Purpose and Design

A Student Cost of Attendance Budget (COA) is developed each academic year to evaluate financial need. The student budget serves two primary purposes: (1) to provide students with an estimate of reasonable educational and living costs while attending the Eastman Institute of Oral Health at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and (2) to establish the federally required uniform cost of attendance standard used to determine financial aid eligibility. Living expense components are intentionally modest and require thoughtful planning. While suggested allocations for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses are offered, students may adjust within these categories as long as total spending does not exceed the overall living expense allowance.

Standard budgets reflect the typical costs for a single student. Expenses for a spouse or dependents are not included in the standard budget; however, they are considered in the need analysis formula when determining the expected family contribution.

Budget Expenses 

Tuition 

Tuition rates at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry are established annually by the Board of Trustees. Tuition covers coursework for the full academic year and is billed on a semester basis. Students participating in an Advance Certificate Program or Dual-Degree Programs are billed in accordance with the structure and duration of their specific program.

Student Health Insurance 

All enrolled students must have health insurance coverage, either through the University of Rochester Student Health Insurance Plan (which is serviced by Aetna) or a comparable outside plan. The insurance fee is automatically charged but may be waived with proof of comparable coverage.   All students are required to enroll or waive the University-sponsored health insurance every year by September 15. The charge for the insurance plan cannot be waived after September 15.  

Books and Supplies 

The budget allocation for books and supplies is based on information provided by current University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry students regarding commonly purchased textbooks, equipment, and educational materials.

Housing and Food 

The housing allowance reflects typical off-campus rental costs for a nine-to-twelve-month time frame (depending on the academic program a student is enrolled in). Students should evaluate housing options carefully.  Financial aid packages are based on the standard housing allowance.  Adjustments for higher housing costs may be requested, though they are uncommon and require documentation of all housing expenses.

The food allowance assumes grocery purchases and home prepared meals. We encourage students to limit eating out, as the food budget will not allow for consistent fast/casual meals out.

Transportation

The transportation budget accounts for typical local travel to campus and clinical sites, whether by personal vehicle or public transportation (it is important to note that public transportation is not a reliable option for all transportation needs in the Rochester community). It also includes one roundtrip to a student’s permanent residence each academic year. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to any clinical placements.

Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses

This allowance covers personal items, clothing care, health and wellness activities, and other modest discretionary expenses necessary to sustain a healthy academic and personal balance.

Optional Budget Adjustments 

Computer Purchase

The cost of purchasing a personal computer and the necessary peripherals and software that accompany it is not part of the standard student budget. However, a student may request that the Financial Aid Office apply an increase to his/her student budget to cover the cost of buying a computer for educational purposes. For those students who are interested in purchasing a computer, the Financial Aid Office will allow a one-time budget increase of up to $1,800.

To apply for a budget increase for a computer purchase, a student must purchase the computer and make copies of all computer specifications and sales receipts. These copies should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office along with a written request for a budget increase. Budget increases are allowed only for a computer purchase made within the academic year for which the budget increase is requested. Students should plan to buy all the desired equipment at one time because it will not be possible to make subsequent budget increases for additional peripheral hardware or software. The expense of a computer will generally be met first with Direct Unsubsidized loan funds to the extent permitted by federal regulation, and then with funds from either the Direct Graduate PLUS loan program or a supplemental private loan program.

For additional information about this process, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

 Loupes Purchase

The cost of purchasing loupes, along with any necessary accessories, is not included in the standard student budget. However, a student may request that the Financial Aid Office consider a budget increase to cover the cost of purchasing loupes for educational purposes. For students who request this adjustment, the Financial Aid Office will allow a one-time budget increase of up to $2,500.

To apply for a budget increase for the purchase of loupes, a student must complete the purchase and submit copies of all relevant specifications and sales receipts. These materials should be provided to the Financial Aid Office along with a written request for a budget increase. Budget increases are permitted only for loupes purchased within the academic year for which the adjustment is requested. Students are encouraged to make the purchase in a single transaction, as subsequent budget increases for additional accessories or equipment will not be approved.

The cost of loupes will generally be covered first with Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds (International students, and/or students in certificate programs, are not eligible for federal loans), to the extent permitted by federal regulations, and then with funds from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program or a supplemental private loan program.

For additional information about this process, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Childcare Expenses

In the case of a student whose spouse works or attends school, the student may petition the Financial Aid Office to include reasonable childcare expenses in the student budget by half the expended cost. The student would be required to submit supporting expense documentation such as canceled checks or a letter/invoice from the childcare provider. This increase in the budget is ordinarily met with Federal Unsubsidized Loans, Grad PLUS Loans, and/or private educational loans.

Married Students 

Spousal income is analyzed by the institutional need analysis methodology in such a manner that generally allows for most of a spouse's income to be used toward his/her own living expenses. Therefore, the cost-of-living expenses will not be increased to accommodate a spouse who is not working, as financial aid is meant to be utilized for the student’s educational expenses only.

Extenuating Medical or Dental Expenses 

Students may petition the Financial Aid Office to adjust the student budget to accommodate reasonable, yet extraordinary, expenses such as uninsured medical/dental costs. If the petition is approved, these expenses ordinarily would be funded with Federal Direct Unsubsidized, Grad PLUS Loans, and/or private educational loans. 

Extenuating Car Repair Expenses

Students may also petition for a budget increase to cover necessary, unexpected auto repair expenses. Approved increases are funded through Federal Direct Unsubsidized, Grad PLUS Loans, and/or private educational loans.

Nonallowable Expenses

The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry does not permit budget adjustments for automobile purchases or routine maintenance, financial support of parents or siblings, repayment of prior year educational loans, relocation costs for moving to or from Rochester, or furnishing an apartment.

Additionally, study materials and prep courses for Board exams are not eligible for budget increases, as federal regulations prohibit these expenses from being included unless required of all students. For questions or further guidance, please contact the Financial Aid Office.