Student Budget Increases

Listed below is information about some allowable add-ons to the student budget used to determine financial aid eligibility. This is not an exclusive list. Therefore, students are encouraged to discuss their specific situations with Student Financial Aid staff before submitting a request. Budget exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to approval. Expenses must be under the student's name and incurred during the current school year.

Additional Housing Allowance

Students who pay more for rent and utilities than the standard off-campus housing allowance, may request a budget increase, but must present a compelling reason as to why less costly housing is not an option. Students should speak with an advisor before submitting a request. Please note that if approved, a budget increase for housing costs may be temporary. The amount of an approved additional housing allowance will all be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Child Care

Students may request financial aid to cover reasonable child care ("baby-sitting") costs (up to $1,100/month per child, maximum $2,200/month) for children age 12 and younger during periods when the student is enrolled. The agency or childcare provider must complete a Child Care Verification Form. The student must document the childcare costs.

Medical and Dental Expenses

Student Health & Counseling provides primary health care, basic hospital, and major medical expense coverage through premiums included with registration fees. Expenses that are not covered by Student Health, including some psychotherapy, can sometimes be added to a Federal Direct (Stafford) Student Loan or other outside loan source. Costs must be reasonable and medically necessary (for example, having dental cavities filled). Financial aid cannot cover cosmetic work, elective expenses, work that is desirable but not medically necessary or treatment that can reasonably be postponed until after graduation (for example, elective orthodontic work).

To request additional funds for medical and dental expenses, An Expense Request Form must be submitted along with a letter from the health care provider, which indicates an estimate or actual cost of care and states that costs are not covered by insurance.

An optional health insurance plan for the student's spouse and children may be purchased though the Student Health & Counseling. This coverage is expensive, so spouses should seek coverage through their employer.

Dental plans for students are available, including the UCSF School of Dentistry's clinic which offers low-cost preventive care. For more information, call the Preventive Dental Care Clinic, (415) 476-1891. Information on other dental plans can be obtained from Student Health & Counseling.

Computer Purchases

Students may receive loan funds to a maximum of $2,500 during all of their UCSF enrollment.  Printers and software are included in this maximum. Submit a Expense Request Form and appropriate documentation to request funding for computer purchases.

Licensure Expenses

Students may receive loan funds for their first professional licensure exam or certification. An Expense Request Form and appropriate documentation must be submitted to request funding for licensure exam.

Residency Expenses

Fourth year medical students may receive loan funds for some of the costs associated with residency interviews in a single disbursement. Allowable costs include application fees, transportation, and lodging. The loan will be will certified after interviews are over. Only one loan request will be processed unless there are mitigating circumstances that make one application unfeasible. An Expense Request Form and paid receipts must be submitted to request funding for residency expenses.

Commute Expenses

Curriculum related commute expenses can be added to a student's budget. Not all programs qualify. Contact the Student Financial Aid Office for additional information. Submit an Expense Request Form and appropriate documentation to request additional funds for transportation expenses.