Cost of Living and COA Appeal
2025-26 Annual Cost of Living
| Living on campus | Living in off-campus housing | |
|---|---|---|
| Off-campus housing | $19,366 | |
| Off-campus food | $3,600 | |
| On-campus food | $3,600 | |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment | $1,786 | $1,786 |
| Transportation | $2,784 | $2,784 |
| Personal expenses | $2,464 | $2,464 |
| Total of indirect costs: | $10,634 | $30,000 |
The annual cost of attendance budget is 9-month enrollment period and is directly related to the amount of financial aid available to you each year. The total amount of financial aid, including private loans, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance budget. Housing estimates for off-campus housing are based on an average shared living expenses not including any other family members. Please note that the annual cost of attendance budget and financial aid for continuing 2L, 3L and 4L part-time students is based on an average of 10 units for the fall semester and 10 units for the spring semester (20 units for the academic year). New first year part time students are expected to take a total of 23 units for the first academic year (11 in Fall and 12 in Spring). Part time budgets for individual students can be adjusted depending on the unit load per semester and actual tuition costs are calculated on a per unit basis. The cost of attendance budget can also be increased via a budget appeal approval process for a special circumstance expenses that a student may incur outside their normal budget such as medical or insurance costs, a one-time computer purchase, or child care costs. The cost of attendance budget can also be adjusted if a law student decides to enroll in a summer session program. Students should contact the law school's financial aid administrator for information on requesting an increase in the cost of attendance budget.
How to file a Cost of Attendance Appeal
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Set up a time to talk to us. You can schedule a virtual appointment, call us at (415) 422-3387, email us at lawfinaid@usfca.edu, or visit us in-person in Kendrick Hall, room 225. We will ask you questions to better understand your request and circumstances.
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If you are eligible for a Cost of Attendance appeal, you will receive an email notification to log in to an online platform where you will be asked to upload a statement explaining your request and supporting documentations. The sooner we receive your documents, the sooner we can move forward in the process.
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If your request is approved, you will be notified by email.
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If your request is denied, you will be notified via email with a reason as to why your request was denied. Please read the email carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Required Documents
- A statement explaining your request for an adjustment to your cost of attendance including the amounts you are requesting.
- Supporting documentation that shows the amounts paid.
- Receipts of purchases
- Rental agreement or mortgage statements
- Class syllabus or letter from your program showing the required books and supplies