Types of COA Appeals
There are four types of appeals if you are seeking an increase to your COA for a single, specific expense. These forms are designed to streamline the process and ensure we receive only the documentation needed for that particular adjustment.
Use this form if you have higher-than-average costs in any of the following COA categories:
- Tuition and Fees (e.g., increased tuition charges due to course changes or credit hours greater than Block Tuition amount)
- Books and Supplies (e.g., required materials not included in standard estimates)
- Housing and Food (e.g., off-campus rent or utility expenses above standard estimates)
- Transportation (e.g., long commutes, excessive fuel costs, etc.)
- Dependent Care (e.g., childcare or elder care costs incurred while enrolled)
- UW Student Health Insurance (e.g., enrollment in the campus health plan if not waived)
- Study Abroad (see 25-26 Study Abroad COA Appeal Request form below)
- Computer/Technology Needs (see 25-26 One-Time Computer Allowance Adjustment Request Form below)
Required documentation for any of the above situations will include receipts, leases, billing statements, provider invoices, and/or actual tuition and fee charges.
Important Note on Evaluation: As part of the appeal review process, we will compare your actual billable tuition and fees to your current COA to determine if adjustments have already been made. If your COA is already higher than your billable charges, your request will still be reviewed based on the documentation provided, but it must demonstrate that your costs exceed existing COA allowances to be considered. Exceptions to this rule include appeals for Dependent Care, Computer Allowance, or Professional Licensure or Certification, all of which may be considered independently of your current COA.
Use this form to request a one-time increase for the purchase of a personal computer, laptop, or tablet.
- This request is typically allowed once every 3-4 years
- Recommended maximum allowance is up to $1,500
Required documentation for this type of appeal will include an itemized purchase receipt or price quote.
Use this form if you need to obtain a professional license or certification for your degree program or post-graduation employment. Examples might include:
- Teacher licensing exams
- Nursing licensure testing fees
- CPA, bar exam, or other professional certifications
Required documentation for any of the above situations will include registration confirmation, fee schedule or invoice, and/or documentation from your academic department (if applicable).
Use this form if you are participating in a study abroad program and expect to incur expenses beyond the standard COA. Examples might include:
- International program fees or tuition differentials
- Housing and meal expenses while abroad
- Flights and required travel insurance
- Visa or health documentation expenses
Required documentation for this type of appeal will include an official program budget from UW Global Engagement.
Submitting your Appeal
Please send your appeal and supporting documentation using the Secure Document Upload
How Long Will This Take?
The actual review of documents, and subsequent adjusting of aid, can take an average of 10-15 business days. The key to making this a timely process is to watch for status updates, check your email frequently, and respond promptly to requests for additional information. Late submissions may delay your aid packaging updates.
Questions?
If you have questions, or require additional information or support, please contact our office by email (finaidappeal@uwyo.edu), phone (307-766-2116), or in person (Knight Hall, Rm 174).
