<p>Regarding the sentence at the bottom of the FAFSA (prior to the signature lines) … would expenses such as the student’s health insurance, clothing, and entertainment (items that are generally considered part of college expenses) – i.e. not tuition or books – be acceptable as part of financial aid college expenses? We want DS to begin to contribute to these expenses and there may be a small overage in his loan to do so. Any guidance appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>College expenses cost of attendance:</p>
<p>direct cost billed to you
Tuition
Mandatory fees
Room
Board
Student health insurance (if the school does not feel you have adequate coverage)</p>
<p>Indirect cost (things which you can have more control over how much money is being spent). Your son should get a job Now and start saving, a summer job(the contribution from summer earnings is money that the school expects him to put toward these things) and if possible an on/off-campus job to help offset some of these expenses
Books
Sundry items: entertainment, laundry, clothing, personal expenses
transportation (train, plane, automobile, bus)</p>
<p>Keep in mind that most schools do not meet 100% demonstrated need. If there is a loan being taken out that money most likely will be going toward his direct costs. He should not count on any money coming back to him.</p>
<p>Thanks. The job aside just for a moment, would the “sundry” items be acceptable for use of any loan overage? Want to be sure that we’re adhering to the requirements.</p>
<p>Check the cost of attendance at the schools where your son is applying. They may have it listed as a miscellaneous expenses (which would be included in his cost of attendance). Will he need a new computer? Some outside scholarships will let you use the money for a one time purchase of a new computer.</p>