The cost of attendance components shown on this site are an example of expected expenses first year students may incur for the 2008-2009 academic year. All figures are subject to change for the 2009-2010 academic year.

All allowances for expenses are established based on the cost of living in the Chicago and Phoenix metropolitan areas and are designed to provide a modest standard of living for one person. Because the calculation of the expected family contribution takes into consideration the size of the family, the cost of attendance is not normally adjusted to support the children and cannot be adjusted to provide for the spouse.

In exceptional circumstances, students may apply to receive additional funds for child day care costs, for cost associated with a disability, or for certain other expenses. To apply for these additional funds, students may appeal and should request a Budget Appeal Application from the Office of Student Financial Services.

Financial aid funds are to be used solely for educational expenses. It should be noted that in no circumstances will non-educational expenses be included in the cost of attendance. These expenses include, but are not limited to car payments, credit card payments, recreation, higher than normal rent/mortgage, spousal insurance, internship interview expenses, moving expenses and security deposits.

Students should take care to establish their personal budget within the limits of the standard allowances.