Federal law specifies the components of a student's cost of attendance. We use a standard budget to determine financial aid eligibility. However, if you have special circumstances, our office may be able to add additional items to your cost of attendance. The most common budget allowances are for unusual medical expenses and childcare cost, when both the student and spouse are working or attending school full time. If you can submit documentation of required medical expenses not covered by insurance and/or childcare costs, adjustments may be made to your budget. Most budget adjustments increase your loan eligibility only and will not increase your fellowship.

Every MBA student in their first academic year will be expected to participate on a global study trip, overseas service-learning trip, or international internship while in the Stanford MBA Program.  The GSB plans not only to subsidize the global study trip or overseas service-learning trips, but also provide financial aid in the form of fellowships and loans to assist students in the required costs. 

In addition, we assume that most students already have laptops and will not need to purchase a new one. However, if you do need to purchase a laptop, we will consider a reasonable purchase price for financial aid purposes. Once you have been admitted, you will be provided with more detailed information on how this expense can be incorporated into your cost of attendance.

For students who travel to and from their home, up to twice per academic year, the flight costs can be considered as part of your cost of attendance. You would need to purchase the round trip flight and provide our office with the itemized charges for the flight in order to have it incorporated into your cost of attendance. This will only apply for travel between the GSB and your home and would only increase your eligibility to borrow additional loan funds.