in previous loan periods or during the summer (if you are not enrolled in that session)
• Other expenses related to life before or after law school