Student budgets are an important component in the financial aid process. Standard student budgets reflecting the Centenary average student population cost of attendance at a modest, but adequate standard of living are used to award financial aid. The Director of Financial Aid, on a case-by-case basis, may approve special budget considerations.

Basis for Student Budgets
The director collects information to prepare standard costs on an annual basis.

• Tuition and Fees
  Tuition and Fees are set each October by the Executive Board.
• Books and Supplies
  The Books and Supplies allowance is based on the recommendation from the Louisiana Association of Financial Aid Administrators (LASFAA) budget committee.
• Room and Board
  Room and board expenses are divided into three categories: living on campus, living with parents, and living off-campus. With the exception of on-campus cost set by the Executive Board, these budget allowances are based on the recommendation from the LASFAA budget committee.
• Transportation
  Transportation costs allowances are based on the recommendation from the LASFAA budget committee.
• Personal/ Miscellaneous Expenses
  Personal expenses include costs for clothing, toiletries, medical/dental, recreational, and other miscellaneous expenses. These allowances are based on the recommendation from the LASFAA budget committee.

Special Budget Considerations
Upon request, aid officers may review, and if appropriate, adjust a student's budget. Students must submit supporting documentation.

Examples of changes to standard budgets include, but are not limited to:

1. Childcare - the cost of childcare for parents with dependent children may be added to a standard budget by the Director of Financial Aid. This cost allowance is based on the recommendation of the LASFAA budget committee or by documentation from a recognized childcare provider.
2. Computer allowance- a reasonable allowance for a computer or rental may be added to the student's budget. This is a one-time adjustment.