When your aid may change
Your financial aid may need to be reviewed if the total amount you receive from all sources is greater than your COA. This is called an over award.
An over award may happen if you receive funding that was not included when your initial financial aid award was processed. Examples may include outside scholarships, stipends, grants or other awards.
Your aid may also need to be reviewed if your residency status changes from out of state to in state or if your enrollment changes from full time to less than full time.
If an over award occurs, the Office of Student Financial Aid must review your eligibility and may need to adjust your financial aid so your total aid package remains within federal guidelines.
To help prevent changes later, notify the Office of Student Financial Aid in writing if you receive funding that is not already listed on your financial aid award letter.
Family and child care expenses
Your COA can only include your educational expenses. Expenses for a spouse or children generally cannot be included.
Students should not plan to use financial aid to cover their family’s full household expenses or to replace or supplement a spouse’s wages. Child care is the only exception. If your spouse works outside the home, or if you are a single parent with dependent children, MUSC may review your eligibility for an adjustment to help cover child care costs.