ATSU KCOM Tuition Fees and Financial Aid: A Comprehensive Guide

For prospective students considering A.T. Still University's Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU KCOM), understanding the tuition fees and available financial aid options is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of the costs associated with attending ATSU KCOM and the various avenues for financial assistance.

Tuition and Fees

ATSU’s Finance Office provides tuition and fee information for each academic year. It is important to note that rates are subject to change each academic year for all enrolled students. Tuition and fees are typically billed by the semester at a per-credit-hour rate, with payments due the first week of class. Annual tuition rates are split and billed according to the scheduled semesters, also due the first week of class. Most fees follow a similar billing schedule, though there may be exceptions. For estimates of all costs (tuition, fees, etc.) related to the program, prospective and currently enrolled students should review the tuition and fees.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA), or budget, is an estimated amount of all expenses for a period of enrollment. A budget, including all COA elements, has been calculated for each program approved to certify for Title IV funding. The expenses included are based on what is needed for the student to attend school and may only consider costs for a single student.

Requesting a COA Increase

There are times that unusual or extenuating circumstances arise during an enrollment period that generate expenses not covered in the COA. Students may request an increase in their COA by reporting these expenses with supporting documentation for consideration. All submitted expenses must be incurred during the enrollment period and guaranteed prior to the last date of that period. Examples of expenses that may be considered for a COA increase include:

Child daycare costs: Costs associated with childcare must directly correlate to a student’s ability to attend school-required activities.
Unplanned/emergency medical or dental expenses: Request for an increase to cover costs associated with unplanned medical or dental expenses should be required for a student and eligible for coverage by the student’s health insurance policy. Elective, preventative, and cosmetic procedures do not qualify.
Unexpected transportation expenses: Requests for reimbursement of unexpected transportation costs must be for a vehicle that a student uses to attend school-related activities. Invoice and/or receipts must be provided with this request. Expenses related to the purchase or lease of a vehicle are not eligible for consideration.
Other: Special circumstances that create an unexpected financial need that do not fit into one of the categories above may also be submitted. Examples may include required board programs not already covered, higher health insurance costs due to student-specific situation, etc. Documentation supporting the financial need must be provided.

Financial Aid Options

ATSU offers various financial aid options to assist students in funding their education:

Federal Student Loans

ATSU participates in the Federal Direct Student Loan program. Direct Unsubsidized loans and Direct Grad PLUS student loans are available. Funds are transferred electronically to the student’s account. Student loan funds that exceed the amount due to ATSU are called a Title IV credit balance, which is promptly provided to the student via direct deposit or by check. Students can set up direct deposit through the ATSU Portal.

Every ATSU student who matriculates earns a portion of the Title IV, HEA funds from day one. If a student withdraws before the Title IV funds are disbursed, and has requested loan funds, they will be offered a post-withdrawal disbursement notice in writing within 30 days of when ATSU determined the student withdrew. Students will be required to confirm how much, if any, of the post-withdrawal disbursement the student desires. If a student does not respond within 30 days of the notification, no disbursement will be issued to the student. All post-withdrawal disbursements will be made as soon as possible, but no later than 180 days from when ATSU determined the student withdrew.

Over-borrowing and Loan Management

Enrollment Services encourages students to plan ahead, budget responsibly, and take only the loan money needed. However, if a student overestimated and borrowed too much loan money, that student may write a check to ATSU for the amount they would like returned to the lender. Enrollment Services will return the funds and request that the fees and interest charges be waived; however, this waiver is not guaranteed. ATSU will assist with the return within 30 days of the disbursement date.

Enrollment Changes and Financial Aid

Changes to a student’s enrollment (adding or dropping a course, dropping below half-time status, or program withdrawal) will require a review of the financial aid offer. In the instance where a return of Federal Direct Student Loan money is required, ATSU will follow the Return of Title IV Funds Policy, found in the University Catalog financial information section. When an over-award occurs, Enrollment Services will review the student’s financial aid file. Adjustments are normally made by reducing a subsequent loan disbursement. Upon rare occasions, a student must write a check to the lender to repay an over-award.

Need-Based and Non-Need-Based Loans

Need-based loan offers consider the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)/Student Aid Index (SAI), which is calculated using data on a student's FAFSA. ATSU also offers non-need-based loans, where the EFC/SAI does not impact the amount of loans offered.

Read also: Affording ECU

Federal Work-Study

ATSU is approved to offer Federal Work-Study, which is a need-based program funded by the Department of Education.

College Financing Plan

ATSU provides a personalized College Financing Plan to any accepted student who has been given access to their Anthology Student Portal. The College Financing Plan is a consumer tool that participating institutions use to notify students about their financial aid options. It is a standardized form designed to simplify the information that prospective students receive about costs and financial aid, making it easier to compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school.

Additional Resources

ATSU University Catalog: Provides detailed information on curriculum and the Return of Title IV Funds Policy.
Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center: Helps students search for a college that fits their needs.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's site: Offers resources to make informed financial decisions about how to pay for college.
Learning Resources & Accommodation Services: Provides academic advising in areas such as note-taking, study skills, and test anxiety reduction.

Support for Military and Veteran Students

ATSU is committed to supporting service members, veterans, spouses, and other family members. Re-admission is guaranteed, pending proof of compliance with minimal technical standards and the Codes of Academic and Behavioral Conduct, for students whose military reserve obligations may necessitate a period of absence from the academic program when they are called to extended active duty. ATSU is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) for the certification of students eligible to receive VA educational benefits. Personnel are aware and committed to working with veterans and active-duty soldiers to ensure student success.

Read also: Withdrawals for College: A Guide

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